Citizenship Test Independent Study Resources

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 

USAHello Classroom 

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:  

• 100 civics questions in ENGLISH  
• 100 civics questions in SPANISH  

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 free online Citizenship Classes throughout the year to prepare individuals for the Exam and the United States Customs & Immigration Services (USCIS) interview process. For more information about our Citizenship classes, click here.

Other organizations: 

• Novato Adult School (ESL classes only) 
• Immigrant Institute of the Bay Area (rolling admission)