The Naturalization Interview and Test
During your naturalization interview, a USCIS officer will ask you questions about your application and background. You will also take an English and civics test unless you qualify for an exemption.
- The English test has three components: reading, writing, and speaking.
- The civics test covers important U.S. history and government topics.
See below to learn more about the test and the free study materials and resources available to help you prepare.
Speaking
Your ability to speak English will be determined by a USCIS officer during your eligibility interview on Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.
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.
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.
Visit our Study for the Test page and search for English test materials.
There are 100 civics questions on the naturalization test. During your naturalization interview, you will be asked up to 10 questions from the list of 100 questions. You must answer correctly six (6) of the 10 questions to pass the civics test.
Visit our Study for the Test page and search for civics test materials.
For information on exceptions or modifications to the English and civics requirements for naturalization, visit our Exceptions and Accommodations page.
You will be given two opportunities 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).
USCIS regularly reports on the national pass rate for the naturalization test, which represents the cumulative pass rate of applicants who took both the English and civics components of the test since it was fully implemented on Oct. 1, 2009.
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