What Is the Citizenship / Naturalization Test?
To become a U.S. citizen through naturalization, most applicants must pass a two-part test:
- English test — tests ability to speak, read, and write basic English
- Civics test — assesses knowledge of U.S. history, government, and civics principles
According to USCIS, under the 2025 civics test format, applicants are asked 20 questions from a pool of 128, and must answer at least 12 correctly to pass.
If an applicant fails one portion, they may retake that portion between 60–90 days later.
There are also exemptions / accommodations:
- Applicants of certain age + long time as permanent residents may skip English or civics exam
- Persons with disabilities may get modifications
How to Prepare for the Test
English Preparation
- Prepare to read aloud one sentence correctly out of three given sentences
- Prepare to write one correct sentence out of three options
- Speaking ability is assessed during the interview portion
Civics Preparation
- Study the official list of 128 possible civics questions and answers
- Practice mock tests combining history, government structure, functions of branches, civil rights, elections, etc.
- Use official study materials: flash cards, pocket guides, interactive quizzes
Interview Tips
- Be ready to answer questions about your N-400 application (background, residence, travel history)
- Bring required documents (green card, passports, proof of residence, etc.)
- Be calm, honest, clear in English, and answer confidently
How Dogpay Helps with Associated Costs & Services
The test and naturalization process often incur fees and related service costs (applications, document handling, translations). Dogpay can help in these financial flows:
- Paying Application / Test Fees If you reside abroad or your funds are held outside the U.S., Dogpay helps you transfer necessary dollars to USCIS or authorized agents, with transparent exchange rates and lower hidden costs.
- Translation / Notarization / Document Preparation You may need to translate or certify foreign documents. Dogpay supports payments to translation or notarization providers abroad or in the U.S.
- Courier / Shipping of Documents If documents must be mailed across borders, Dogpay can facilitate paying international courier or postal services.
- Service / Legal / Advisory Fees If you engage a consultant or attorney for test preparation or immigration services, Dogpay enables cross-border payments with full audit trail.
- Receipts & Audit Logs Each Dogpay transaction includes a timestamped receipt and exportable record—valuable if you need proof of payment for your application files.
- Minimizing Hidden FX / Bank Costs By contrast to traditional international transfers (which often include exchange markups or multiple intermediary fees), Dogpay helps reduce financial leakage so more of your funds support actual costs.
✨ Summary:
Passing the U.S. citizenship test requires both English and civics knowledge, with defined rules and study expectations. When test fees, document services, or legal assistance cross geographic borders, Dogpay can play a key support role—making those payments smoother, more transparent, and cost-efficient.
