Becoming a U.S. citizen through naturalization involves not only meeting specific requirements and filing paperwork. You also need to pass an English and civics test. Although the thought of answering questions orally may cause anxiety, most people find that a little preparation helps.
This article gives you a general idea of what kinds of citizen test questions you may receive and the resources you can use to study.
Steps to becoming a U.S. citizen
Typically, most adult noncitizens who qualify for naturalization must:
- File Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.
- Attend a biometrics appointment so the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) can collect your fingerprints, photograph and/or signature.
- Attend a citizenship interview, where USCIS officers review your application and give you the citizenship test.
The citizenship test
The U.S. citizen test questions cover two categories: English proficiency and civics.
The English test
To pass the English proficiency portion of your citizenship test, you must demonstrate that you can read, write in and speak basic English.
Reading: A USCIS officer will ask you to read three sentences in English out loud. The sentences will appear one at a time on a tablet. You must read one sentence correctly to pass this portion of the test.
Writing: One at a time, a USCIS officer will read three sentences out loud to you. You must correctly write one of the sentences using a stylus and digital tablet provided by USCIS. (USCIS suggests practicing writing with a stylus before taking this exam.)
Speaking: A USCIS officer will use your responses in your interview to gauge how well you speak and understand English.
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Get startedEnglish test exemptions
Passing the English proficiency portion of the citizenship test is fundamental for most applicants. However, some applicants are exempt from the English test:
- Those who are at least 50 and have lived in the U.S. as permanent residents for at least 20 years
- Those who are at least 55 and have lived in the U.S. as permanent residents for at least 15 years
- Applicants who have disabilities or impairments that prevent them from obtaining the required English skills and who have submitted a Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions (note that impairment caused by illegal drug use doesn’t exempt an applicant)
These applicants still have to take the civics test in their native language.
The civics test
During the civics test, an officer from USCIS will ask 10 questions from a list of 100 possible questions. You must correctly answer six questions to pass the test. In general, these questions cover:
- The history of how the U.S. was formed
- U.S. geography
- Important figures in U.S. history
- Details about important documents, symbols and dates from U.S. history
- How the U.S. government operates
- Details about obligations U.S. citizens must fulfill
Civics test accommodations and exceptions
Typically, those who are exempt from the English test have the option of taking the civics exam in their native language. Also, applicants who are 65 or older and have been in the U.S. as permanent residents for at least 20 years and those with impairments might be given special consideration regarding the civics test. These accommodations may include:
- More time to take the examination
- Allowing nonverbal communication for answering questions
- Examination off-site
- Interpreters or other aids for deaf or hard-of-hearing applicants
- Allowing third parties in the examination room, such as relatives, legal guardians, surrogates or representatives
Also, some applicants who submit Form N-648 for medical disabilities could be exempt from the civics test.
Studying for the citizenship test
Learning a new country’s language, history and rules can be a hefty task. If you need help preparing for your citizenship test, you can visit the USCIS study page for guides and aids. Although there isn’t a U.S citizenship test practice on this page, it has links to civics information in multiple languages and vocabulary lists you can use for the English exam.
How a lawyer may help
Becoming a U.S. citizen can be a significant moment in your life. You can take this journey on your own, but some naturalization applicants find legal assistance beneficial.
An experienced immigration attorney can help ensure you have all the documents necessary to naturalize. They may also help you locate appropriate resources to study for your citizenship test and help you receive proper accommodations for the test or exemptions from the test. Depending on your circumstances, an accommodation from the USCIS might allow you to bring your attorney into the examination room during your citizenship test.
Sofie is a writer. She lives in Brooklyn.
