Failing the test: major review discovers serious problems with citizenship test

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. You can change your cookie settings at any time. Otherwise, we'll assume you're OK to continue. Research into the new Life in the UK citizenship test has exposed major flaws in the exam. The test, which is taken by some 150,000 would-be British citizens each year, has been scrutinised by Durham University academic Dr Thom Brooks, a US immigrant who has combined first-hand knowledge about the test with his expertise in citizenship and politics. Today he publishes the first comprehensive report into the test - which he likens to a "bad pub quiz" - to draw attention to what has been a central component of British immigration policy for the last decade, raise awareness of serious problems with it and to recommend solutions. He said: "The Life in the UK test is an integral part of immigration policy and a requirement for any non-EU citizen seeking permanent residency or citizenship, yet it is unfit for purpose because it goes too far to include information about British culture and history at the expense of practical knowledge.