Candidates taking the revised 2007 version of the Life in the UK Test will be required to learn materials from five chapters of the ten chapter Home Office publication - Life in the United Kingdom: A Journey to Citizenship. This is two more chapters than was required for the test based on the first edition of the Home Office publication. The additional chapters test knowledge and understanding of employment matters and everyday needs such as housing, money, health and education.

The required materials, at 21,400 words, are nearly 10,000 words longer than the original materials – an 84% increase.

'This substantial increase in study materials highlights the need for applicants to carry out effective preparation' said a spokesperson for Red Squirrel Publishing, a company that produces study guides for the Life in the UK Test. 'Failing the test is expensive and best avoided. We would encourage anyone planning to take the test to first check their knowledge by taking a free sample test from our website http://www.lifeintheuk.net '.

Applicants will be able to take the new Life in the UK test from 2 April 2007. Until September 2007, they can choose to take either the original or new Life in the UK Test. This deadline was extended from an early date of 2 July 2007. The revised 2007 study materials were released on Tuesday 27 March 2007.