Pathway to U.S. Citizenship

The Naturalization Test

Overview of Requirements and 

Available Resources

Prepare for the Naturalization Test

What should I expect at my naturalization 

interview? 

At your naturalization interview, you will be required to answer 

questions about your application 

and background. A USCIS Officer 

will test your ability to read, 

write, speak, and understand 

English (unless you are exempt 

from the English requirements). 

You will also be given a civics 

test in English to test your 

knowledge and understanding of 

U.S. history and government. 

You will be given two 

opportunities to take the English 

and civics tests and to answer all 

questions relating to your Form 

N-400, Application for Naturalization, 

in English. If you fail any of the tests during your initial 

interview, you will be retested on the portion of the test that you 

failed (English or civics) between 60 and 90 days from the date 

of your initial interview. 

Applicants who are age 65 or older and have been a permanent 

resident for at least 20 years at the time of filing Form N-400, 

Application for Naturalization, are only required to study 20 of the 100 

civics test questions for the naturalization test. These questions 

are flagged with an asterisk (*) in this brochure. 

For information on exceptions or modifications to the English 

and civics requirements for naturalization, see “Exceptions and 

Accommodations” available at uscis.gov/citizenship. 

M-685 (rev. 03/19)

Other Helpful USCIS Resources

USCIS offers a number of resources 

to help you find information on 

eligibility and testing requirements, 

the application process, and study 

materials. You can also learn 

more about citizenship rights and 

responsibilities and find a free 

information session in your area.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

The government agency that oversees lawful immigration to 

the United States. Visit this website for information related to 

immigration. 

uscis.gov

Citizenship Resource Center

Provides learners, teachers, and organizations with a one-stop 

resource for locating citizenship preparation materials.

uscis.gov/citizenship

Form N-400, Application for Naturalization

Submit this form to apply for U.S. citizenship.

uscis.gov/n-400

Naturalization Information Sessions

USCIS regularly holds free information sessions for the public 

on naturalization eligibility requirements, the naturalization 

process, and the naturalization test. Find a session in your area:

uscis.gov/citizenshipsessions

Study Materials for the Naturalization Test

What study materials are available and how 

can I find English language, civics, and/or 

citizenship classes?

The USCIS Office of Citizenship has developed a variety of study 

materials for the naturalization test. These materials include 

Civics Flash Cards, Vocabulary Flash Cards, Learn About the United 

States: Quick Civics Lessons, The USCIS Naturalization Interview and Test

video, and translated versions of the 100 civics (history and 

government) questions and answers. All materials are available 

on the Citizenship Resource Center at uscis.gov/citizenship.

• Learn About the United States: Quick Civics Lessons 

As you prepare for U.S. citizenship, this resource will help you 

study for the civics and English portions of the naturalization 

test. Learn About the United States contains short lessons based on 

each of the 100 civics (history and government) questions 

and answers. 

• Civics Flash Cards for the Naturalization Test

Another option to help you study is the Civics Flash Cards. 

With historical photos and informative captions, the Civics 

Flash Cards cover each of the 100 civics (history and 

government) questions and answers. 

• Vocabulary Flash Cards for the Naturalization Test

These easy-to-use flash cards contain vocabulary words to 

help you study for the English reading and writing portions 

of the naturalization test. 

• The USCIS Naturalization Interview and Test

This video provides an overview of the naturalization process 

including eligibility requirements, the application process, the 

naturalization interview, and the naturalization test.

H Form N-400: uscis.gov/n-400

H Learn more about specific eligibility requirements 

for naturalization: uscis.gov/citizenship

For an adult immigrant to become a 

U.S. citizen, he or she must go through 

the process of naturalization. GENERAL 

requirements for naturalization call 

for the immigrant to: