How to Test for Citizenship

Taking a naturalization test is one of the requirements to become a U.S. citizen.

Foreigners who have fulfilled their residency obligations in the United States and individuals who meet other eligibility requirements may apply for U.S. citizenship through the process of naturalization. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires applicants for naturalization to take the naturalization test in order to determine their ability to read, write and speak English and demonstrate their knowledge of the U.S. history and government. (Reference 1,3)

Things You'll Need

• Appointment notice
• Permanent resident card
• Passport
• State identification card
• Reentry permits
• (see Reference 2 page 6)

Instructions

1. Go to your interview appointment. After submitting your application for citizenship or naturalization and getting fingerprinted, the USCIS will mail you a notice telling you when and where you must go for your interview. Bring your appointment notice, permanent resident or alien registration card, current or expired passport, state identification card and any reentry permits to the interview. The USCIS officer will ask you questions about your application and will test your ability to speak English during the interview. (Reference 1, Reference 2-page 6)

2. Read and write sentences correctly in English. During the interview, a USCIS officer will also test your reading and writing skills in English. You must correctly read one sentence out of three sentences in English, and correctly write one sentence out of three in English. (Reference 1, Reference 2 page 7)

3. Take the civics test. The USCIS officer will ask you to take the civics test during the interview to measure your knowledge of U.S. history and government. The officer will ask the test questions orally and you must answer them orally. You must correctly answer six out of the 10 civics questions in order to pass. (Reference 1, Reference 2 page 7)

4. Retake the tests if you didn't pass. If you fail any of the tests at your first interview, the USCIS will give you a second opportunity to take the portion of the test that you failed. You will be retested between 60 to 90 days from your initial interview. You will be taking the same version of the test. (Reference 1, Reference 2-page 7)

Tips & Warnings

• The USCIC has prepared a variety of study materials to help you prepare for the civics test (see Resources).

• You may be exempted from the English test if you are at least 50 years old and have been a permanent resident of the U.S. for 20 years, or you are at least 55 years old and have been a permanent resident for 15 years. However, you must still take the civics test. You can take the civics test in your native language through an interpreter if you have a poor command of spoken English. (see Reference 4)

• People with physical, mental and developmental impairment may be exempt from the English and civic tests. People seeking such an exemption should submit Form N-648 or the medical certification for disability exceptions. (Reference 4)

• If you lie to an immigration officer during the interview, the USCIS will reject your citizenship application. (Reference 2 page 6)

• If you fail the test the second time, the USCIS will reject your application. (Reference 2 page 7)

References

• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services: The Naturalization Test
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services: What Should I Expect from the Naturalization Process?
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services: Citizenship Through Naturalization
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services: Exceptions and Accommodations

Resources

• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services: Study Materials for the Naturalization Test