This study guide will help you prepare for the naturalization test to become a citizen. If you were not born in the United States, naturalization is the way that you can voluntarily become a U.S. citizen. To become a naturalized U.S. citizen, you must pass the naturalization test, which is made up of two components: English and civics.
This study guide includes:

• All 128 citizenship test questions and answers from the 2020 version of the civics test.
• The reading and writing vocabulary to help you prepare for the English test.
• General information on the eligibility requirements to become a U.S. citizen.

Before you apply for naturalization, you must meet a few requirements. Depending on your situation, different requirements may apply to you. Below is a list of the general eligibility requirements.

• Be at least 18 years old at the time you file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.
• Be lawfully admitted for permanent residence (have a “Green Card”) for at least five years.
• Show that you have lived for at least three months in the state or USCIS district where you apply.
• Demonstrate continuous residence in the United States for at least five years immediately preceding the date of filing Form N-400.
• Show that you have been physically present in the United States for at least 30 months out of the five years immediately preceding the date of filing Form N-400.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the English language, including the ability to read, write, and speak basic English.
• Have a basic understanding of U.S. history and government (civics).
• Demonstrate good moral character for at least five years prior to filing the Form N- 400, and during the period leading to the administration of the Oath of Allegiance.
• Demonstrate an attachment to the principles and ideals of the U.S. Constitution.

If you are a spouse of a U.S. citizen or a member of the U.S. military or family member, visit the Citizenship Resource Center at uscis.gov/citizenship for additional information and specific requirements that may apply to you.

For the English portion of the naturalization test you must demonstrate an understanding of the English language, including the ability to read, write, and speak basic English.

• For the reading test, you must read out loud one out of three sentences correctly to demonstrate an ability to read in English.
• For the writing test, you must write one out of three sentences correctly to demonstrate an ability to write in English.
• Your ability to speak and understand English is determined by the USCIS officer based on your answers to questions normally asked during the naturalization interview.

The 2020 version of the civics test covers important American government and history topics. There are 128 questions that make up the 2020 version of the civics test. During your naturalization interview, you will be asked 20 questions from the list of 128 civics test questions. You must answer at least 12 questions (or 60%) correctly to pass the 2020 version of the civics test.

Note: If you filed for naturalization on or after December 1, 2020, you will be required to take the 2020 version of the civics test.

You have two opportunities to take the English and civics tests per Form N-400 application. If you fail any portion of the test during your first interview, you will be retested only on the portion of the test that you failed at a second interview. USCIS will schedule you to return to be retested between 60 and 90 days after the date of your initial interview.

The Immigration and Nationality Act provides special consideration to applicants who, at the time of filing their Form N-400, are aged 65 years old or older, and who have been living in the United States as a lawful permanent resident for at least 20 years. Instead of studying all 128 civics questions, qualifying applicants are only required to study the 20 questions that have been marked with an asterisk (*) found at the end of each question.

Applicants who qualify for the 65/20 special consideration are exempt from the English requirements and may take the civics test in the language of their choice.

If you qualify for the 65/20 special consideration, a USCIS officer will ask you to answer 10 out of the 20 civics test questions with an asterisk. You must answer at least 6 out of 10 questions (or 60%) correctly to pass the 2020 version of the civics test.