US Citizenship Test

Here are the main components of the US Citizenship test:

During the naturalization interview, the USCIS officer will ask the applicant regarding the N-400 formed that was filled out and his/her background (most of the time, it is a repeat of the questions answered on the form, plus any further information the officer may want to know).  An English and civics test, unless the applicant qualifies for an exemption or waiver, is administered.  The English test has three components: reading, writing, and speaking. The civics test covers important U.S. history and government topics.

Speaking Test

Your ability to speak English will be determined by the USCIS officer as you answer questions and interact with the officer during your interview.

Reading Test

The applicant must read out loud one of three sentences correctly to demonstrate an ability to read in English.

Writing Test

The applicant must write one of three sentences correctly to demonstrate an ability to write in English. The content of the sentences focus on civics and history topics.

Civics Test

There are 100 civics questions.  During the naturalization interview, the officer will ask up to 10 questions from the list of 100 questions.  The applicant must answer correctly six of these questions to pass the civics test.

The applicant has two opportunities to take the English and civics tests per naturalization application.  The second interview, in order to be retested the portion(s) of the tests the applicant did not pass, must take place between 60-120 days from the date of the initial interview.

USCIS provides a Naturalization Guide that includes the 100 civics questions and vocabularies from which the applicant should study.  Click here for a pdf copy.