What Tests Do You Need to Pass to Become a U.S. Citizen?
During your naturalization interview, a USCIS officer will ask you questions about your application and background. Unless you qualify for an exemption, you will also take a naturalization test which is made up of two components, an English and civics test.
To learn more about the naturalization process, click here.
English Test
During the English test, you must demonstrate an understanding of the English language, including reading, writing, and speaking basic English.
1. Speaking
- Your ability to speak and understand English will be determined by a USCIS Officer during your eligibility interview on Form N-400, Application for Naturalization
2. Reading
- You must read aloud one out of three sentences correctly to demonstrate an ability to read in English
- The Reading Test Vocabulary List will help you study for the English reading portion of the naturalization test. The content focuses on civics and history topics
3. Writing
- You must write one out of three sentences correctly to demonstrate an ability to write in English
- The Writing Test Vocabulary List will help you study for the English writing portion of the naturalization test
- The content focuses on civics and history topics
Civics Test
During the civics test, you need to answer important questions about the American government and history.
Special Note:
Beginning on April 19, 2021, USCIS is administering only the 2008 civics test to N-400 applicants at their initial interview appointment, regardless of their filing date
USCIS will no longer offer the 2020 civics test at the initial interview but will continue to provide study materials for the 2020 test for those applicants who are eligible to choose between the 2008 or 2020 civics test at their re-exam or N-336 hearing
2008 Version
The 2008 version of the civics test is an oral test, and the USCIS officer will ask you up to 10 questions from the list of 100 civics test questions. You must answer 6 questions correctly to pass the 2008 version of the civics test.
- Applicants who filed their Form N-400 before December 1, 2020, will continue to take the 2008 civics test at the initial exam, re-exam, or N-336 hearing
- Applicants who file their Form N-400 on or after March 1, 2021, will also take the 2008 civics test at the initial exam, re-exam, or N-336 hearing
2020 Version
The 2020 version of the civics test is an oral test, and the USCIS officer will ask you 20 questions from the list of 128 civics test questions. You must answer at least 12 of the 20 questions correctly to pass the 2020 version of the civics test
- Applicants who filed their naturalization applications on or after Dec. 1, 2020, and before March 1, 2021, with an initial examination (interview) before April 19, 2021, will have the option to take either the 2020 civics test, or the 2008 civics test at initial exam, re-exam, or N-336
Are There Exceptions and Modifications to This Requirement?
- There are exceptions and modifications to the naturalization requirements that are available to those who qualify
- USCIS also provides accommodations for individuals with disabilities
English Language Exceptions
You are exempt from the English language requirement, but are still required to take the civics test if you are:
- Age 50 or older at the time of filing for naturalization and have lived as a permanent resident (Green Card holder) in the United States for 20 years (commonly referred to as the “50/20” exception)
OR - Age 55 or older at the time of filing for naturalization and have lived as a permanent resident in the United States for 15 years (commonly referred to as the “55/15” exception)
Can I Take the Civics Test in My Native Language?
- Even if you qualify for the “50/20” or “55/15” English language exceptions listed above, you must still take the civics test
- You will be permitted to take the civics test in your native language
- If you take the test in your native language, you must bring an interpreter with you to your interview
- Your interpreter must be fluent in both English and your native language
- If you are age 65 or older and have been a permanent resident for at least 20 years at the time of filing for naturalization, you will be given special consideration regarding the civics requirement
However, one can be eligible for an exception to the English and civics naturalization requirements if they are unable to comply with these requirements because of a physical or developmental disability or a mental impairment.
Oath of Allegiance
- After applying for naturalization and to be naturalized, you must also take the Oath of Allegiance in a public ceremony
- The law allows for certain modifications to the Oath of Allegiance. For more information please see section 337 of the Immigration Nationality Act (INA)and 8 CFR 337.1(b)
Where Can I Get Free Information About Naturalization?
- USCIS regularly holds information sessions for the public
- These sessions will help lawful permanent residents and others interested in naturalization learn about the naturalization process, eligibility requirements, testing, and citizenship rights and responsibilities
- Some of these sessions may be available in foreign languages
- Each session is free of charge and open to the public
For helpful resources, check out the naturalization eligibility and preparation flyer (PDF, 627.04 KB), the USCIS Naturalization Interview and Test Video
To get an overview of the naturalization process, click here.
What Will Happen If I Fail the Test?
- You will be given two attempts to take the English and civics tests and to answer all questions relating to your naturalization application in English
- If you fail any of the tests at your initial interview, you will be retested on the portion of the test that you failed (English or civics) between 60 and 90 days from the date of your initial interview. See 8 CFR 312.5(a)and 335.3(b)
List of Upcoming Events
Naturalization Information Session – Webinar (English)
July 16, 2021, 4 to 5 p.m. (Pacific)
Los Angeles District Office
Los Angeles, California 90012
Meeting number (access code): 199 440 1922
Meeting password: CISgo!USA1234
Phone: 415-527-5035
Naturalization Information Session – Webinar (English)
July 21, 2021, 11 to 1 p.m. (Eastern)
Tampa District Office
Tampa, Florida 33629
TampaDistrictCommunityRelations@uscis.dhs.gov
Please email for WebEx information.
Naturalization Information Session – Webinar (Spanish)
July 22, 2021, 4 to 5 p.m. (Pacific)
Los Angeles District Office
Los Angeles, California 90012
WebEx
Meeting number (access code): 199 579 3123
Meeting password: 6tEn2uW7ru9*
Phone: 415-527-5035
Naturalization Information Session – Webinar (English)
July 22, 2021, 7 to 9 p.m. (Eastern)
Tampa District Office
Tampa, Florida 33629
TampaDistrictCommunityRelations@uscis.dhs.gov
Please email for WebEx information.
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