How to prepare for the US Citizenship test

How to prepare for the US Citizenship test

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To become a US citizen, applicants must undergo the naturalization process, including passing a two-part naturalization test. The first component of this test evaluates an applicant’s proficiency in the English language by assessing their ability to read, write, and speak in English. The second component, the civics test, evaluates an applicant’s knowledge of US history and government, including the fundamentals of the Constitution, the branches of government, and the rights and responsibilities of citizens.

While most naturalization applicants must take both components of the exam, some applicants may be eligible for an exemption based on age, medical conditions, or time as Green Card holders. Each applicant has two opportunities to take the test. It is important to note that passing the naturalization test is a crucial step in the naturalization process and is necessary for individuals to become US citizens.

Therefore, if you are scheduled to take this test soon, here are some tips to prepare for it.

Tips for taking the US Citizenship test

Adequate study for the naturalization test is critical to successfully obtaining US citizenship. To help you get ready, USCIS provides study materials for each test component, including the English and civics tests.

You can follow these helpful tips to pass the exam:

• Start learning now. This may seem obvious, but the earlier you become familiar with the naturalization test questions and answers, the more time you have to study and remember the information. Starting early also gives you more opportunities to address specific vulnerabilities.
• Read children’s books. Most of the vocabulary used in the English test is simple vocabulary from children’s books. Reading children’s books can help you become familiar with basic English words and their use in sentences.
• Watch and listen. If you are visual or auditory learners, you may find video and audio learning materials more engaging and effective.

USCIS provides these materials, as well as large print guides, to assist people with low vision. Another resource called USA Learns also offers free videos and other multimedia content as an alternative to studying civics test material.

• Request for help. Some people learn best when practicing what they have learned with others. As you become more comfortable with this learning method, you may want to enlist the help of a friend or family member, especially someone familiar with spoken English, to help you with pronunciation. You don’t have to be a civics expert either, as the answers to most civics questions are provided in the study materials – although prior knowledge certainly helps! Ask them to quiz you from time to time to make sure you retain what you learn.
• Take practice tests. You may feel more confident knowing what to expect on the day of the test. Therefore, it is essential to take practice exams offered by USCIS that simulate actual exams.
• Slow down. If you’re easily overwhelmed with information—or don’t have a lot of time—you may find it easier to learn a small amount of material at a time, gradually building on what you already know. For example, you might focus on the names of holidays until you get the spelling right. The next day, you can add another category of words (such as verbs) until you are satisfied with the entire list.
• Take Notes. USCIS provides index cards, each with lines on the back for notes. It’s a good idea to use these to your advantage. Write down information about each vocabulary or civic topic to help you remember it.
• Group questions together. When studying, it can be helpful to study words or questions that are related to each other. Scientific research shows that people remember information better when studying smaller, interconnected chunks.

What you need to know about the 2020 Civics Test

The 2020 Civic Test is a test that assesses an applicant’s knowledge of US history and government to become a naturalized US citizen. The test comprises 128 civics questions and answers, which you can find in a pocket study guide created for the 2020 version of the test. 

The test itself, however, consists of 100 civics questions, and during the naturalization interview, a USCIS Officer will ask up to 10 civics questions from the list of 100. To pass the test, an applicant must correctly answer at least 6 of the 10 questions asked by the officer. Various resources are available to help applicants prepare for the test, including study guides and practice tests that list all 100 civics questions and their correct answers. It is important to note that passing the Civics Test is only one of the requirements for naturalization, and applicants must also meet other eligibility criteria, such as demonstrating good moral character and proficiency in the English language.

Not everyone can take the 2020 Civic Test

The 2020 Civics Test is a new version of the preexisting test from 2008, and only a small portion of applicants may take it. If you filed Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, on or after December 2020 and before March 1, 2021, and had your interview scheduled before April 19, 2021, you may choose between the 2008 and the 2020 Civics Test. All others are required to take the 2008 version of the exam.

On December 1, 2020, USCIS decided to implement a revised naturalization Civics Test, known as the 2020 Civics Test, as part of a review and update process. Nonetheless, on March 1, 2021, they reverted to the 2008 version.

To know which version of the test you are required to take or if you can choose between the two, check the following:

1. Your filing date or received date on your N-400 notice at the top left corner.
2. Check the table below to find which scenario applies to you based on your filing and examination dates.

What happens after taking the Citizenship Test?

After completing the citizenship test, you will be notified of your results by USCIS on the same day. Depending on your exam results, you can expect the following:

• If you pass: Congratulations! You are almost done with the naturalization process. 

• If you fail: You can retake the entire exam (or just the section you failed), but the second exam will have different questions than the first. USCIS schedules your retest, usually about 60 to 90 days (two to three months) after your first exam appointment.

If you have more questions about your naturalization process or test, contact us at Kannan Law, immigration lawyers in San Diego, California.