Becoming a US citizen through naturalization requires passing two tests: the English test and the civics test. The English test evaluates your ability to read, write, and speak basic English. The civics test assesses your knowledge of US history and government. Both are administered during your naturalization interview at a USCIS office.
This study guide covers everything you need to know about both tests, with a structured study plan to get you ready.
Test Format
Civics test: An officer asks you up to 10 questions from a list of 100. You must answer 6 correctly (60%) to pass. English test: You must read one sentence correctly, write one sentence correctly, and demonstrate speaking ability during the interview. All done in person at a USCIS office.
Understanding the Civics Test
The civics test is an oral exam. A USCIS officer reads questions to you, and you answer verbally. Unlike the Canadian or Australian tests, there's no written multiple-choice format. This means you need to actually know the answers, not just recognize them from a list.
The officer selects 10 questions from the official list of 100 civics questions published by USCIS. You need to answer 6 out of 10 correctly. Once you've answered 6 correctly, the officer stops asking—you've passed. If you get to 10 questions and haven't answered 6 correctly, you've failed the civics portion.
The 100 Questions Are Organized Into Three Categories
- American Government (57 questions): Principles of American democracy, system of government, rights and responsibilities
- American History (30 questions): Colonial period and independence, the 1800s, recent American history
- Integrated Civics (13 questions): Geography, symbols, holidays
Week-by-Week Study Plan
Week 1: American Government
Start with the largest category. Focus on these high-frequency topics:
The Constitution:
- The supreme law of the land (the Constitution)
- What the Constitution does (sets up the government, defines the government, protects basic rights)
- The first three words ("We the People")
- First 10 amendments (Bill of Rights)
- How many amendments total (27)
Government Structure:
- Three branches: legislative (Congress), executive (President), judicial (courts)
- Congress = Senate + House of Representatives
- 100 Senators (2 per state), 435 Representatives
- President = Commander in Chief, signs bills into law, vetoes bills
- Supreme Court = highest court, 9 justices, interprets laws
Rights and Responsibilities:
- Rights: freedom of expression, speech, assembly, petition, religion, bear arms
- Responsibilities: vote, pay taxes, obey laws, serve on jury, register for Selective Service (men 18-25)
Week 2: American History
Colonial Period and Independence:
- Why colonists came (religious freedom, political liberty, economic opportunity)
- Declaration of Independence: written by Thomas Jefferson, adopted July 4, 1776
- Three rights in the Declaration: life, liberty, pursuit of happiness
- Revolutionary War fought against Britain/King George III
- Benjamin Franklin: diplomat, oldest member of Constitutional Convention, first Postmaster General
- George Washington: Father of Our Country, first President, General during Revolutionary War
The 1800s:
- Civil War (1861-1865): fought over slavery, states' rights, economic issues
- Abraham Lincoln: freed the slaves (Emancipation Proclamation), saved the Union, led during Civil War
- 13th Amendment: abolished slavery
- 14th Amendment: citizenship for all persons born in the US, equal protection
- 15th Amendment: gave all men the right to vote regardless of race
Recent History:
- 19th Amendment: gave women the right to vote (1920)
- Martin Luther King Jr.: civil rights leader, fought for equality
- September 11, 2001: terrorist attacks on the United States
- Current events: know the current President, Vice President, Speaker of the House, Chief Justice
Week 3: Review, Practice, and English Test Prep
Spend this week reviewing all 100 questions, taking practice tests, and preparing for the English component.
The English Test
The English test has three parts, all administered during your interview:
Speaking
The officer assesses your speaking ability during the interview itself. There's no separate speaking test. If you can understand the officer's questions and respond coherently, you'll pass the speaking portion.
Reading
The officer asks you to read one out of three sentences in English. You must read it correctly. The sentences use simple vocabulary from the USCIS reading vocabulary list (about 100 words like "America," "citizens," "government," "President," "right," "vote," etc.).
Writing
The officer dictates one out of three sentences for you to write in English. You must write it correctly. The sentences use simple vocabulary from the USCIS writing vocabulary list (about 100 words). Spelling doesn't need to be perfect, but the sentence must be legible and understandable.
Special Accommodations
65/20 Exception
If you are 65 or older and have been a permanent resident for at least 20 years, you only need to study 20 of the 100 civics questions (marked with an asterisk on the USCIS list). You can also take the civics test in your native language.
55/15 Exception
If you are 55 or older and have been a permanent resident for at least 15 years, or if you are 50 or older and have been a permanent resident for at least 20 years, you are exempt from the English test. You can take the civics test in your native language with an interpreter.
Disability Accommodations
If you have a physical or developmental disability or mental impairment, you may qualify for an exception to the English and/or civics test requirements. File Form N-648 (Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions) with your application.
What Happens If You Fail
If you fail either the English or civics test, you get one more chance. USCIS will reschedule you for a second interview within 60-90 days. At the second interview, you only need to retake the portion you failed. If you fail the second time, your application is denied, and you'd need to refile (and repay the fees) to try again.
Study Tips from Successful Applicants
- Study the official USCIS materials. The 100 civics questions and reading/writing vocabulary lists are free on uscis.gov.
- Practice speaking your answers out loud. The test is oral, not written. You need to be able to say the answers, not just recognize them.
- Know the current officials. The test includes questions about the current President, Vice President, Speaker of the House, Chief Justice, your state's governor, and your US Senators. These change with elections, so make sure your information is current.
- Use flashcards. The 100 questions lend themselves perfectly to flashcard study. Physical cards, Anki, Quizlet—any format works.
- Study for 30 minutes a day. Short, consistent sessions are more effective than marathon cramming.