How To Study For The Citizenship Test

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How To Study For The Citizenship Test

10 TIPS TO PREPARE FOR THE CITIZENSHIP TEST

A guide to succeeding on your path to citizenship

How many members are there in the House of Representatives? What ocean is on the East Coast of the US? These are the type of questions you will encounter in the test during your interview to become a US Citizen. Learn how to prepare for it. 

If you are planning to take the Citizenship Test, it means you have been a permanent resident of the US for at least three years and have family, friends, a job, or a business. During that time, you have certainly learned about the geography, politics, and general customs of the country. 

But, passing the test that will give you the right to become a citizen might require some effort to learn more about the country and its basic institutions. There will be an English test that includes reading, writing and speaking, plus a Civics test. 

The Civics test consists of 10 questions that a USCIS officer will ask you during the interview process. These are not multiple choice, and you should give at least 6 correct answers to pass the test. So, the first requisite is to have the right level of English. 

You will only have two opportunities to pass the test. If you fail both times, your application for citizenship will be declined. So, take note of these tips, do your homework, practice your English skills, and go for it!

1. Find and download the study materials

On this USCIS website, you will find plenty of resources to practice for your Civics test, to improve your English skills, and even the Oath of Allegiance. Have them printed or downloaded on your mobile device.

2. Use every opportunity to prepare

Yes, that new season of your favorite show on streaming could be tempting. But reading, practicing your English, and taking practice tests is a much better use of your time than binge-watching videos. You will have plenty of time when you are a US citizen.

3. Take practice tests

On this website, you will find the most common type of questions you will be asked during the interview. Visit the site as often as you want. You can even make a trivia game out of it and play it with your family. The final goal is to learn. Although these practice tests are multiple-choice, remember that will not be the case during the interview. 

4. Divide your study by subject

The Civics test includes questions on five subjects: history, government, geography, symbols, and holidays. Take each of them as a separate subject. This will help your brain to organize this knowledge in different “boxes,” and make it easier to find it during the test. It works!

5. Speak English!

Migrants tend to hang out with others who speak their language. So, you may spend entire days, even weeks, not needing to communicate with other people in English. But when it comes to citizenship you might want to make an effort, take classes, watch TV, read articles, and communicate with other people in English. The better your English, the higher your chances of passing the test. 

6. Seek help

There are many academies and companies that will help you prepare for the Citizenship Test. If you are willing to pay for it, ask for recommendations. Don’t go for the first one that appears on your Google search. If not, you can always meet with other people preparing for the test, or even ask your kids for guidance. They have been studying Civics since the first day they entered school. 

7. Read, watch, listen

Even if it is the same content, you will train different senses, and your brain will react to different stimuli by using various media. Remember you are preparing to become a US Citizen, not just to give six right answers out of ten questions. And you will be improving your English without even realizing it. 

8. Follow the news!

Due to elections or other political events, certain names may have changed between the time you studied and the day of your test. Being up to date with the most recent events will show that you are a concerned citizen and greatly increase your chances of passing the test.

9. Do not overestimate your ability

One of the main reasons for failing the test is assuming it is just about general knowledge and things every kid should know. Depending on the time you have lived in the US, your study level, or even your type of job, you may find some of the practice questions too easy or way too obvious. But it is better to eat your humble pie, do your homework, and give it your best to achieve citizenship. 

10. There is always a second opportunity

If, for any reason, you fail your test, remember you can try again in approximately 60 days. The bad news is that if you don’t succeed the second time, your application can be denied altogether, and you will have to start the whole process again. So, if you are given a second opportunity, don’t miss it!

Remember to always work with an immigration attorney. They are professionals in these issues and will guide you every step of the process. Take your practice tests, study hard, and be proud of becoming a US citizen.

citizenship test questions 2020

How to Prepare for the U.S. Citizenship Test and Interview

What Happens at
Citizenship Interview
How to Prepare for
English Test
How to Prepare for
Civics Test
What to Take to
Citizenship Interview

More than 7.5 million people became naturalized U.S. citizens over the past 10 years. Yet, there are millions more eligible permanent residents (green card holders) that don’t take the next step because they’re worried about the citizenship test and interview.

You can do it. In fact, many resources are available to help you prepare for the U.S. citizenship interview and test. When you know what to expect and do some preparation, you can become a U.S. citizen. 90 percent of applicants pass the test on the first attempt. The interview and test happen near the end of the naturalization time line.

WHAT HAPPENS AT CITIZENSHIP INTERVIEW

At your interview, a USCIS officer will ask to see your identification, place you under oath, and ask you about:

  • Your background
  • Evidence supporting your case
  • Your place and length of residence
  • Your character
  • Your attachment to the Constitution and
  • Your willingness to take an Oath of Allegiance

Review your N-400 application carefully before attending the appointment. The USCIS officer will use the application to test your English and to confirm that the information you have given is correct. If there are any differences between answers on application and your supporting documents, be prepared to explain the reason. Likewise, you should be prepared to offer any additional information. For example, you’ll need to provide details of your time outside the United States if you took a recent trip abroad. Your ability to understand the questions and answers in English is part of the interview.

In most cases these changes to your application are insignificant. A new job, a new address, or even a new child generally will not affect your eligibility to naturalize. Some changes may affect your eligibility:

  • If you have traveled abroad for a period of greater than six months.
  • If you have been arrested for certain crimes or otherwise interfered with the good moral character requirement.
  • If you have recently divorced the U.S. citizen who you are using as the basis of your N-400 eligibility (LPR with 3 years of marriage to a U.S. citizen).

In these situations, we highly recommended that you consult with an immigration lawyer before attending the naturalization interview.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE CITIZENSHIP TEST – ENGLISH

Remember, your ability to understand and speak English will be evaluated from the moment the USCIS officer meets you. If you don’t understand a question, it’s okay to ask the officer to rephrase it.

During your interview, a USCIS officer will test your ability to read, write, and speak English (unless you are exempt from the English requirements). Your English skills will be tested in the following ways:

  • Reading — To test your ability to read in English, you must read one sentence, out of three sentences, in a manner suggesting to the USCIS officer that you understand the meaning of the sentence.
  • Writing — To test your ability to write in English, you must write one sentence, out of three sentences, in a manner that would be understandable as written to the USCIS officer.
  • Speaking — Your ability to speak English is determined by your answers to questions normally asked by USCIS officers during the naturalization eligibility interview on Form N-400.

Several FREE study tools are available from USCIS to help you prepare for the English test.

Reading Vocabulary Flash Cards

Easy-to-use flash cards containing vocabulary words to help study for the English reading portion of the test. GET STARTED

Writing Vocabulary Flash Cards

Easy-to-use flash cards containing vocabulary words to help study for the English writing portion of the test. GET STARTED

Reading Test Vocabulary List

Official list of vocabulary words for the English reading portion of the U.S. citizenship test and interview. GET STARTED

HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE CITIZENSHIP TEST – HISTORY/CIVICS

You will also take a civics test to evaluate your knowledge and understanding of U.S. history and government. Unless you qualify for a language accommodation, USCIS will administer the test in English. Even if you’re exempt from the English test, you will need to take the civics test in the language of your choice or qualify for an N-648 waiver.

You may have heard that USCIS updated the civics test in 2020. This is true, but the Biden administration reversed this decision. There will be a brief period that applicants can choose from either test, however anyone can take the older 2008 version of the test.

The permanent (2008) version of the civics test has 100 possible questions. During your test, you will be asked up to 10 questions from the list of 100 questions in English. You must answer correctly six of the 10 questions to pass the civics test in English. All questions on the test are asked orally.

Several FREE study tools are available from USCIS to help you prepare for the history/civics portion of the test. Are you anxious to learn about U.S. history? Start with Learn About the United States, a comprehensive booklet full of quick civics lessons.

LEARN & EXPLORE

  This study guide groups questions into themes to help you understand how the content is related. Each question has a short video page that provides the answer to the question along with historical content. Each video is followed by a multiple-choice quiz, and some also have practice activities. As you complete each question, a white checkmark will appear to help you track your progress. START LEARNING

TEST YOURSELF

  During the naturalization interview, a USCIS Officer will ask you up to 10 civics questions from the list of 100. You must correctly answer six (6) questions to pass the civics portion of the naturalization test. You will need to say the answers aloud. In the official test, the questions are not multiple choice. Here, you can practice taking the test. Good luck! START PRACTICE TEST

128 Civics Questions and Answers

This is an official list of 2020 civics questions and answers for the test. If you know these answers, you’ll pass the test. GET STARTED

USCIS Civics Practice Test

This civics practice test on the USCIS website can help you test your knowledge of U.S. history and government. GET STARTED

Civics Flashcards

Easy-to-use downloadable flash cards containing each of the 100 civics (history and government) questions and answers on the citizenship test. GET STARTED

EXEMPTIONS & ACCOMMODATIONS FOR U.S. CITIZENSHIP TEST

There are exemptions and modifications to the naturalization requirements that are available to certain individuals who qualify.

English Language Exemptions

When preparing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, you have the opportunity to select certain exemptions. You are exempt from the English language requirement if you are:

  • Age 50 or older at the time of filing Form N-400 and have lived as a permanent resident (green card holder) in the United States for 20 years or more. This is also known as the “50/20” exception; or
  • Age 55 or older at the time of filing Form N-400 and have lived as a permanent resident in the United States for 15 years or more. This is also known as the “55/15” exception.
Civics Test Accommodations

Even if you qualify for the “50/20” or “55/15” English language exemptions listed above, you must still take the civics portion of the U.S. citizenship test. If you qualify for the exemptions listed above, you will be permitted to take the civics test in your native language. To use an interpreter during the civics test, you will also need to:

  • Bring an interpreter with you to your interview.
  • Your interpreter must be fluent in both English and your native language.

If you are age 65 or older and have been a permanent resident for at least 20 years at the time of filing for naturalization, you will also be given a simplified version of the civics test. You qualify to take the civics test in the language of your choice. USCIS will only require you to study 20 of the 100 civics test questions for the naturalization test. See the Civics Questions for the 65/20 Exemption.

Exemptions for Individuals with Disabilities and/or Impairments

If you have a physical or developmental disability or mental impairment that prevents you from demonstrating your knowledge and understanding of the English language and/or civics requirements for naturalization, you may qualify for an exemption to certain parts of the naturalization test. You must submit an original Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions, at the time of filing Form N-400. The Form N-648 must have been prepared by a licensed medical or osteopathic doctor or licensed clinical psychologist less than six months prior to filing Form N-400.

WHAT TO TAKE TO YOUR CITIZENSHIP INTERVIEW

After you file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, begin keeping a file that includes a copy of the application, originals of the supporting documentation that was submitted with your application, and any letters you receive from USCIS. This will make it easier to find and review the information before your interview.

The naturalization interview is the final hurdle in becoming a U.S. citizen. If all goes well, you could have a decision after the interview. Learn more about what happens at the naturalization interview. USCIS NATURALIZATION INTERVIEW – WHAT HAPPENS

US Citizenship Test for Certificate

Will I pass the test?

The vast majority of people pass. USCIS determines the overall national pass rate based solely on an applicant’s first test within the current naturalization application. Remember, if you do not pass the first time, you’ll be able to re-take the test.EACH YEAR90%OF APPLICANTS PASS THE TEST

How CitizenPath Helps You Apply for Naturalization

CitizenPath’s self-directed service makes preparing USCIS forms easy. Designed by lawyers, our platform will help you eliminate the common errors that create delays, rejections and even denials. The low-cost service also provides alerts if you answer a question in a way that might be a problem. We’ll make sure you meet all the citizenship requirements before applying. Most people can prepare the naturalization package within a couple of hours.

The online service is a powerful, do-it-yourself tool that puts you in control. And we’ve got your back — CitizenPath provides live customer support and guarantees that USCIS will approve your application.

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