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English Requirements for the Citizenship Test: What Level Do You Need?

Blake Crosley · · 5 min read

English Requirements for the Citizenship Test: What Level Do You Need?

Many applicants worry about the English requirement for citizenship. The good news: the required level is more achievable than you might think. This guide explains exactly what's expected and how to prepare.

The English Requirement Explained

To become a U.S. citizen, you must demonstrate English ability in three areas:

  1. Speaking — Conversational English during your interview
  2. Reading — Reading a simple sentence aloud
  3. Writing — Writing a simple sentence from dictation

The level required is basic English—not fluent, not perfect, just functional.

What "Basic English" Actually Means

Speaking Requirements

During your interview, the USCIS officer will ask you questions about your application and background. You need to:

  • Understand questions asked in English
  • Respond in English
  • Have a basic conversation

You don't need: - Perfect grammar - No accent - Advanced vocabulary

The officer assesses whether you can communicate, not whether you speak like a native.

Reading Requirements

You'll read 1 to 3 sentences aloud. You need to read one correctly. The sentences:

  • Use simple vocabulary
  • Are short (5-12 words typically)
  • Come from a published word list

Example: "George Washington was the first President."

Writing Requirements

The officer dictates a sentence for you to write. You need to write one correctly. The sentences:

  • Use the same simple vocabulary
  • Are typically one sentence
  • Allow for minor errors if meaning is clear

Example: Writing "Citizens can vote" from dictation.

English Exceptions

Some applicants qualify for exceptions to the English requirement:

The 50/20 Exception

Who qualifies: Age 50 or older AND lived in the U.S. as a permanent resident for 20 years

What changes: You can take the civics test in your native language

English still required: No—you're exempt from the English portion

The 55/15 Exception

Who qualifies: Age 55 or older AND lived in the U.S. as a permanent resident for 15 years

What changes: You can take the civics test in your native language

English still required: No—you're exempt from the English portion

The 65/20 Exception

Who qualifies: Age 65 or older AND lived in the U.S. as a permanent resident for 20 years

What changes: You take a shorter civics test (20 questions instead of 100) in your native language

English still required: No—you're exempt from the English portion

Disability Exception

Applicants with physical or developmental disabilities or mental impairments may qualify for an exception. This requires:

  • Form N-648 (Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions)
  • Certification from a licensed medical professional
  • The disability must directly prevent learning English

How Good Does Your English Need to Be?

Let's be specific about what's required:

Speaking Level

Sufficient: - Officer: "Where do you live?" - You: "I live in Chicago, Illinois."

  • Officer: "How long have you been a permanent resident?"
  • You: "Five years."

Not required: - Complex sentences - Perfect tense usage - Idioms or advanced vocabulary

Reading Level

Sufficient: Reading "The President lives in the White House" clearly

Not required: - Perfect pronunciation - Fast reading - Reading complex words

Writing Level

Sufficient: Writing "Congress makes laws" legibly with correct spelling of key words

Not required: - Beautiful handwriting - Perfect punctuation - Complex sentences

Common Concerns Addressed

"My accent is strong"

Accents don't disqualify you. Officers interact with people from around the world daily. As long as you're understandable, an accent is fine.

"I make grammar mistakes"

Minor grammar errors don't cause failure. The test evaluates communication ability, not grammatical perfection.

"I'm nervous about speaking"

Practice with friends, family, or tutors. The more you speak English before your interview, the more comfortable you'll be.

"I can speak but not write well"

Focus your practice on writing. The vocabulary list is limited. Practice writing those specific words until spelling becomes automatic.

"I learned English as an adult"

Many successful citizens learned English as adults. The requirement is designed to be achievable—not to test native-level fluency.

How to Prepare

For Speaking

  1. Practice conversations daily — Talk about everyday topics in English
  2. Review your N-400 — Be ready to discuss information from your application
  3. Practice common interview questions — "Why do you want to be a citizen?"
  4. Listen to English — News, podcasts, TV shows help with comprehension

For Reading

  1. Study the vocabulary list — All possible words are published by USCIS
  2. Practice reading aloud daily — Silent reading isn't enough
  3. Focus on pronunciation — Practice saying words clearly
  4. Use practice sentences — Combine vocabulary words into sentences

For Writing

  1. Write by hand — The test is handwritten, not typed
  2. Memorize spellings — Learn the exact spelling of vocabulary words
  3. Practice dictation — Have someone read sentences for you to write
  4. Focus on legibility — Clear handwriting matters

Resources for English Practice

Free Official Resources

  • USCIS Citizenship Resource Center — Official practice materials
  • USA Learns — Free online courses including citizenship preparation
  • Your local library — Many offer citizenship preparation classes

Practice Partners

  • Family members — Practice conversations at home
  • ESL classes — Many communities offer free English classes
  • Citizenship preparation groups — Libraries and community centers often host these

Building Confidence

The English requirement exists to ensure new citizens can participate in civic life—voting, jury duty, understanding laws. It's set at a practical level, not an academic one.

If you: - Have conversations in English (even imperfect ones) - Can read simple sentences - Can write basic words

Then you have the skills needed. Practice will refine them.

The Bottom Line

The English requirement is achievable for anyone willing to practice. It tests basic communication, not fluency. With the vocabulary lists published by USCIS, you know exactly what to prepare.

Focus on the specific words and sentence patterns used in the test. Practice daily. Build confidence through repetition.

Thousands of people pass the English portion every year—many of whom learned English as adults. With preparation, you can join them.

Ace Citizenship includes practice for reading vocabulary as part of comprehensive citizenship test preparation. Combined with regular English practice, you'll be ready for your interview.