Passing the naturalization test is a must if you want to become a US citizen. This is probably the most important step in the naturalization process, and there is no way you can take the Oath of Allegiance without it. Nonetheless, if you do not know much about this test, here are the most important things that you should be aware of.
What To Expect on Naturalization Test
In order to take the naturalization test, every candidate must have the necessary knowledge about the USA history, as well as basic English language skills. USCIS requires each and every applicant for the US citizenship to take a newly remodeled naturalization test containing about 100 questions. The majority of these questions focus on the fundamental, civics and governmental rights of US citizens. All aspirants must prove their awareness about the history of the US country and its government by passing the test either the first time or the second. In normal circumstances, you cannot get more than two chances to clear this particular exam, unless you are willing to start the entire application process over again.
When it comes to actually preparing for the US citizenship test, you need all the tips that you can get. While most prospective citizens find the interview and the written test dreadful, you should begin preparing for it with a positive attitude. The fact that one would have to have meticulous knowledge of every little historical detail to pass the test is actually a myth. The reason why many applicants fail is because they fail to understand the basic objective of the naturalization test, which is to check whether the individual taking it knows the meaning of becoming an American, and values this opportunity.
Test Components and Study Materials
- The English Test
- Contains portions on reading, writing, and speaking
- You will be required to speak during the interview, read aloud 1 out of 3 sentences correctly, and write 1 out of 3 sentences correctly
- Study materials: visit the USCIS study guide page for a variety of government provided resources and sample questions, including an outside resource called USA Learns
- The Civics Test
- Contains portions on important US history and government topics
- You will be asked 10 questions out of 100 possible questions during your interview. You must answer 6 out of 10 correctly to pass the test.
- Study materials: visit the USCIS study guide page for a variety of government provided resources, including an outside resource called USA Learns
Sample Questions
- What does the Constitution do?
- sets up the government
- defines the government
- protects basic rights of Americans
- What is the name of the national anthem?
- The Star-Spangled Banner
- Who wrote the Declaration of Independence
- (Thomas) Jefferson
- What territory did the United States buy from France in 1803?
- the Louisiana Teriritory
- Louisiana
- What did Martin Luther King, Jr. do?
- fought for civil rights
- worked for equality for all Americans
Find Someone To Help You Study
In order to prove yourself worthy of becoming a US citizen, all you have to do is to learn the principles forming the foundation of the US government. In addition, exhibiting a fairly rational understanding of the history of the USA will ensure you are achieving your goal. One great way to make sure that you will properly prepare for the naturalization test is to find someone who can help you study. Someone who is already an American citizen and knows plenty of facts about the history of his or her country would be a good fit for the job. Moreover, an individual who has cleared this test before is just as good of a candidate for the study buddy position.
Last but not least, make sure you test yourself time after time until you feel confident enough that you can tackle even the most difficult questions in the test. Do not forget that the naturalization test is not intended to make you fail, so all the questions should be reasonable assuming that you understand the importance of becoming a US citizen.