Becoming a U.S. citizen is one of the most important steps in the immigration process. However, many people feel anxious about the citizenship exam, especially the oral part where they are asked the well-known 100 civics questions prepared by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
In this article, we explain what you need to know about these questions, how the assessment is conducted, and why emotional preparation is just as important as academic preparation.
What are the 100 questions on the citizenship test?
The citizenship exam tests knowledge of U.S. history, government, and civics. It is an oral test: the USCIS officer selects 10 questions at random from a list of 100. To pass this part of the exam, the applicant must answer at least 6 of the 10 questions correctly.
These questions cover topics such as:
- Principles of American democracy (Constitution, rights, and freedoms).
- System of government (President, Congress, Supreme Court, political parties).
- History of the U.S. (colonial era, independence, wars, and historical figures).
- Geography and national symbols (rivers, borders, flag, anthem, holidays).
The content is updated regularly, so USCIS recommends visiting their website before the interview to ensure you have the correct answers at the time of the exam.
The importance of emotional preparation
In addition to academic preparation, many people going through the naturalization process experience stress, fear, or insecurity. These feelings are completely normal, especially when you have gone through difficult immigration situations or traumatic experiences.
In such cases, an immigration psychological evaluation can be very helpful. Although these evaluations are often associated with U visas, T visas, asylum, or waivers, they also play an essential role in providing emotional support throughout the immigration process.
Through psychological counseling, people can:
- Reduce anxiety about interviews or exams.
- Boost your confidence and language skills.
- Process previous experiences of migration-related stress.
- Prepare yourself emotionally for a change as significant as obtaining citizenship.
Official resources for studying the questions
To practice, you can consult the official USCIS document:
Download the 100 questions in Spanish (official PDF)
Download the 100 questions in English (official PDF)
There are also audio versions, flashcards, and free mobile apps to review the questions in English or Spanish. It is best to study little by little and review frequently, especially the topics of government and civil rights.
Passing the citizenship exam isn’t just about studying the 100 questions: it also requires confidence, emotional stability, and an understanding of what it means to become a U.S. citizen.
If you are in the process of naturalization or work as an immigration lawyer, remember that specialized psychological support can make all the difference. At Carla Parola Counseling, we support migrants through their process with empathy, professionalism, and expertise in mental health and immigration.
