Becoming a citizen of the United States is an exciting and meaningful accomplishment that many people strive to achieve. The final step in this process is passing the citizenship exam, which assesses your knowledge of US history, government, and laws. Although it may seem challenging; you can feel confident and well-prepared to ace the test with the right resources and preparation. In this article, we will highlight the various resources and materials available to help you study for the citizenship exam.
Next, we will answer the following questions:
- What is the citizenship exam?
- Can I take the citizenship exam in a language other than English, such as Spanish?
- Are there free resources available to help me study for the citizenship exam?
- How many times can I take the citizenship exam?
- What happens if I don’t pass the citizenship exam?
- After passing the citizenship exam, when can I expect to receive my naturalization certificate?
What is the citizenship exam?
The citizenship exam is a test that assesses your knowledge of US history, government, and laws. It is an essential component of the process of becoming a citizen of the United States. The exam consists of two parts: a civics test and an English language test. The civics test covers important topics such as the US Constitution and the rights and responsibilities of US citizens. The English language test assesses your ability to read, write, and speak in English. You may file your application for naturalization 90 calendar days before you complete your continuous residence requirement. To find out when you are eligible to file, please click here to use the USCIS early filing calculator.
Can I take the citizenship exam in a language other than English, such as Spanish?
According to USCIS, there are exceptions and modifications to the naturalization requirements that are available to those who qualify. You are exempt from the English language requirement, but are still required to take the civics test if you are one of the following:
- Age 50 or older at the time of filing for naturalization and have lived as a permanent resident (Green Card holder) in the United States for 20 years (commonly referred to as the 50/20 exception).
OR
- Age 55 or older at the time of filing for naturalization and have lived as a permanent resident in the United States for 15 years (commonly referred to as the 55/15 exception).
Please note that even if you qualify for the exceptions listed above, you must still take the civics test, but now you can take it in your native language. You must also bring an interpreter to your interview who must be fluent in English and your native language. For more information, click here.
Are there free resources available to help me study for the citizenship exam?
Yes, free resources are available to help you study for the citizenship exam.
- Citizenship Resource Center: Provides access to free study guides, online practice tests, and study materials provided by USCIS.
- Libraries: USCIS has been working on partnering with libraries throughout the US to give them access to civics and citizenship toolkits, resources, and study materials. To find the library closest to you, click here.
- Online resources: Many free online resources offer educational videos and interactive learning tools. Here are some examples:
- Citizenship Study Guide: offers a free practice test, flashcards, writing practice, and more.
- US Citizenship Test Class: USAHello offers a free online class to help you prepare for the civics test and the naturalization interview.
How many times can I take the citizenship exam?
If you do not pass the citizenship exam on your first attempt, you can take the exam a second time. You will be tested on the portion of the exam that you originally failed. If you are unable to pass the exam after the second attempt, your citizenship application will be denied. You will be required to reapply for naturalization and begin the process again. However, this is very uncommon. According to USCIS, more than 96 percent of applicants pass the test on either their first or second try.
When can I expect to receive my naturalization certificate after passing the exam?
After passing the citizenship exam, you will be scheduled for a naturalization ceremony, where you will take the Oath of Allegiance and receive your naturalization certificate. The timing of the ceremony may vary depending on your location and the availability of ceremonies. Ceremonies typically occur within a few weeks to a few months after passing the exam.
