Could You Pass the
U.S. Citizenship Test?
Immigrants must answer these questions to earn citizenship. Studies show only 36% of native-born Americans could pass the same exam. Find out where you stand.
Civics Flashcards
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Citizenship Resources
Deepen your understanding of American government, history, and civic life.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) administers a civics test as part of the naturalization process. Applicants must correctly answer 6 out of 10 questions — drawn from a published list of 100 — to pass.
Anyone applying to become a naturalized U.S. citizen must pass this test. A 2018 Woodrow Wilson Foundation survey found only 36% of Americans could pass — meaning most immigrants who earn citizenship know civics better than those born here.
A USCIS officer verbally asks 10 of the 100 civics questions during a naturalization interview. Applicants answer orally. Correct answers to 6 of the 10 earn a passing score.
Approximately 91% of naturalization applicants pass the civics test on their first attempt. Those who don't may retake it once before a final determination on their application.
Must be at least 18 years old, a lawful permanent resident for at least 5 years (3 years if married to a U.S. citizen), and have maintained continuous U.S. residence.
Submit Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, with USCIS. The current filing fee is $725. Low-income applicants may apply for a fee reduction using Form I-912.
Attend a biometrics appointment where fingerprints, photograph, and signature are collected for a background and security check.
A USCIS officer reviews your application, conducts an English language test, and administers the 10-question civics exam.
If approved, take the Oath of Allegiance at a naturalization ceremony. You are then officially a U.S. citizen — eligible to vote, apply for a U.S. passport, and more.
Vote in federal elections, run for most federal offices, obtain a U.S. passport, petition for close relatives to immigrate, apply for federal government jobs, and serve on a federal jury.
Regardless of citizenship status, all people in the U.S. have freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of the press, right to petition the government, and right to due process of law.
Citizens are expected to vote in elections, serve on a jury when summoned, pay taxes, obey federal and state laws, defend the country if needed, and participate in their communities.
Ratified in 1868, the 14th Amendment grants citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United States. It established birthright citizenship and guaranteed equal protection under the law.
Roughly 800,000 to 900,000 people are naturalized as U.S. citizens each year. There are approximately 22 million naturalized citizens in the United States today.
Major immigration waves: 1840s-1860s (Irish, German), 1880s-1920s (Southern/Eastern European), and 1965-present (Latin American, Asian, African). About 14% of the current U.S. population is foreign-born.
Albert Einstein, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Madeleine Albright, Henry Kissinger, Sergey Brin (Google co-founder), and Arianna Huffington are among notable Americans born abroad who became naturalized citizens.
A 2018 Woodrow Wilson Foundation survey found only 36% of Americans could pass the civics test. A 2019 Annenberg Public Policy Center survey found only 39% could name all three branches of government.