{"id":352762,"date":"2022-08-19T07:42:47","date_gmt":"2022-08-19T12:42:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/immigration\/citizenship\/what-to-expect-on-the-naturalization-test.html"},"modified":"2026-06-01T12:04:00","modified_gmt":"2026-06-01T17:04:00","slug":"what-to-expect-on-the-naturalization-test","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/citizenship\/what-to-expect-on-the-naturalization-test.html","title":{"rendered":"What To Expect on the U.S. Citizenship Test"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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What To Expect on the U.S. Citizenship Test<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Lyle Therese A. Hilotin-Lee, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Meagan Neil, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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The naturalization test<\/span> evaluates your ability to speak, read, and write English, along with your knowledge of U.S. history<\/span> and government. Applicants typically complete an English test<\/span> and a civics test<\/span>, though some may qualify for waivers or exceptions based on age or disability. If you don\u2019t pass on the first try, USCIS<\/span> gives you another opportunity to retake the test before your application is denied.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

During the naturalization process<\/span>, you will be scheduled for an interview with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services<\/span>\u00a0(USCIS<\/span>). At the interview<\/a>, a USCIS<\/span> officer<\/span> will test your ability to understand English and your knowledge of U.S. history<\/span> and the U.S. government<\/span>. The test is not merely about accumulating correct answers. You must also understand the values and history that shaped the country into what it is today.<\/p>\n

Often, they administer the test in a regulated environment, one-on-one with a USCIS<\/span> officer<\/span>. The civics test<\/span> has up to 10 questions, and the interview portion may vary depending on your situation.<\/p>\n

This article explains what else to expect on the U.S. citizenship test<\/span> and how to prepare. While this part of the naturalization process<\/span> can be the most intimidating for some, you are not alone. An immigration lawyer<\/a> near you can guide you through each step of the citizenship process, including your interview and test.<\/p>\n

Before the Test: Applying for U.S. Citizenship<\/h2>\n

You must meet specific requirements during the\u00a0U.S. citizenship application process. The first step is to file your naturalization application package. If you meet\u00a0all requirements<\/a>, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services<\/span> (USCIS<\/span>)\u00a0will schedule you for an interview.\u00a0<\/p>\n

English Language<\/span> Test<\/h2>\n

Applicants for U.S. citizenship must show their\u00a0English language<\/span> proficiency<\/a>. Permanent residents<\/span> or green card<\/span> holders<\/span> applying for citizenship need not be completely fluent in the English language<\/span>. But they must know enough to speak, read, and write basic English<\/span> effectively.<\/p>\n

During\u00a0the interview, the examiner will test your English reading and writing skills by giving you a simple dictation test. You will also have to sign your name in English. The USCIS<\/span> officer<\/span> conducting the English test<\/span> will assess the following:<\/p>\n