In the interest of creating a more standardized, fair, and meaningful naturalization process, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently completed a multi-year redesign of the naturalization test. The revised test, with an emphasis on the fundamental concepts of American democracy and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, will help encourage citizenship applicants to learn and identify with the basic values we all share as Americans.
Redesign Process
The major aim of the redesign process is to ensure that naturalization applicants have uniform, consistent testing experiences nationwide, and that the civics test can effectively assess whether applicants have a meaningful understanding of U.S. government and history. Following a basic U.S. history and civics curriculum, the redesigned test will serve as an important instrument to encourage civic learning and patriotism among prospective citizens.
To accomplish these goals, USCIS initially piloted a new test–with an overhauled English reading and writing section, as well as new history and government questions–in ten sites across the country. The feedback from this pilot was then used to finalize testing procedures, English reading and writing prompts, and a list of 100 new history and government questions. To ensure the pilot accounted for a representative sample of candidates with a variety of education levels, the test was also piloted at adult education sites nationwide.
The resulting redesigned test was publicly introduced on September 27, 2007. Naturalization applicants will begin taking the revised test on October 1, 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 old 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 | Old Test | Old Test |
| Before October 1, 2008 | On or After October 1, 2008 up until October 1, 2009 | Applicant's Choice of
-Old 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.
This page can be found at http://www.uscis.gov/newtest
