US Citizenship English Test: Reading, Writing and Speaking Explained

Short answer: The English test at the US naturalization interview has three parts. Speaking is assessed during your conversation with the USCIS officer. For reading, you must read one of up to three sentences aloud correctly. For writing, you must write one of up to three dictated sentences correctly. Some older long-term residents are exempt.

The three parts of the English test

1. Speaking

There is no separate speaking exam. The officer assesses your speaking throughout the interview, mostly while you answer questions about your Form N-400. You need to understand the questions and answer them clearly. Perfect grammar is not required.

2. Reading

You read sentences aloud from a tablet or card. You pass when you read one sentence correctly, which means without long pauses and without changing or leaving out words in a way that changes the meaning.

3. Writing

The officer reads a sentence aloud and you write it down. You pass when you write one sentence in a way the officer can understand. Small spelling or punctuation mistakes are usually fine if the meaning is clear.

What words should I study?

USCIS publishes official reading and writing vocabulary lists. Most words relate to civics and history: names of presidents, holidays, government words such as Congress and vote, and common question words. Studying these lists is the most efficient way to prepare.

Who is exempt from the English test?

• 50/20: Applicants aged 50 or older who have been permanent residents for at least 20 years.
• 55/15: Applicants aged 55 or older who have been permanent residents for at least 15 years.
• Medical exception: Applicants with a qualifying physical, developmental or mental impairment can request an exception with Form N-648.

Applicants who qualify under 50/20 or 55/15 must still take the civics test, but they may take it in their own language with an interpreter. Read more in our guide to citizenship test exemptions.

How to practice for the English test

1. Read the vocabulary lists aloud every day until you can say each word without hesitation.
2. Write dictated sentences. Ask a friend to read sentences aloud, or record yourself and play them back.
3. Practice answering questions about your N-400 in full sentences: “I have lived at my address for three years.”
4. Learn the civics answers out loud with our US citizenship practice test. It improves your speaking at the same time.

Tip: If you do not understand a question at the interview, it is fine to say “Could you please repeat that?” or “Could you say that in a different way?” Asking is much better than guessing.

What if I fail the English test?

You get a second chance at a re-examination appointment, usually within 60 to 90 days, and you are only re-tested on the part you failed. See our full guide to the naturalization interview.

Official sources

• USCIS: Study for the Test