United States Citizenship Test
To become a United States Citizen through the process of naturalization, you must pass a 2-part test: the English Test & the Civics Test.
The test usually takes place at your citizenship interview and you will have two chances to take the exam.
Here's what to expect:
The English Test
There are 3 parts to the English component of the naturalization test:
Speaking
For this part of the test, the immigration officer will ask you questions about you citizenship application in order to evaluate your ability to speak and comprehend the language. You will just be having a conversation with the officer, so you will not be expected to know every word or phrase on your application, but it's a good idea to review your application before attending the appointment.
Reading
To test your reading ability, the officer will give you a digital tablet. A sentence will appear on the tablet, and the officer will ask you to read it out loud. Try not to pause for long periods while reading out loud. It's okay if you mispronounce a few words! These are the vocabulary words that are used during the reading test, so practice reading and making sentences with these words.
Writing
For this part of the test, the immigration officer will read sentences out loud to you. You will then write each sentence on the digital tablet. You must write one out of the three sentences correctly. This is the list of the vocabulary used in the writing test.
Generally, you will be allowed to misspell some words and make some capitalization, grammatical, or punctuation errors. You may spell out numbers or write the numeral (for example, “14” vs fourteen). However, you are not allowed to abbreviate (use a shorter form) of any word. You also must write legibly. The immigration officer will keep moving on to the next sentence until you’ve written one successfully.
The Civics Test
To pass this part of the test, you must answer at least 6 out of 10 questions correctly to demonstrate you knowledge of US history and government. The immigration officer will ask the questions out loud. Once you answer 6 correctly, the officer will stop the test.
USCIS provides the complete list of questions asked in the civics test (you may be able to find them in your language, as well). You must study all 100 questions on the list — unless you’re aged 65 or older, in which case you’ll need to study only the 20 questions marked with an asterisk (*) or the ones listed here. (Make sure to check this page of the USCIS website for answers to some questions that have changed based on recent historical events.)
Exemptions
Exemptions based on age and time spent as a permanent resident:
If, at the time of filing your citizenship application, you are aged 50 and older, and you have lived in the United States as a green card holder for a least 20 years, you are exempted form the English language test
If, at the time of filing, you are aged 55 and older, and have lived in the US as a green card holder for at least 15 years, you are exampled from the English language test.
If you are aged 65 or older, and have been a green card holder for at least 20 years, instead of studying the 100 questions for the civics exam, you will only need to study 20. Ten of those 20 questions will be asked on the exam. To pass, you must correctly answer 6 out of 10 questions.
If you are exempt from the English language portion of the exam, you will be able to take the civics test in your language with an interpreter.
Exemptions based on disability:
If you have a condition that has lasted, or is expected to last, at least 12 months, can apply for an exemption from the English test, civics test, or both, but submitting a form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability exemptions, with your N-400. Form N-648 must be completed by a licensed medical doctor, osteopathic doctor, or clinical psychologist who can certify that your condition prevents you from being able to complete the test, or specific portions of it, even with accommodations. Qualified medical conditions include
Physical disabilities
Developmental disabilities
Mental impairments
Requesting Accommodations
You may request an accommodation if you:
Are deaf or hard of hearing
Are blind or have poor version
Have another type of condition that limits your ability to complete the exam
If you need a special accommodation to help you complete the citizenship test, you must notify USCIS before your exam date by either:
Indicating the type of accommodation you’ll need on your Application for Naturalization (Form N-400).
Calling the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 (TDD: 1-800-767-1833).
Contacting your field office (you can find the contact information for your field office here).
How to prepare:
USCIS provides the following study materials:
Study materials for the English Test
Study materials for the Civics Test
Some other tips to help you prepare:
Begin studying and familiarizing yourself with the questions and material as soon as possible
Take practice tests
Ask a friend or family member to study with you, especially if they are fluent in English and can help you with pronounciation.
Read childrens books, or more advanced English language books, to become more comfortable with the words, sentence structures, and language
Watch and listen to other resources, such as USA Learns.
What happens after?
You should hear if you passed or not on the same day as your exam.
If you passed- congratulations! The next step is to take the Oath of Allegiance. This ceremony might take place on the same day, or it will be scheduled in the next few weeks.
If you didn't pass- you will be able to retake the exam, but the questions will be different than the questions on your first test. USCIS will schedule your re-examination, which will usually take place about 2-3 months from the date of your first exam appointment. Unless you are excused by USCIS, for example, if you were hospitalized, you must not miss your second exam appointment. Otherwise, USCIS will consider your absence a failed attempt, and your U.S. citizenship application will be denied.
If you do not pass your re-examination, USCIS will deny your application. You may then appleat the denial by writing to USCIS within 30 days of receiving the decision. If they grant your request, USCIS will schedule a hearing to take place within 180 days of receiving your request. During the hearing, a USCIS officer will re-test you on the portion of the exam that you did not pass on your second attempt.
I hope this article was helpful! If you have any questions or would like help with your Naturalization application, please contact us! We are happy to help!