What is the Naturalization Test
To become a lawful U.S. citizen, immigrants must petition through the naturalization process. The naturalization process requires the filling and filing of the Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. In addition to completing this 14 section form, applicants must also pass a naturalization test. The naturalization test is aimed to demonstrate the prospective citizen is capable of basic English reading, writing, and speaking skills. The applicants are also required to demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the United States history and government. Collectively, these are called U.S. civics. After the applicant submits the Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, the applicant will go to a biometrics appoint to have his or her fingerprint taken at a USCIS facility. Afterwards, the applicant will receive an appointment for a naturalization interview. During the naturalization interview, applicants will be asked questions regarding their application and personal background. In addition, applicants must demonstrate their English language ability and knowledge of U.S. civics during the naturalization interview. In special circumstances, an applicant may receive a waiver or exemption. However, the majority of citizenship applicants must follow through the naturalization test.

The Content of the Naturalization Test: English and Civics
Individuals will be tested by a United States Citizenship and Immigration Services officer during the interview. The individual will need to demonstrate his or her ability to read, write, and speak the English language as well as knowledge of U.S. civics. During the test, the applicant will need to read one sentence out of three sentences correctly in English and write one sentence out of three sentences without error. The applicant's speaking ability will also be assessed during the course of the interview. To pass the civics component, individuals must answer correctly six out of ten civics questions.

What Happens When an Applicant Fails the Naturalization Test
Applicants are given two chances to take the English and civics test. If the applicant fails any portion of the naturalization test, the applicant will be allowed a retest on the specific portion within sixty to ninety days after the initial naturalization interview. During the retest, the applicant will take the same version of the naturalization test.

Preparing for the Naturalization Test
The USCIS has a section devoted to study materials on its website. There are materials that are devoted to help applicants learn about U.S. history and government. In addition to resources from the USCIS website, individuals should prepare with outside resources. To prepare for the civics component, individuals can study through educational history videos and history textbooks. For applicants with limited English proficiency, student history textbooks are particularly helpful because the language used is presented in an easy to understand way. To prepare for one's English language skills, the applicant should enroll in public English learning classes or find a private tutor. In addition to taking classes, applicants can improve their English proficiency through listening to public talk radios, reading books and newspapers, as well as watching U.S. television shows. For more information regarding the naturalization process and the naturalization test, applicants can access the Citizenship Resource Center on the USCIS website.