How to Pass the U.S. Citizenship Test
The naturalization test is in two parts – a written test and an oral test in English, and an oral test in civics. Make yourself familiar with the sample questionnaire and the rules of the tests. You can also take the help of local organizations that help in clearing the English and civics tests.
You will have two opportunities to pass the English and civics tests per application. If you fail any portion of the test during your first interview, you will have to re-appear for that portion of the test that you failed between 60 and 90 days from the date of your initial interview. According to the USCIS, 92 percent of applicants pass this test.
The details of these tests are given below.
Steps to Pass the US Citizenship Test
1. The English Test:
- Section 312 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) requires that you possess basic ability to read, write and speak English.
- You will be asked oral questions by the USCIS officer and the officer should be satisfied that you are able to understand and respond in English.
- You will have to read one out of three sentences in a way that will convince the officer that you understand the meaning of it. You will not be failed because of an accent.
- You may be exempted from the English test if you are physically or mentally challenged to take the test or;
- You, at the time of filing N-400 Application for Naturalization, are over 50 years old and have been a permanent resident for at least 20 years, or are over 55 years old and have been a permanent resident for at least 15 years.
2. The Civics Test:
- The test will be oral.
- You will have to answer a minimum of six questions out of ten, correctly.
- Once you have answered six questions correctly, the USCIS officer will stop the test.
