Atlanta’s Best Immigration Attorneys

Atlanta’s Best Immigration Attorneys

How difficult is the naturalization test?

On Behalf of | May 20, 2019 | Immigration Law

As an immigrant living in Georgia, you likely have questions about the naturalization test you will be required to pass in order to become a U.S. citizen. What does it cover? How do you take it? Can you retake it if you fail to pass it the first time you take it?

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services explains that the first thing you should do is fill out an interview application and schedule an initial interview with the USCIS. As part of this interview, the officer will ask you about both your application and your background. Do not become frightened. All (s)he really wants to do is talk with you in English to see how well you understand and can use the language.

You will then need to schedule times to take two written tests: one on English and one on American civics. If you wish, you may attend classes ahead of time that will enhance your English proficiency and also teach you more about the duties and rights you will have as an American citizen.

English test

The English test entails three parts as following:

  1. A speaking test that you actually “took” during your initial interview
  2. A reading test
  3. A writing test

The reading test consists of reading three English sentences out loud. You must read at least one of them correctly. For the writing test, you will listen to three English sentences and then must write at least one of them correctly.

Civics test

The civics test consists of 10 multiple-choice questions about such things as American government, geography, history, holidays, etc. For this test, you must answer at least six of the questions correctly.

Retake opportunity

If you fail to answer the minimum required number of questions on either or both of the tests, this does not mean that you cannot become a U.S. citizen. Instead, you can take the test(s) again any time within 90 days. You can also take or retake naturalization classes before retaking your test(s).

This is general educational information and not intended to provide legal advice.