Before you become a U.S. citizen, you must pass the United States Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) Naturalization Test. The test is broken into two parts. The first part looks at the applicant's English writing, reading and speaking skills. The second part looks at the applicant's knowledge of U.S. civics (history and government).

Study Materials for the English Writing Test

Applicants will be provided with up to three chances to correctly write a sentence dictated by the adjudications officer in English. To help applicants prepare, USCIS has released this vocabulary list containing all of the words found in the redesigned writing test items.

Study Materials for the English Reading Test

Applicants will be provided with up to three chances to correctly read a sentence in English. To help applicants prepare, USCIS has released this vocabulary list containing all of the words found in the redesigned reading test items.

100 Questions and Answers on U.S. Civics

This new list of questions and answers reflects the redesign of the U.S. civics portion of the Naturalization Test. During the test you will be asked 10 questions from this list. You must answer correctly at least 6 of the 10 questions to pass. The questions are available in English, Spanish and Chinese.

Special Set of Civics Questions for Individuals Age 65 or Over Who Have Been Permanent Residents for 20 Years or More

Applicants 65 years or older who have been permanent residents for 20 years or more can take an easier exam. The list is available in English and Spanish.

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FREE and Low Cost ESL and Civics Courses in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania*

The naturalization interview will be in English, unless you qualify for an exemption. The interview serves as the speaking portion of both the current and redesigned English tests. To help you prepare, we have compiled a list of free and low cost ESL and civics classes that are available throughout New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania.

*This is not a comprehensive list of all available options. The CUNY Citizenship and Immigration Project does not endorse any of the programs listed.