I scheduled the exam for Great Portland Street London. You can find the list of test centres and other helpful information at the official Home Office website . Unfortunately you cannot book the exam on the website so you will have to phone. You are advised to take exact fee in cash to the test centre with you -- 33.28. It used to be 34 even, but thanks to the reduction in VAT you now get to carry change around. I brought exact change with me for which they were very thankful, however a few other needed change and it did not seem to be a major problem. What was a problem though was not bring proper identification. I chose to take my passport which was fine, however at least one individual was turned away for not being able to show acceptable identification .
I arrived at 9:15 for the 10:00 a.m. test time. First I signed in at the reception desk, was given a number and then asked to seat in the test waiting area. When they called #3 I went into a side room with the test centre to officially log-in for this test. This consists of your details being entered into the computer and then confirmed and agreed by you. It took about 5 minutes and then I went back out to the waiting area. They repeated this process with all 10 of the individuals taking the exam. This took us up to about 10 a.m., at which time we were asked to file into the testing room.
Three staff were on hand to oversee and guide us through the exam. We need our ID's on the desk in front of us throughout. First we had the opportunity to run through a practice exam to understand how the software works. This took about 2 minutes and then I raised my hand so that a staff member could come over and help me begin the actual exam. Though the exam is 24 questions and you have up to 45 minutes, if you know the material it should only take about 10-15 minutes.
The preparation I had done for the exam was sufficient, but it could have been more thorough. I read through the 'Life in the United Kingdom: A Journey to Citizenship ' as recommended and then spent about 2 hours reviewing the summaries. I did pass the exam, however I know there were at least 3 questions I got wrong. It is important to pay close attention to percentages and numbers. There was more precise questions than I thought there would be.
The timing of my taking the exam was mixed. It has been 20 months since I arrived in the UK. I would have benefited from some of the information learned while studying for the exam...such as making registering for a GP a priority. At the same time, because I have waited so long to take the exam some of the information was known through experience -- a much more impressionable way to learn.
Now that I have passed, I can look forward to paying more money to acquire indefinite leave to remain (Permanent Residence).
