Congratulations! You’re on the path to U.S. citizenship, which is an exciting milestone. But before you celebrate at your naturalization ceremony, there’s one more important step: passing the U.S. citizenship test.
While the test may seem straightforward, it covers a lot of ground. Do you know what the U.S. purchased from France in 1803? Or who Susan B. Anthony was? How many amendments are in the U.S. Constitution? These are just a few of the types of questions that could appear on your citizenship test. Thankfully, there are many helpful apps and online resources that make studying for the test much easier.
What’s on the U.S. Citizenship Test?
The U.S. citizenship test consists of 100 civics questions. During your interview, you’ll be asked up to 10 questions, and you must correctly answer at least six to pass. Additionally, there’s an English language test that evaluates your ability to read, write, and speak in English. According to USCIS, as of September 2019, the pass rate for the test was around 90%. So, it’s definitely worth your time to study!
To help you prepare, here are some of the best apps and online tools available for studying for the U.S. citizenship test, along with the pros and cons of each.
1. US Citizenship Test 2020
If you’re looking for an all-in-one solution to prepare for the U.S. citizenship test, the US Citizenship Test 2020 app is a great option. This app is updated every year, making sure you have the most current version of the test’s civics questions, as well as vocabulary for the reading and writing sections.
The app’s user-friendly interface and flashcard feature make it easy to study on the go. Whether you’re on a break at work, commuting, or studying at home, you can easily review the questions and practice mock tests.
Cost: Free, with an option to pay $4.99 for an ad-free version.
Pros:
- Comprehensive coverage of all the test sections, including civics questions, reading, and writing vocabulary.
- Flashcard feature lets you quickly review and memorize the 100 civics questions.
- Includes 16 practice tests, each with a score tracker, and 14 additional tests focused on specific topics.
- Updated every year to keep the content current.
Cons:
- Free version has ads, but you can pay to remove them.
- No audio for the listening portion of the test, which is a drawback since the actual citizenship test includes a listening component.
- While it includes reading and writing vocabulary, it doesn’t provide specific practice for those skills.
2. USCIS: Civics Test Tools
For those who prefer an official government-approved resource, the USCIS: Civics Test Tools app is a good choice. This app is offered by the U.S. government and includes all the civics questions you might be asked during the citizenship interview. It’s a straightforward, no-frills app that provides the most accurate and up-to-date questions.
Cost: Free
Pros:
- Dual-language support (English and Spanish), making it accessible to a broader audience.
- Clear interface with no ads.
- Provides a full list of the 100 civics questions, along with answers, and a study guide that explains them in detail.
- Direct links to official USCIS resources.
Cons:
- Some users report outdated questions due to lack of updates since 2017 (e.g., incorrect information on the current House Speaker).
- Lacks vocabulary practice for the reading and writing sections of the test.
- Does not have the full set of English language resources (like the reading and writing vocabulary) that other apps offer.
3. Citizenship Study Guide
If you prefer studying on a computer or want to practice with audio, Citizenship Study Guide is an excellent resource. This comprehensive tool includes a variety of study materials, including practice tests, audio components for listening practice, and even a YouTube channel and blog with updates on the citizenship process.
Though it doesn’t have a dedicated app, the website is very thorough and regularly updated to keep you informed on any changes to the test.
Cost: Free, with no ads
Pros:
- Offers audio practice for the listening section, which is crucial for passing the test.
- Available in Spanish, making it accessible to more users.
- Includes links to official updates and changes to the test, so you’re always studying the most accurate information.
- Offers a blog and YouTube channel to keep you informed on the latest developments in U.S. citizenship testing.
Cons:
- Lacks a mobile app, which can be a downside for those who prefer studying on-the-go.
- The website’s interface is a bit more complicated than some of the simpler apps, which can make it harder to navigate at times.
4. Citizenship Test 2020
This app is another solid option for preparing for your U.S. citizenship test. Citizenship Test 2020 offers all the necessary study materials, including practice questions, flashcards, and mock tests. The app covers both civics and English language sections of the test and is designed to help you stay on track.
Cost: Free, with optional in-app purchases
Pros:
- Includes a full set of 100 civics questions and answers, flashcards, and practice tests.
- Tracks your progress and scores to help you measure improvement.
- Simple interface that’s easy to use.
Cons:
- Lacks audio practice for the listening section of the test.
- Some features are locked behind in-app purchases, which might limit access to certain study materials unless you pay.
When preparing for the U.S. citizenship test, choosing the right app or study tool can make a big difference in how quickly you feel ready to take the test. Whether you prefer a comprehensive, all-in-one app like US Citizenship Test 2020, or a more official government-approved app like USCIS: Civics Test Tools, there are plenty of options to help you succeed.
