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?
USCIS will begin administering the redesigned (new) naturalization test on October 1, 2008. Use the chart below to determine if you will take the current or redesigned (new) test.
| Date Form N-400 Filed* | Date of Initial Exam | Test to be Taken | If Applicant Fails Initial Exam, Re-test to be Taken |
| Before October 1, 2008 | Before October 1, 2008 | Current Test | Current Test |
| Before October 1, 2008 | On or After October 1, 2008 up until October 1, 2009 | Applicant's Choice of -Current Test or -Redesigned (New) Test | The same version of the test as the one taken during the initial examination |
| On or After October 1, 2008 | On or After October 1, 2008 | Redesigned (New) Test | Redesigned (New) Test |
| At Any Time (i.e. Before, On or After October 1, 2008) | On or After October 1, 2009 | Redesigned (New) Test | Redesigned (New) Test |
*The Application for Naturalization, Form N-400, is properly filed with USCIS on the date it is received by the appropriate USCIS Office 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.
