Taking and passing the naturalization test is your final step in the naturalization process that allows you, as a legal immigrant, to become a U.S. citizen. As such, you would do well to know as much as possible about this test ahead of time so you can prepare to take it accordingly.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services explains that the entire test takes place during your interview with a USCIS official and consists of an English test and a civics test. The purposes are two-fold: to test your understanding of the English language and your understanding of basic U.S. government, laws and way of life.
English test
The three parts of the English test consist of the following:
- A speaking test
- A reading test
- A writing test
The speaking test is actually your interview, wherein the USCIS official asks you questions, in English, about yourself and your desire to become a U.S. citizen. You must answer the questions in English.
In the reading part, the interviewer gives you a sheet of paper with three English sentences written on it. You must read these sentences out loud, and read at least one of them entirely correctly.
In the writing part, the interviewer gives you another sheet of paper with three English questions written on it. You must answer these sentences in writing, and write at least one of your answers entirely correctly.
Civics test
Finally, your interviewer asks you 10 questions, in English, about U.S. government, history, geography, symbols and holidays. You must answer at least six of them correctly, in English.
Test preparation
If you would like to review the 100 questions and correct answers from which your interviewer will select your 10 civics test questions, the USCIS sets forth the entire test here.