How to Study for a Test to Apply for Citizenship

The USCIS provides various materials to assist applicants in their citizenship test.

Foreigners who wish to become citizens of the United States must go through the naturalization process. One of the requirements for naturalization is the naturalization test. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) administers the test to determine the applicants' English skills, as well as their knowledge of the U.S. government and history.

Things You'll Need

• Study materials
• English classes

Instructions

1. Study the 100 civics questions and answers. The USCIS has put together a list of 100 questions and answers about U.S. history and government. These are available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Tagalog and Vietnamese versions. During your interview, a USCIS officer will ask you the questions orally and you must also answer orally. You must answer six out of 10 questions in order to pass. Ask a relative or a friend to practise with you by orally asking you the questions.

2. Watch the interview and test video. Learn from the16-minute video developed by the USCIS. The video which is available on the USCIS website, provides an overview of the naturalization process, simulated interviews and sample tests.

3. Practice reading and writing in English. Read English newspapers aloud and watch TV shows in English. Ask a friend who is adept in English to help you. You may use the English vocabulary tools on the USCIS website. During the test, you must correctly write one out of three sentences in English and the same requirement applies to the reading test.

4. Go to the nearest public library or immigrant-serving organization. Check these establishments for citizenship programs it may be offering, such as English classes. The USCIS provides these organizations the resources they need to help immigrants integrate into the American society.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also purchase hard copies of the civics flash cards for the naturalization test from the U.S. Government Printing Office.

• You will be given two chances to take the tests; if you fail the tests the second time, the USCIS will reject your application for citizenship.

References

• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services: 100 Civics Questions and Answers
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services: The Naturalization Test
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services:Study Materials for the Naturalization Test
• U.S. Immigration and Citizenship Services: Civics and Citizenship Toolkit
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services: Educator and Volunteer Resources