A Better, Not Harder Citizenship Test
On October 1, 2008, USCIS began administering a new naturalization test. The need for a standardized and meaningful test has been the source of study and discussion for more than a decade. I’m proud of the new test and the commitment we’ve made to giving applicants a meaningful and consistent testing experience across the board.
The purpose of the redesign was twofold: to make sure we have uniform testing experiences nationwide; and to develop a civics test that can effectively assess an applicant’s knowledge of U.S. history and government as the law requires. Naturalization applicants deserve a fair and standardized testing experience no matter where they take the test.
USCIS has made every effort to minimize the impact of this change by allowing one full year for preparation and by working closely with national and local immigrant-serving organizations along the way. Since announcing the test in September 2007, we have trained more than 2,000 educators and service providers, launched a variety of new study materials, and embarked on an unprecedented outreach campaign. You can see the study materials and judge for yourself their quality by going to http://www.uscis.gov/. I believe that the result is an effort all Americans can be proud of and one immigrants need not fear.
I would like to take this opportunity to let applicants know that what we have is a better, not harder test. The format is the same, just standardized across our offices. The civics test has been revamped and improved; and our 2007 pilots showed that those who study for the new test should pass. As for the English test, applicants now know exactly how to prepare through publicly released vocabulary lists. Also, all naturalization applicants now receive a new English and civics study booklet when they are fingerprinted at one of our Application Support Centers.
The new test was designed to serve as a tool to encourage civic learning and attachment to the country. Our pilot studies and research have shown that better content and a consistent format have not made the test more difficult. Through proper preparation and study, eligible candidates will be successful in achieving their dream of becoming a U.S. citizen. We will, however, monitor the results of the new test carefully and make this information public.
I want to commend those of you preparing for U.S. citizenship. The decision to apply is a very personal one. As you take this important step, it is my hope that the naturalization process helps strengthen your attachment to the United States and the democratic ideals that make this nation great. Thanks for reading and I look forward to your comments.
Jonathan “Jock” Scharfen
Acting Director, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
The purpose of the redesign was twofold: to make sure we have uniform testing experiences nationwide; and to develop a civics test that can effectively assess an applicant’s knowledge of U.S. history and government as the law requires. Naturalization applicants deserve a fair and standardized testing experience no matter where they take the test.
USCIS has made every effort to minimize the impact of this change by allowing one full year for preparation and by working closely with national and local immigrant-serving organizations along the way. Since announcing the test in September 2007, we have trained more than 2,000 educators and service providers, launched a variety of new study materials, and embarked on an unprecedented outreach campaign. You can see the study materials and judge for yourself their quality by going to http://www.uscis.gov/. I believe that the result is an effort all Americans can be proud of and one immigrants need not fear.
I would like to take this opportunity to let applicants know that what we have is a better, not harder test. The format is the same, just standardized across our offices. The civics test has been revamped and improved; and our 2007 pilots showed that those who study for the new test should pass. As for the English test, applicants now know exactly how to prepare through publicly released vocabulary lists. Also, all naturalization applicants now receive a new English and civics study booklet when they are fingerprinted at one of our Application Support Centers.
The new test was designed to serve as a tool to encourage civic learning and attachment to the country. Our pilot studies and research have shown that better content and a consistent format have not made the test more difficult. Through proper preparation and study, eligible candidates will be successful in achieving their dream of becoming a U.S. citizen. We will, however, monitor the results of the new test carefully and make this information public.
I want to commend those of you preparing for U.S. citizenship. The decision to apply is a very personal one. As you take this important step, it is my hope that the naturalization process helps strengthen your attachment to the United States and the democratic ideals that make this nation great. Thanks for reading and I look forward to your comments.
Jonathan “Jock” Scharfen
Acting Director, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Labels: citizenship, USCIS
posted by DHS at
3:58 PM
2 Comments:
As a citizen, I have reviewed the test. I'm not complaining, but I'd like to suggest some additions if possible.
(1) Add a section on the responsibilities of citizenship (developing that would be a significant challenge; however, I can't think of anything that wouldn't provide greater value over time. It would also become the source of a good deal of soul-searching on the part of those of us who are already citizens).
(2) Add a few questions on banking and money. If people are going to function as citizens in this society, they should know the denominations of money and how to make change, and they should know something about banking, loans, and interest (the recent housing debacle shows that pretty well). Finally, they should know something (1 or 2 questions) on the stock market, since it's so important to us here.
(3) Add some questions dealing with how to view news and advertizements through a critical eye.
(4) Add some questions dealing with basic life safety (e.g. what number do you call if you are in trouble (911)), some standard safety signs (e.g. stop sign, DANGER sign, POISON sign, etc.) and actions (e.g. traffic runs on the right side of the road here, etc.).
(5) Add some questions dealing with the law and the police (e.g. how should you view the police? If they tell you to do something, what should you do? Are there things they CANNOT tell you to do? What is a lawyer, and what is his role? What is a judge, and what is his role? What is a jury, and what is his role? If you are called to be on a jury, what are your responsibilities?).
(6) Add some basic math problems (e.g. can they balance a checkbook?)
By the time these folks get to this point, they should already know these things, but it's necessary to check.
You might also observe that these same questions need to be dealt with in the standard American school curriculum. I'd heartily agree, PARTICULARLY the areas pertaining to the responsibilities of citizenship.
Thanks for letting me review this and comment on it.
By
arclight, At
October 16, 2008 6:16 AM
I agree with the brilliant suggestion of archlite the proposal will produce more confident and patriotic citizens fully conversant with the basics of democratic culture of USA. The proposed quiz will not harden the test any way.
By
Anonymous, At
October 23, 2008 5:41 PM
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