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  • Citizenship Resource Center
    • Interagency Strategy for Promoting Naturalization
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        • Test Yourself! 2008 Civics Practice Test
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  4. Study for the Test

Study for the Test

Before your naturalization interview, study for the English and civics test by using our free resources to help you prepare.

English Test Overview

For the English portion of the naturalization test you must demonstrate an understanding of the English language, including the ability to read, write, and speak basic English.

  • Your ability to speak and understand English will be determined by a USCIS officer during your eligibility interview on Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.
  • For the reading test, you must read out loud one out of three sentences correctly to demonstrate an ability to read in English.
  • For the writing test, you must write one out of three sentences correctly to demonstrate an ability to write in English.

Civics Test (2008 Version)
The civics portion of the naturalization test is an oral test. The USCIS officer will ask you up to 10 questions from the list of 100 civics test questions. You must answer 6 questions correctly to pass the civics test.

For more information, refer to the USCIS Policy Manual Volume 12, Part E, English and Civics Testing and Exceptions, Chapter 2, English and Civics Testing

65/20 Special Consideration

If you are 65 years old or older and have been living in the United States as a lawful permanent resident of the United States for 20 or more years, you may study just the 20 questions that have been marked with an asterisk (*). You may also take the naturalization test in the language of your choice. For more information, see exceptions and accommodations or the USCIS Policy Manual Citizenship and Naturalization Guidance.

Note: On the naturalization test, some answers may change because of elections or appointments. You must answer the question with the name of the official serving at the time of your naturalization interview. For the answers to these specific questions, please visit the Civics Test Updates page.

Sign up to receive Citizenship Resource Center email updates. 

Search below for civics flash cards, interactive practice tests, study booklets, videos and more. You may purchase USCIS products and publications from the U.S. Government Bookstore.

Learn About the United States: Quick Civics Lessons (PDF, 8.93 MB)
Study booklet containing short lessons based on each of the 100 civics questions and answers on the naturalization test.
Preparing for the Naturalization Test: A Pocket Study Guide (English) (PDF, 455.08 KB)
This pocket study guide contains the list of 100 civics test questions and answers from the 2008 version of the civics test as well as the reading and writing vocabulary for the English portion of the naturalization test.
Preparing for the Naturalization Test: A Pocket Study Guide (Spanish) (PDF, 824.2 KB)
Preparación para el examen de naturalización: Guía de Bolsillo. Esta Guía de Bolsillo le ayudará a prepararse para el examen de naturalización.
The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States (PDF, 724.86 KB)
A pocket-size version of America's two most important documents.
The Citizen's Almanac (PDF, 8.53 MB)
Booklet highlighting citizenship rights and responsibilities, prominent foreign-born Americans, and patriotic symbols.
Becoming a U.S. Citizen: An Overview of the Naturalization Process (Play Video)
This presentation provides a general overview of the naturalization process including where to find immigration information and the general requirements for obtaining U.S. citizenship.
Becoming a U.S. Citizen (MP4, 36.39 MB)
Becoming a U.S. Citizen Transcript (PDF, 126.18 KB)
The USCIS Naturalization Interview and Test (Play Video)
The USCIS Naturalization Interview and Test video provides an overview of the naturalization process and testing requirements. The video highlights scenes from the naturalization interview, including the English and civics portions of the naturalization test. This video also comes with a Teacher Guide for educators to use as part of their classroom resources.
Download File (MP4, 42.19 MB)
Teacher Guide (PDF, 736.27 KB)
Reading Vocabulary Flash Cards for the Naturalization Test (PDF, 707.59 KB)
Easy-to-use flash cards containing vocabulary words to help study for the English reading portion of the naturalization test.
Writing Vocabulary Flash Cards for the Naturalization Test (PDF, 1014.08 KB)
Easy-to-use flash cards containing vocabulary words to help study for the English writing portion of the naturalization test.
Reading Test Vocabulary List for the Naturalization Test (PDF, 184.75 KB)
Official list of vocabulary for the English reading portion of the naturalization test.
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