Should All Applicants Take the Citizenship Test?

To prove one’s eligibility for US citizenship, applicants have to take the US citizenship test that includes English language and Civics. During the US citizenship test and interview process, you can expect questions about your application package and background. Basically, all the applicants need to prove their ability to read, write and speak basic English and also demonstrate that they have basic knowledge of the US history and government. Reading, writing, and speaking are tested in the English section and important U.S. history and government topics in the civics section.

How many citizenship interview questions should I answer?

You have to read one out of three sentences correctly to prove your ability to read in English and you have to write one out of three sentences correctly to prove your writing ability. Additionally your speaking ability will be judged by the way you answer the questions during the interview. In the Civics part, there are 100 questions. Here you will be asked 10 questions from the given list of 100 questions. You should be able to answer at least six questions correctly to pass the civics section of the citizenship test. If you are not able to answer the citizenship interview questions (fail the test), you will be given another chance and tested again on the same section of the test you failed within ninety days of having taken the first test.

Some applicants are exempted from taking the citizenship interview questions. If you are above 50 years of age and have been a permanent resident for periods totaling at least 20 years OR above 55 years of age and have been a permanent resident for periods totaling at least 15 years, then you need not take the English test. In both cases, you will be required to take the civics test, but you can take the test in a language of your choice. If you fall under these categories, you should mark 50/20 or 55/15 in red on top of your US citizenship application appropriately.

If you are aged above 65 years and have been a permanent resident of the US for periods totaling at least 20 years, then you need NOT take the English test. Even in this category, you need to take the civics test in a language of your preference. But this test will be a simpler version compared to others. From a list of 25 questions, you will be asked 10. You should mark 65/20 if you fall under this category and as mentioned earlier, it should be marked in red on top of your citizenship application.

If the applicant has a medically proved physical or mental impairment and if this disability affects their ability to learn English and civics, then they can apply for an exception from the US citizenship interview questions. Under these circumstances, the applicant should file Form N-648 requesting an exception and this should be filed along with the N-400 application.

Persons who are eligible for a waiver of the English proficiency requirement should bring an interpreter for the test. The test is not a multiple choice test and note that your civics knowledge will be tested orally.

The 100 citizenship interview questions will be about the American government, the system of government, rights and responsibilities, American history, recent American history and other important historical information. Integrated civics will have topics related to geography, symbols and holidays. As mentioned before, you will be asked ten from the set of 100 questions and you should be able to answer at least six out of ten questions correctly to pass the civics test.

When Should I Take the Naturalization Test?

In order to qualify for U.S. citizenship, almost all applicants are required to take an English language test and a Civics test. Generally, applicants must establish to the satisfaction of the interviewing officer that they are able to read, write and speak basic English and that they have basic knowledge of US history and government. But the requirements for the naturalization test differ due to age and disability factors.

Naturalization test questions :

There are certain exceptions to take the naturalization test. Per the rules, if the applicant is over 50 years old and has lived in the United States as a Permanent Resident for periods totaling at least 20 years or over 55 years old and has lived in the United States as a Permanent Resident for periods totaling at least 15 years, he/she need not take the English test. But has to take the civics test in the language of his/her choice.

And if the applicant is over 65 years of age and have been a permanent resident for periods totaling at least 20 years, he/she need not take the English test. In such a case, the applicant has to take the Civics test, but you can take it in a language of your choice. Here the test will be a simpler version. You will be asked about 10 questions out of a list of 25.

The applicant is eligible for an exception for the naturalization test if he/she has a medically determinable physical or mental impairment, where the impairment affects his/her ability to learn English and Civics. So you need to file Form N-648 requesting an exception and has to be filed along with the application.

For the English and Civics requirement, if you qualify for a medical exception, you should still be able to take the Oath of Allegiance to the US. If you have physical or mental disability and cannot communicate an understanding of the meaning of the Oath, USCIS may excuse the applicant from this requirement. If the applicant qualifies for a waiver of the English proficiency requirement, he/she should be prepared to bring an interpreter.

Most of the questions in the naturalization test remain unchanged. Only a few questions like the names of persons holding government positions change.

The naturalization test is NOT a multiple choice test. Your civics knowledge will be tested orally. The USCIS Officer will ask around 10 questions out of the 100 questions. You must answer six out of ten questions correctly to pass the civics section of the naturalization test. Your ability to speak, read, write, and understand English will be evaluated at your interview.

Your English skills will be tested in reading, writing and speaking. Three sentences will be given and the applicant should read one sentence just to let the USCIS officer know that you understand the meaning of the sentence. Then the applicant should write one sentence out of the three given. As far as speaking ability is concerned, it will be determined by the answers to questions asked by USCIS officers during the interview.