How to pass the civics exam on your first attempt

On average, 10% of applicants take the naturalization test a second time to pass. In this video, I'm going to share tips on how to avoid retaking the test so that you can save time in your naturalization journey. My name is Samantha Rijkers. I'm the senior manager of the Citizenship Project at the New York Historical Society. I've been in this role for five years and assisted over 6,000 people in successfully preparing for their civics exam. I personally relate to this topic because I'm an immigrant from the Netherlands. I passed the test myself and became a US citizen in 2019.

The naturalization interview consists of three components, review of the N400 application form, an English reading and writing test, and a civics test. Most people find the civics test challenging. Even for native born Americans, only three out of 10 pass without studying. It's especially difficult for immigrants since they haven't been in the American school system. So what are the four most important challenges to overcome? Challenge one, 100 questions and answers. The civics test consists of 100 questions about American history and government. During the interview, the officer will ask you up to 10 questions and you have to answer six correctly to pass. This is an oral test. The officer will ask you the questions and you have to respond verbally. While the questions haven't changed since 2008, the answers to some of these questions might change. For example, who the president is now. When you have your interview, make sure that your answers to those questions are up to date. Challenge two, getting the timing right. When you submit your application for naturalization, you can have anywhere from a few months until over a year until you have your actual naturalization interview. However, once you do receive your interview notice, you usually only have a few weeks left to prepare for your civics test. This is why we recommend starting to prepare for your civics test as soon as you submit your application. That will give you the benefits of having more time to study all 100 questions, you can take a citizenship class and you will avoid cramming which will make you more nervous during the actual interview. If you do not pass your civics test, you will have another chance. However, this will add another couple of months to your naturalization journey and a lot more stress. Challenge three, having a good handle of the English language. Just memorizing the hundred questions of the civics test is not enough.

In addition to this civics test, there's also an English reading and writing test during the interview. The content of the English reading and writing test is very similar to the civics test, so preparing well for the civics test will help you get ready for this portion of the naturalization interview as well. Challenge four, how to study. 100 questions is a lot and there are many different options for studying for the test. You can watch videos, use flashcards or take a citizenship class to prepare. One thing that often people forget is that the test is verbal and not multiple choice. Often when you search online for practice tests, they will be multiple choice. So keep that in mind and use different study methods to help you be better prepared for your naturalization interview.

The New York Historical Society is New York's first museum and we launched the Citizenship Project in 2017. What makes our program unique is that we do not use textbooks. We use paintings, artifacts, and documents from our collections to teach American history. 98% of our students pass on their first try. Our students have found it very helpful to study the history behind the civics test questions and have visuals to go along with it so that it's easier to remember. Our classes are also conversation based so you can practice your English skills as well. The Citizenship Project classes are free and offered online at different times so we can meet everyone's schedules and needs. We would love to help you study for your civics test and assist you on your path to citizenship. So please reach out when you're ready to get started.

Detailed Explanation of the Civics Exam

The U.S. Civics Exam, a crucial part of the naturalization process, is an oral test administered by a USCIS Officer. Depending on the version of the test, the officer will ask you a selection of questions from a larger pool. For instance, you might be asked 10 questions out of a possible 100, or 20 questions out of a pool of 128. The goal of this test is to assess your knowledge of U.S. history, government, and civic values. To pass the test, you must answer a certain number of questions correctly, typically at least 60%. For example, if you're asked 10 questions, you must answer at least 6 correctly to pass. It's important to note that the questions are asked orally, and you'll need to respond in the same manner, so good comprehension and verbal communication skills in English are essential.

Preparation Tips and Strategies

Preparing for the Civics Exam requires more than just memorizing a list of questions and answers. It's about understanding the principles and history that underpin the U.S. government and society. Here are some strategies to help you prepare effectively:

Understand, Don't Just Memorize: Try to comprehend the context and meaning behind each question and answer. This will not only help you remember the information but also enable you to respond confidently even if the question is phrased differently during the test.

Use Spaced Repetition: This study technique involves reviewing the material at increasing intervals over time, which has been scientifically proven to improve long-term retention of information.

Leverage Flashcards: Write the questions on one side of a card and the answers on the other. Regularly practice with these flashcards, shuffling them each time to ensure you're not just memorizing the order.

Engage in Group Study: If possible, join a study group. Explaining answers to others can reinforce your understanding, and you can learn from the insights of your peers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How difficult is the Civics Exam? The difficulty of the exam can vary depending on your preparation and familiarity with U.S. history and government. However, with effective study methods and resources, many applicants find the test manageable and pass on their first attempt.

Can I retake the Civics Exam if I fail? Yes, if you fail the Civics Exam during your naturalization interview, you will be given a second opportunity to pass. The retest usually occurs within 60 to 90 days of the initial interview.

What resources are available for preparation? There are numerous resources available to help you prepare for the Civics Exam. The USCIS website provides a list of all possible questions and answers. Additionally, there are various online platforms, books, and courses that offer comprehensive study guides, practice tests, and preparation tips. Some community organizations also offer free or low-cost preparation classes.