Can you pass a U.S. citizenship test? Take this civics quiz

To become an American citizen, naturalization applicants must pass both an English language test and a U.S. civics test.

The U.S. civics test consists of 10 questions, and an applicant needs to get at least six correct to pass. The English language test is based on the applicant’s ability to read, write, speak, and understand words in ordinary usage. Naturalization applicants get two chances for each test.

To study for the civics test, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services provides a guide of 100 U.S. government and history questions. The questions focus on principles of American democracy, system of government, rights and responsibilities, American history (1800s, 1900s, Wars), geography, symbols and holidays.

According to the USCIS, 88 percent of applicants passed both tests on the first try in 2022. 97.5 percent were able to pass on the second attempt. However, data shows the civics test is harder to pass than the English language test.

But would you be able to pass a U.S. citizenship test?

The Star-Telegram created a sample test so you can see for yourself.

How many people pass the U.S. Citizenship Test?

Almost 100 percent of naturalization applicants pass the U.S. citizenship tests. Here are the national passing rates:

Civics test:

• 2022: 92.2%

• 2021: 93.6%

• 2020: 94.2%

English language test:

• Speaking: 94%

• Understanding: 93%

• Reading: 94%

• Writing: 97%

Could you pass a U.S. citizenship civics test?

Every civics test is different based on what an applicant’s USCIS officer asks. The officer will pick up to 10 different questions from the 100-question test. Each applicant must answer six of the 10 questions correctly in order to pass.

We pulled 10 random questions from the 100-question list. Test your American knowledge, and check your answers below.

1. The idea of self-government is in the first three words of the Constitution. What are these words?

2. Who is one of your state’s U.S. Senators now?

3. What is one responsibility that is only for United States citizens?

4. When was the Constitution written?

5. What did Susan B. Anthony do?

6. Why does the flag have 13 stripes?

7. Who was President during World War I?

8. When must all men register for the Selective Service?

9. What is the name of the Speaker of the House of Representatives now?

10. What is the economic system in the United States?

U.S. civics test answers

1. We the People

2. Ted Cruz or John Cornyn

3. Serve on a jury or vote in a federal election

4. 1787

5. Fought for women’s rights or fought for civil rights

6. Because there were 13 original colonies or because the stripes represent the original colonies

7. (Woodrow) Wilson

8. At age 18 or between 18 and 26

9. Mike Johnson

10. Capitalist economy or market economy

To see the full list of 100 questions and correct answers, click here.

Ella Gonzales

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Ella Gonzales is a service journalism reporter for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. She is part of a team of local journalists who answer reader questions and write about life in North Texas. Ella mainly writes about local restaurants and where to find good deals around town.