The Life in the UK test can be taken in Welsh (Cymraeg) or Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) as well as in English. The content is identical across all three language versions — the same 24 questions from the same question bank, translated. To take the test in Welsh or Scottish Gaelic, you must request the language version at the time of booking. Not all test centres offer the Welsh or Gaelic version.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Languages available | English, Welsh (Cymraeg), Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) |
| Test content | Identical across all languages — same questions, translated |
| How to request | At the time of booking on the GOV.UK booking system |
| Test centres | Not all centres offer Welsh or Gaelic — check before booking |
| Pass mark | 75% (18 out of 24) — the same in all language versions |
| Cost | £50 — the same in all language versions |
Quick Overview
✅ Welsh and Scottish Gaelic versions of the test are officially available
✅ The test content and pass mark are identical in all language versions
✅ The pass certificate is valid for ILR and citizenship regardless of which language you took the test in
⚠️ Not all test centres offer the Welsh or Gaelic version — confirm availability before booking
⚠️ You must request the language version at booking — you cannot change it on the day
📌 Welsh-medium test centres are mainly located in Wales; Gaelic-medium centres primarily in Scotland
💡 Practising in your preferred language before the test day helps — study the handbook in Welsh or Gaelic if you are more comfortable reading in that language
💡 Fewer test centres offer Welsh and Gaelic versions — book well in advance, as available slots are more limited than for the English test
Taking the Test in Welsh
Welsh speakers in Wales can take the Life in the UK test in Cymraeg. The test is delivered on the same computer system as the English version — questions appear in Welsh on screen and you select answers in Welsh.
Which test centres offer the Welsh version?
Welsh-medium tests are available at test centres in Wales. When booking through the GOV.UK system, you can filter for centres that offer the Welsh language option. It is worth confirming directly with your chosen centre that they can accommodate a Welsh-language test before travelling.
Study resources in Welsh
The official Life in the United Kingdom handbook is available in Welsh. If you are more comfortable reading in Welsh than English, studying the Welsh-language edition of the handbook is the most direct preparation for the Welsh test.
Taking the Test in Scottish Gaelic
Scottish Gaelic speakers can take the Life in the UK test in Gàidhlig. As with the Welsh version, the test content is translated but otherwise identical — the same questions from the official handbook, the same 45-minute limit, the same pass mark.
Which test centres offer the Gaelic version?
Scottish Gaelic tests are available at test centres in Scotland. Confirm availability with your chosen test centre when booking, as not all Scottish centres offer the Gaelic option.
Study resources in Scottish Gaelic
The official handbook is available in Scottish Gaelic. Studying in Gàidhlig ensures you are reading the same source material as the test.
How to Book the Test in Welsh or Scottish Gaelic
The booking process is the same as for the English version — see our full booking guide for a step-by-step walkthrough. The only difference is selecting your preferred language during the process.
Step 1 — Go to the official booking site
Book through the official GOV.UK test booking system.
Step 2 — Select your preferred language
During the booking process, you will be given the option to select Welsh or Scottish Gaelic as your test language. Make sure you do this at the time of booking — you cannot change it later.
Step 3 — Choose a centre that offers your language
The booking system will show you which test centres offer the Welsh or Gaelic version. Choose one that is accessible to you.
Step 4 — Confirm with the test centre
After booking, it is good practice to contact the test centre directly to confirm your language preference has been noted.
Is the Pass Certificate the Same?
Yes. Whether you take the test in English, Welsh, or Scottish Gaelic, the pass certificate you receive is the same. It is accepted for both ILR and British citizenship applications regardless of which language version you sat.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Assuming your nearest test centre offers Welsh or Gaelic Not all test centres offer all language versions. Turning up expecting a Welsh or Gaelic test at a centre that only offers English means you either sit in English or lose your booking fee. Always confirm the language is available at your chosen centre before booking — check the GOV.UK booking system and contact the centre directly to verify.
❌ Changing your language preference on the day If you booked the English version but want to sit in Welsh or Gaelic, you cannot switch on the day. The language version is set at the time of booking and cannot be changed at the test centre. Contact the test booking service well in advance if you need to change your language preference. This requires cancelling and rebooking with the correct language selected.
❌ Not studying the handbook in your test language The test questions are translated directly from the official handbook. Studying the handbook in English but sitting the test in Welsh or Gaelic means some terminology in the questions may feel unfamiliar. Study the official handbook in the same language you plan to sit the test in — the Welsh and Scottish Gaelic versions are available from the official publisher.
❌ Booking too late for a Welsh or Gaelic slot Fewer test centres offer Welsh and Gaelic versions, which means fewer available slots. In some areas, the nearest Welsh or Gaelic test may require travelling further or booking weeks in advance. Check slot availability well in advance of your target test date. Do not assume the same availability as the English test — book early to secure your preferred date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there any difference between the Welsh and English versions of the test?
No. The content is identical. The same 24 questions from the same question bank, translated. The pass mark, time limit, and format are all the same.
Can I take the test in Welsh if I live in England?
Yes — there is no restriction on where you live. You can travel to a Welsh test centre and take the test in Welsh if you prefer.
Is the official handbook available in Welsh?
Yes. The official Life in the United Kingdom handbook is available in Welsh (Cymraeg) and Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) as well as English. Studying the handbook in your preferred language is the recommended preparation.
Does it cost more to take the test in Welsh or Scottish Gaelic?
No. The fee is £50 regardless of which language version you take.
Is the pass certificate the same regardless of which language I take the test in?
Yes. The certificate issued after a Welsh or Scottish Gaelic test is identical to the one issued after an English test. It is accepted for ILR and British citizenship applications regardless of which language version you sat.
Expert Tips
1. Practise with vocabulary in your test language. The translated test uses the official terminology from the Welsh or Gaelic handbook. If a term like "Senedd" (Welsh Parliament) appears in the Welsh test, you want to know it immediately — study the handbook in your test language.
2. Book early at Welsh or Gaelic centres. Fewer test centres offer these language versions, which can mean fewer available slots. Book well in advance to get your preferred date.
3. Confirm twice. Book online, then call or email the test centre to confirm the Welsh or Gaelic version has been properly noted. A confirmation in writing is worth having.
How This Aligns With Official Guidance
The availability of Welsh and Scottish Gaelic test versions is confirmed by the official Life in the UK test service. All information about test format, pass mark, and certification is based on GOV.UK guidance. Last reviewed: April 2026 — figures correct at time of publication. Always check GOV.UK for the latest fees and requirements.
Official Resources
GOV.UK — Life in the UK Test Official booking page — language options are available during the booking process.
GOV.UK — Life in the UK Test (Welsh version) Select Welsh during booking for the Cymraeg version of the test.
Our Free Resources
Test Centre Finder Find which test centres near you offer the Welsh or Scottish Gaelic version by postcode.
Free Practice Questions 570 questions from the official handbook — prepare in English to build familiarity with the content.
Mock Exam Full 24-question timed test that mirrors real test conditions.
Whichever language you choose, the questions come from the same source — the official handbook. Use our free practice questions to prepare, then take the test in the language you feel most confident in.