Events and Programs

New Citizenship Test

The U.S. Naturalization Test has changed.  On October 1, 2008, Naturalization applicants will begin taking the revised test with 100 New Questions.

What Does 'American' Mean? Find out what the New York Times has to say about the redesigned U.S. Naturalization test, and find ten of the new questions found on the test below:

10 Questions From the Redesigned Naturalization Test

Instructions: Read the following questions and write down your answers. When you are finished, use the link at the bottom of the page to see how many you answered correctly.

1. How many amendments does the Constitution have?
2. What stops one branch of government from becoming too powerful?
3. The House of Representatives has how many voting members?
4. There are four amendments to the Constitution about who can vote. Describe one of them.
5. What are two rights only for United States citizens?
6. The Federalist Papers supported the passage of the U.S. Constitution. Name one of the writers.
7. What territory did the United States buy from France in 1803?
8. Who was President during World War I?
9. Name one U.S. territory.
10. Why does the flag have 13 stripes?

Check the answers

Information about the Revised Test:

• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Redesigned Naturalization Test (301KB PDF)

• Redesigned Naturalization Test Informational Brochure (355KB PDF)
  A brochure outlining the content and guidelines for the redesigned naturalization test.

• Redesigned Naturalization Test: Civics (History and Government) Items (340KB PDF)
  List of 100 history and government items for the redesigned naturalization test.

• Redesigned Naturalization Test: Vocabulary List for the Reading Test (164KB PDF)
  Vocabulary list for the reading portion of the redesigned naturalization test.

• Redesigned Naturalization Test: Vocabulary List for the Writing Test (165KB PDF)
  Vocabulary list for the writing portion of the redesigned naturalization test.

• Content Comparison: Current vs. Redesigned Naturalization Test (264KB PDF)
  Side-by-side comparison of the current questions and the redesigned questions.

Practice Test Resources:

(available from the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Serivices Web Site, based on the current, not redesigned test.)

• Pocket Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States (732KB PDF)
  A pocket-size version of America's two most important documents.
• A Promise of Freedom: An Introduction to U.S. History and Civics for Immigrants
  A 12-minute video presentation on American civics and history.
• Civics Flash Cards (3461KB PDF)
  A useful study tool for students and teachers.
• The Citizen's Almanac (6672KB PDF)
  A handbook on U.S. civic history and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.

• Civics Flash Cards (reversed colors) (3465KB PDF)

• Learn About the United States: Quick Civics Lessons (English Version) (1242KB PDF)
  Short lessons based on the U.S. history and government questions found on the naturalization test.

• Learn About the United States: Quick Civics Lessons (Spanish Version) (1496KB PDF)

• Sample U.S. History and Government Questions (English Version) (169KB PDF)
  Study questions for naturalization test preparation.

• Sample U.S. History and Government Questions (Chinese Version) (421KB PDF)
  Chinese translation of the study questions for naturalization test preparation.

• Sample U.S. History and Government Questions (Spanish Version) (198KB PDF)
  Spanish translation of the study questions for naturalization test preparation.

• Sample Civics Questions for Elderly Applicants (135KB PDF)

Test Resources Available from the Library:

Barron's U.S. Citizenship Test by Gladys E. Alesi. 323.6230973 Al25b7

Become a U.S. Citizen by Debbie M. Schell, Richard E. Schell, Kurt A. Wagner. 342. 73082 Sch26b

Becoming a Citizen by Margaret C. Jasper. 342. 73083 J312b

Becoming a U.S. Citizen: A Guide to the Law, Exam & Interview by Ilona M. Bray. 342.73083 B739b4

Citizenship a Bilingual Overview of United States History and Government [videorecording] S 323.6230973 C498c Video

Citizenship: Passing the Test. Literacy Skills by Lynne Weintraub. 323.60973 W433c

Citizenship Preparation the Interview (downloadable) [videorecording] produced and directed by Oscar Castagna.

Civics and Citizenship Toolkit a Collection of Educational Resources for Immigrants [Kit] compiled by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. 323.60973 Un3c2 Kit

Conviertase en Ciudadano Americano by Debbie M. Schell, Richard E. Schell, Kurt A. Wagner. World Language Collection. S 342. 73083 Sch26c

How to Become a U.S. Citizen by Debra R. Shpigler. 323. 6230973 Sh82h3

LearningExpress Library - online practice tests available for the history and civics portion of the U.S. Citizenship Exam.

For More Information:

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services - find information about services and benefits, immigration forms, laws and regulations, as well as information about the department and educational resources like those listed above.