USCIS ANNOUNCES TRIAL FOR UPDATES TO THE NATURALIZATION TEST

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced it will conduct a nationwide trial of proposed changes to certain portions of the naturalization test.  Currently, the naturalization test consists of four components: reading, writing, civics, and the ability to speak English. The USCIS subject matter experts reviewed the current format and suggested redesigning the civics and speaking components of the test. The trial is expected to improve the standardization and structure of the naturalization test.

The trial, tentatively scheduled for a five-month period in 2023, will test a newly developed English-speaking component and a civics component with updated format and content. The reading and writing components of the naturalization test will remain unchanged.

The trial will be conducted with the help of volunteer community-based organizations (CBOs) that work with immigrant English language learners and lawful permanent residents preparing for naturalization. The UCSIS may use the results of the trial to support changes to the naturalization test.