[FONT='Verdana','sans-serif']USCIS Redesigned the Naturalization Test[/FONT][FONT='Times New Roman','serif'][/FONT]
[FONT='Times New Roman','serif']September 2, 2008[/FONT][FONT='Times New Roman','serif'][/FONT]
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[FONT='Verdana','sans-serif']In the interest of creating a more standardized, fair, and meaningful naturalization process, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently completed a multi-year redesign of the Naturalization test. The revised test, with an emphasis on the fundamental concepts of American democracy and the rights and responsibilities of US Citizenship, will help encourage citizenship applicants to learn and identify with the basic values we all share as Americans.

Redesign Process
The major aim of the USCIS’ decision to redesign the Naturalization process is to ensure that naturalization applicants have uniform, consistent testing experiences nationwide, and that the civics test can effectively assess whether applicants have a meaningful understanding of U.S. government and history. Following a basic U.S. history and civics curriculum, the redesigned test will serve as an important instrument to encourage civic learning and patriotism among prospective citizens.

To accomplish these goals, USCIS initially piloted a new test–with an overhauled English reading and writing section, as well as new history and government questions–in ten sites across the country. The feedback from this pilot was then used to finalize testing procedures, English reading and writing prompts, and a list of 100 new history and government questions. To ensure the pilot accounted for a representative sample of candidates with a variety of education levels, the test was also piloted at adult education sites nationwide.

The resulting redesigned test was publicly introduced on September 27, 2007. Naturalization applicants will begin taking the revised test on October 1, 2008.

Which Test Do I Take?

USCIS will begin administering the redesigned (new) naturalization test on October 1, 2008. Use the chart below to determine if you will take the current or redesigned (new) test.[/FONT]
[FONT='Arial','sans-serif']Date Form N-400 Filed*[/FONT][FONT='Times New Roman','serif'][/FONT]
[FONT='Arial','sans-serif']FDate of Initial Exam[/FONT][FONT='Times New Roman','serif'][/FONT]
[FONT='Arial','sans-serif']Test to be Taken[/FONT][FONT='Times New Roman','serif'][/FONT]
[FONT='Arial','sans-serif']If Applicant Fails Initial Exam, Re-test to be Taken[/FONT][FONT='Times New Roman','serif'][/FONT]
[FONT='Verdana','sans-serif']Before October 1, 2008[/FONT][FONT='Times New Roman','serif'][/FONT]
[FONT='Verdana','sans-serif']Before October 1, 2008[/FONT][FONT='Times New Roman','serif'][/FONT]
[FONT='Verdana','sans-serif']Current Test[/FONT][FONT='Times New Roman','serif'][/FONT]
[FONT='Verdana','sans-serif']Current Test[/FONT][FONT='Times New Roman','serif'][/FONT]
[FONT='Verdana','sans-serif']Before October 1, 2008[/FONT][FONT='Times New Roman','serif'][/FONT]
[FONT='Verdana','sans-serif']On or After October 1, 2008 up until October 1, 2009[/FONT][FONT='Times New Roman','serif'][/FONT]
[FONT='Verdana','sans-serif']Applicant's Choice of -Current Test or -Redesigned (New) Test[/FONT][FONT='Times New Roman','serif'][/FONT]
[FONT='Verdana','sans-serif']The same version of the test as the one taken during the initial examination[/FONT][FONT='Times New Roman','serif'][/FONT]
[FONT='Verdana','sans-serif']On or After October 1, 2008[/FONT][FONT='Times New Roman','serif'][/FONT]
[FONT='Verdana','sans-serif']On or After October 1, 2008[/FONT][FONT='Times New Roman','serif'][/FONT]
[FONT='Verdana','sans-serif']Redesigned (New) Test[/FONT][FONT='Times New Roman','serif'][/FONT]
[FONT='Verdana','sans-serif']Redesigned (New) Test[/FONT][FONT='Times New Roman','serif'][/FONT]
[FONT='Verdana','sans-serif']At Any Time (i.e. Before, On or After October 1, 2008)[/FONT][FONT='Times New Roman','serif'][/FONT]
[FONT='Verdana','sans-serif']On or After October 1, 2009[/FONT][FONT='Times New Roman','serif'][/FONT]
[FONT='Verdana','sans-serif']Redesigned (New) Test[/FONT][FONT='Times New Roman','serif'][/FONT]
[FONT='Verdana','sans-serif']Redesigned (New) Test[/FONT][FONT='Times New Roman','serif'][/FONT]