What to Expect During the Citizenship Test

Table Of Contents

What Does the Citizenship Test Involve?

What the citizenship test involves is a two-part assessment: an English language proficiency test and a civics knowledge test. The English test evaluates your ability to read, write, and speak basic English. The civics test assesses your knowledge of United States history and government. You take the citizenship test during your naturalisation interview. A United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officer administers the test.
The English speaking test begins during your interview. The USCIS officer observes your ability to understand and respond to questions in English. The English reading test requires you to read one out of three sentences correctly. The English writing test requires you to write one out of three sentences correctly. The civics test consists of ten questions. You must answer six out of ten questions correctly to pass the civics test.

How Does the English Test Work?

How the English test works is through an assessment of your reading, writing, and speaking abilities. The USCIS officer assesses your English speaking ability during the naturalisation interview. The officer asks you questions about your application. The officer judges your English comprehension and fluency. Your responses demonstrate your speaking proficiency.
The sentence comes from the civics test vocabulary list. You must read one out of three sentences without error. The USCIS officer dictates the sentence. You must write one out of three dictated sentences correctly.

What Civics Test Questions Are Asked?

What civics test questions are asked are questions about United States history and government. USCIS provides a list of 100 civics questions. The civics questions cover topics such as the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and important historical events. You receive these questions in advance. You can study these questions to prepare for the test.
The USCIS officer asks you ten questions from the list of 100 civics questions. The questions are asked orally during your naturalisation interview. The officer determines if your answers are correct. Correct answers demonstrate your knowledge of United States civics.

How Is the Civics Test Administered?

How the civics test is administered is through an oral examination during your naturalisation interview. The officer asks the questions in English. You must answer the questions in English. Your answers must be accurate.
The USCIS officer stops the civics test once you have answered six questions correctly. You pass the civics test at that point. If you answer fewer than six questions correctly, you fail the civics test. A failed civics test requires a retest. You receive a second opportunity to pass the civics test.

What Happens if I Fail the Test?

What happens if you fail the test is that you receive a second chance to pass. USCIS schedules a second interview for you. The second interview occurs 60 to 90 days after your initial interview. You get an opportunity to re-take the English test or the civics test, or both. You must pass both parts of the test during the second interview.
If you fail the test a second time, USCIS denies your naturalisation application. A denial means you cannot become a citizen at that time. You can reapply for naturalisation in the future. You must meet all eligibility requirements again when you reapply. You submit a new application and pay new fees.

What to Expect After Passing the Test?

What to expect after passing the test is the final stage of the naturalisation process. The USCIS officer informs you of your passing score. The officer reviews your application again. The officer makes sure all eligibility requirements are met. The officer then recommends your application for approval.
After your application is recommended for approval, you receive a notice for an Oath of Allegiance ceremony. The Oath of Allegiance ceremony is where you become a United States citizen. You take an oath of loyalty to the United States. You receive your Certificate of Naturalisation at the ceremony.

FAQS

What is the passing score for the civics test?

The passing score for the civics test is six correct answers out of ten questions. You must answer six questions accurately. The USCIS officer stops the test after six correct responses.

How long does the citizenship test take?

The citizenship test duration varies for each applicant. The English and civics tests are part of your naturalisation interview. The entire interview typically lasts about 20 to 30 minutes.

Can I use an interpreter for the citizenship test?

You cannot use an interpreter for the English or civics tests. You must demonstrate proficiency in English for the test. An interpreter is only permitted for certain exceptions.

What happens if I make a mistake on the English writing test?

What happens if I make a mistake on the English writing test? The USCIS officer asks the applicant to write another sentence. The applicant correctly writes one out of three sentences. Minor errors are overlooked.

Is the citizenship test always given orally?

Yes, the citizenship test is always given orally for the civics portion. The USCIS officer asks you the civics questions verbally. You provide your answers verbally.

Related Links