Citizenship Test Independent Study Resources
March 8, 2021
ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING UPDATES TO THE CIVICS TEST
On February 22, 2021, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that be they will revert back to the 2008 version of the civics test for future citizenship interviews.Beginning on April 19, 2021, USCIS will only offer the 2008 civics test at the initial interview appointment regardless of filing date.Those who applied for citizenship between December 1, 2020 and March 1, 2021 can choose to take either the 2008 or the 2020 version of the test, as long as their interviews are before April 19, 2021. For more information, please visit the USCIS website.
USA Learns: U.S. Citizenship Course
In addition to English lessons, USA Learns now has a U.S. Citizenship course to help you prepare for your citizenship or naturalization interview. Create a free account to access the four units:
- Unit 1: Steps to Becoming a U.S. Citizen
- Unit 2: N-400 Interview Practice
- Unit 3: Civics, Reading and Writing Practice
- Unit 4: Your Interview and New Citizenship
The Refugee Center Online has a variety of resources to prepare you for the citizenship interview. Create a free account to access citizenship classes in ENGLISH and SPANISH.
CLINIC’s Citizenship Test Guide
This ebook provides written lessons on U.S. history and government relevant to the Citizenship Exam. It also includes a glossary of vocabulary terms and discussion questions for optional self-study.
USCIS Practice Test Video Series
Listening to the civics questions is a good way to study for the Citizenship Exam because the test is conducted verbally. Watch official USCIS Naturalization YouTube videos to learn more about the test and interview process.
Official List of the Civics Exam Questions
2008 edition:
What happens if I want to apply for citizenship but don’t speak English?
There are exemptions to the English-language requirement if:
- You have been a resident for at least 15 years and are at least 55 years old; or
- You have been a resident for at least 20 years and are at least 50 years old.
This means you can use an interpreter during the interview, including during the civics exam. Applicants who have been residents for at least 20 years and are at least 65 years old also qualify to take a shortened version of the exam.
Additionally, you can request an exemption to both the English-language and the civics testing requirements if a doctor can certify that you have a medical condition or disability that prevents you from learning English or studying for the exams. For more information, please visit the USCIS website’s Exceptions and Accommodations page.
Canal Alliance Citizenship Classes
Canal Alliance offers Citizenship classes in partnership with the Marin County Free Library. We help students prepare for the English and civics test and the naturalization interview. Classes are free and meet in person at Canal Alliance one evening per week.
Our spring and summer 2025 Citizenship classes are already full, but if you would like to join the waiting list, please fill out the Canal Alliance entrance form: Formulario de Ingreso de Canal Alliance Be sure to select “Citizenship classes” as the primary service you are interested in.
Note: to see the form in English, click “Select Language” at the top and then choose English.
You may also be interested in other resources to prepare for the Citizenship exam:
- Study guide with videos, English: https://usahello.org/citizenship/prepare/citizenship-test-questions/
- Study guide with videos, Spanish: https://usahello.org/es/ciudadania/preparate/preguntas-prueba-civica/
- Free online class to prepare for the test, English: https://classroom.usahello.org/programs/us-citizenship-test-preparation/
- Free online class to prepare for the test, Spanish: https://classroom.usahello.org/es/programs/us-citizenship-test-preparation/
- Practice test in English: https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship/civics-practice-test-2008
- Practice test in Spanish: https://www.uscis.gov/es/ciudadania/el-examen-practico-de-educacion-civica-del-2008
If you have questions, please contact Kate at 415-306-0474.
If you want to file a legal case for citizenship, please contact Canal Alliance’s Immigration Legal Services team for a consultation. Their phone number is 415-306-0437.
