As you likely already know, as an immigrant, you must take and pass the naturalization test in order to become a U.S. citizen. However, you may not know what this test entails.
Per the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the test has two parts: an English test and a civics test, both designed to determine your comfort level with the English language, plus your understanding of some basic facts about the United States.
English test
The English test contains the following three parts:
- Speaking
- Reading
- Writing
For the speaking part, the USCIS officer simply interviews you in English, asking you general questions about yourself and your citizenship application. He or she expects you to answer in English.
For the reading part, your interviewer gives you a piece of paper containing three English sentences for you to read out loud. You must correctly read at least one of these questions.
For the writing part, he or she asks you three questions in English. You must write your answers in English, answering at least one of them correctly.
Civics test
The civics test consists of 10 multiple-choice questions about U.S. history, holidays, the form of government, etc. The test, written in English, requires you to choose at least six of the correct answers.
Retesting opportunity
In the event you fail one or more of the parts, do not panic. You have the right to retake any parts you failed whenever you wish, as long as your second attempt takes place 90 or fewer days after your first try. This gives you plenty of time to brush up on your English skills or take a citizenship course that better prepares you for the test.