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The U.S. Naturalization Test
English and Civics Requirements

To be eligible for naturalization, you must be able to read, write, and speak basic English. You must also have a basic knowledge of U.S. history and government (also known as “civics”).

During your interview, a USCIS officer will test your ability to read, write, and speak English and your knowledge of civics. An officer will ask you to read up to three sentences in English and write up to three dictated sentences in English. The officer will test you in civics through an oral exam of up to ten questions. Your ability to speak English is determined during your interview on the Application for Naturalization, Form N-400.

In September 2007, USCIS introduced a redesigned (new) naturalization test. Naturalization applicants will have the opportunity to take the redesigned test starting in October 2008.

Which Test Do I Take?

An applicant who:

  • Files* the Application for Naturalization, Form N-400, BEFORE October 1, 2008, and is scheduled for his or her naturalization interview ON or AFTER October 1, 2008 up until October 1, 2009, can choose to take the old test or the new test.
  • Files* the Application for Naturalization, Form N-400, ON or AFTER October 1, 2008, will take the new test.
  • Is scheduled for his or her naturalization interview ON or AFTER October 1, 2009, regardless of when he or she filed* the Application for Naturalization, Form N-400, will take the new test.
  • The Application for Naturalization, Form N-400, is properly filed with USCIS on the date it is received by the appropriate USCIS location with signature, correct fee, and the form is completed according to instructions.

*The Application for Naturalization, Form N-400, is properly filed with USCIS on the date it is received by the appropriate USCIS location with signature, correct fee, and the form is completed according to instructions.

Exemptions from English and Civics Requirements

Some applicants are exempt from the English requirements for naturalization based on their age and amount of time as a permanent resident. These applicants must still take the civics test.

You do not take the English test if you are

Lived as permanent resident in the United States for

You still take the

Age 50 or older

20 years

civics test in your language

Age 55 or older

15 years

civics test in your language

Age 65 or older

20 years

simplified civics test in your language

Applicants with a physical or developmental disability or a mental impairment so severe that it prevents acquiring or demonstrating the required knowledge of English and civics, may be eligible for an exception to these requirements. To request this exception, you must file a Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions, Form N-648.

USCIS provides accommodations or modifications for applicants with physical or mental impairments that make it difficult for them to complete the naturalization process. In order for USCIS to have enough advance notice to respond to accommodation requests, applicants are encouraged to state their needs on the place provided in the Application for Naturalization, Form N-400.

See A Guide to Naturalization for more information on the naturalization process. For more information on study materials for the U.S. naturalization test, select from the links below.


New Naturalization Test

Old Naturalization Test