This digest will describe the educational requirements of the naturalization process and give ESL teachers a variety of activities to use when preparing learners for the citizenship exam. Today, most applicants must meet English literacy and civics requirements, although there are some exemptions for elderly or disabled applicants. An INS examiner evaluates the applicants' knowledge of US history and government by asking selected questions from the N-400 application and from a list of 100 questions. A short written dictation is also given. Each INS district has individual discretion over assessment of the history and civics information.
All districts accept standardized tests results.
However, the ability to speak and understand English must still be demonstrated in an oral interview. Citizenship Classes Citizenship preparation classes are usually offered within publicly funded education programs or at community or social service organizations. These classes can be distinct courses or a series of lessons within a general ESL class. They vary in duration and emphasis and are sometimes taught bilingually. They do not always include ESL instruction.