The Knowledge of Language and Life in the UK (KoLL) requirement

Last reviewed 13 August 2026 · Reviewed by the BritainTest editorial team

To settle in the UK or become a British citizen, you usually have to meet the Knowledge of Language and Life in the UK requirement, known as KoLL. It has two parts: the Life in the UK Test and the English language requirement. This guide explains how they fit together and who is exempt. It is general information, not immigration advice, so always check your own situation on GOV.UK.

What KoLL is

KoLL is the requirement to show that you know enough about life in the UK and can use English to a set level. It applies to most people applying for indefinite leave to remain (settlement) or British citizenship. You meet it by satisfying its two separate parts, covered below.

Part 1: the Life in the UK Test

The first part is passing the Life in the UK Test: 24 multiple-choice questions in 45 minutes, with a pass mark of 18 out of 24 (75%). You can read how it works in our format and pass mark guide, prepare with our study guide, and see where you stand with a free Life in the UK test online.

Part 2: English at B1

The second part is the English language requirement, at B1 level for speaking and listening. You can usually meet it in one of these ways:

• passing an approved English language test (a Secure English Language Test, or SELT),
• being a national of a majority-English-speaking country, such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand or the USA,
• holding a degree that was taught or researched in English.

Our B1 English guide explains this in full; the approved tests and exempt nationalities can change, so also check the current lists on GOV.UK.

Who is exempt

You may be exempt from KoLL if you are under 18, aged 65 or over, or have a long-term physical or mental condition that makes meeting it unreasonable. Separately, some people are exempt from just the English part, for example through their nationality or an English-taught degree. Our who needs to take the test guide covers the test exemptions in full; exemptions are decided by the Home Office against your evidence, so check whether one applies to you on GOV.UK.

How it fits your application

You meet KoLL as part of applying for settlement or citizenship, and use your test reference number in that application. If you already met KoLL for a successful settlement application, you usually do not have to meet it again when you apply for citizenship, as our ILR vs citizenship guide explains. If you are applying as a partner, our guide to the Life in the UK Test on a spouse or partner visa covers where the test fits on that route. This depends on your circumstances, so always confirm your own route on GOV.UK before you apply.

This page explains the Knowledge of Language and Life in the UK (KoLL) requirement and is for study and preparation only. It is general information, not immigration advice, and does not determine your eligibility for settlement or citizenship. For official rules and any updates, rely on GOV.UK; GOV.UK guidance controls if anything here differs.