Citizenship Test

To become a United States citizen, you must complete and submit Form N-400, known as an Application for Naturalization, and have your fingerprints taken at a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) facility. Then, you receive an appointment for an interview. During your interview by USCIS officials, you must answer questions about your application and background. You also must take a citizenship test.

The citizenship test is intended to gauge your ability to speak, write, and read in the English language and assess your knowledge of U.S. history and government. This is a necessary step before you can take the Oath of Allegiance and be sworn in as a new United States citizen. The USCIS division of the Department of Homeland Security, formerly Immigration and Naturalization Services (INS), administers the citizenship test.

Many organizations offer assistance with citizenship tests and the USCIS offers study materials as well. Exemptions and waivers may apply to these tests, so be sure to speak with your citizenship lawyer at Berger & Berger to find out if these impact you and your ability to apply for citizenship.

The USCIS recently launched a new citizenship test in an effort to create a more standardized, fair, and meaningful naturalization process. The goal of this new test was to ensure that all naturalization applicants have uniform, consistent testing experiences nationwide. The revised civics test follows a basic U.S. history and civics curriculum and serves as an important instrument to encourage civic participation and patriotism among citizenship applicants.

Knowledge of the English language

You must be able to demonstrate ability to read, write, and speak the English language.

• Reading. You must read one sentence out of three sentences and show that you understand the meaning of the sentence.
• Writing. You must write one sentence out of three sentences that is understandable as written to the USCIS officer.
• Speaking. You must answer questions your USCIS officers ask you during your naturalization eligibility interview. These questions concern the answers you gave on your Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.

The History and Government Test

An integral and required part of the citizenship test is the History and Government Test or Civics Test, given by the USCIS. Applicants to become naturalized citizens must pass this test before they can take the Oath of Allegiance and officially be sworn in by the USCIS as U.S. citizens. Recently revised, the questions in this part of the citizenship test follow a standard yet basic U.S. history and civics curriculum. You must answer six out of ten questions correctly to pass.

Contact Berger & Berger, your citizenship and immigration law firm

With offices throughout New York State and in Atlanta, Berger & Berger is ready to help you become an American. Call the firm's main office at (716) 568-4451 or just use the Quick Contact box on your screen.