Naturalization Test (Modified) Trial Run by USCIS

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is conducting a nationwide trial of updates to the naturalization test, which is taken by individuals seeking to become U.S. citizens. This trial is being conducted in response to an executive order issued by President Biden in February 2021, which directed the agency to promote and improve the naturalization process.

The trial will include changes to the English-speaking and civics portions of the test, while leaving the reading and writing portions unchanged. The redesigned test being used for the trial is based on input from stakeholders and subject matter experts, and is expected to be conducted over a five-month period in 2023 using about 1,500 volunteers who are currently enrolled in adult education classes.

The goal of this trial is to make the naturalization process more accessible to eligible candidates. The USCIS has stated that all interested parties are welcome to submit written data, views, comments, and arguments on all aspects of the trial and test.

The results of the trial may be used by the USCIS to make changes to the naturalization test, which is an important step in the path to U.S. citizenship. It is encouraging to see the agency taking steps to improve the process and make it more accessible to those seeking to become American citizens.