Help with the Naturalization Civics Test
Posted Sep 23, 2005
©MurthyDotCom
For many, one of the more daunting and difficult phases of the process of naturalization to United States citizenship is the civics test. With limited exceptions, applicants for naturalization must be able to pass a test on their English skills and knowledge of U.S. government and history (civics). Many of the questions are not particularly complex, they just may be unfamiliar to those not from the U.S. For example, while the U.S. flag colors of red, white and blue are known to most, the symbolic meaning of the colors is probably unknown even to some who have lived in the U.S. all their lives. The USCIS has devised some teaching aids to help applicants prepare for this test.
©MurthyDotCom
The teaching aids are available on the USCIS WebSite and include flash cards, a question and answer list, and a new booklet of quick civics lessons. Those planning to file for naturalization or who have cases pending should review this material and prepare for the test. Being tested in this context often causes anxiety, so preparation is necessary to passing the test.
©MurthyDotCom
Those considering filing for naturalization or who are unsure of whether they qualify, should review our articles, Basic Eligibility Requirements for Naturalization (Feb 12, 2002 ), and  Benefits of Becoming a U.S. Citizen (Feb 8, 2002 ), both of which are available on MurthyDotCom. We at The Law Office of Sheela Murthy thank the USCIS for providing these user-friendly test preparation materials and believe that many will find them helpful.