Tips for the US Civics Test

To become a naturalized citizen in the US, you must pass the US civics test and naturalization interview. The interview and test, administered by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (UCIS), is a two-part process that determines whether a potential citizen is "eligible" for citizenship. Knowing what's in store for you as you prepare for the test can help you approach the process with more confidence.

What Is a US Naturalization Interview?

The US Naturalization Interview is a preliminary process that prospective citizens must engage in before taking the civics test.

During the interview, a UCIS officer will ask you about:

• your background,
• why you want to become a citizen,
• what evidence supports your citizenship case,
• your perspective on the constitution, and
• your willingness to take an Oath of Allegiance to the US.

During the interview, you'll be placed under oath, so falsifying any answers may result in legal penalties. You should review your N-400 application before attending the appointment since the officer will cross-reference your N-400 application to double-check the accuracy of your answers.

What's the Civics Test Like?

The US civics test can be broken down into two parts:

1. An English test that assesses your ability to read, write, and speak American English

2. A civics test that evaluates your knowledge of US history and the country's governmental structure

There are a few things you can do to prepare for the test:

• Start reading as much US history as you can. US history books for children are a great place to start. Once you're more comfortable with the language, start reading textbooks. You can follow this link to access some free study tools for the test.
• Watch US TV shows. They may not always be accurate, even if they're historical, but they can help you learn more about the country and speak more fluently.
• Write as much as you can. Writing in American English can be difficult if you're not fluent. Try and write as much as you can—for example, write reviews of American movies you watch and share them with your friends or post them online and ask for feedback.
• Take the practice tests. The UCIS provides practice tests and flashcards you can use.
• Try and study with other immigrants. If you can, find other potential citizens to study with.

The US civics test can be challenging, but with the right preparation, you can pass it and move on to the next step in the citizenship process.