United States Citizenship Test

The Citizenship Test

Civics and American History

 

The Gilder Lehrman Institute is proud to offer a customized version of the US citizenship exam for K–12 classrooms and learners of all ages. Citizenship is a unifying thread that connects all Americans, built on shared values of freedom, liberty, and equality. This exam allows users to test their knowledge of civics and American history in a fun and engaging way while reflecting on why these questions are key to becoming informed citizens. Whether you are a student or a lifelong learner, you’ll gain insight into the principles that define our nation.

Test Your Knowledge Video Library
Statue of Liberty with US Flag waving in background against blue sky

  • Grades 3–12

What Is the Naturalization Test?

Citizenship is a common thread that connects all Americans. For immigrants, the path to US citizenship involves naturalization. This process includes passing a civics test, where applicants must correctly answer six out of ten questions on US history and civics. The questions are drawn from a list of 100 created by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). They cover essential topics like “What does the Constitution do?” and “What are the two parts of the US Congress?” Our program offers multiple pathways to learn this essential content, from practice questions and answers to engaging with interactive multimedia explanations that bring these concepts to life. 

Take the Exam

The Gilder Lehrman Institute has developed an online, multiple-choice version of the citizenship exam for different grade levels. High school students can explore in-depth explanations for each question, while middle and elementary school versions are customized for their students’ learning needs. After completing the test, students can download a score report, making it a dynamic tool for learning and tracking progress.

View of a thematic map of the United States from 1900 with shades of red and yellow indicating the proportion of foreign born

"Proportion of Foreign Born to Total Population of the United States at the Twelfth Census 1900 Compiled by Henry Gannett, Geographer" (The Gilder Lehrman Institute, GLC09668)

The Citizenship Challenge: Redesigning America’s Citizenship Test

The Gilder Lehrman Institute (GLI) is launching the 2025 Citizenship Challenge: Redesigning America’s Citizenship Test contest for students in our Affiliate School network to creatively showcase their understanding of American history, civics, and the naturalization exam. Each winning student will receive a $500 prize and be featured on GLI’s The Citizenship Test: Civics and American History webpage. Ten prizes will be awarded.
 

Learn More and Submit
Fireworks in the background with silhouette of statue of liberty in foreground

Kahoot!

Additionally, the Gilder Lehrman Institute has partnered with Kahoot! to launch a new supplementary collection of engaging resources on Civics and Citizenship. These interactive lessons are another way to deepen learners’ understanding of key concepts in American government and history. Each Kahoot! game is crafted to make learning both fun and educational, helping users actively participate in their learning process while exploring important topics like the Constitution, voting rights, and the role of citizens in a democratic society. This partnership offers teachers a dynamic tool to bring American history to life.
 

graphic with four kids playing kahoot!

Browse All Kahoots

High School

A quill laying across the Constitution

Short Exam

  • 10 Questions
Music sheet for "The Star-Spangled Banner"

Intermediate Exam

  • 30 Questions
Fireworks in the background with silhouette of statue of liberty in foreground

Full Exam

  • 95 Questions

Middle School

Letter signed by Abraham Lincoln

Intermediate Exam

  • 25 Questions
graphic with four kids playing kahoot!

Kahoot!

  • 15 Questions

Elementary School

Map of the United States

Short Exam

  • 10 Questions
graphic with four kids playing kahoot!

Kahoot!

  • 10 Questions

Video Library

Explore our video library where scholars, teachers, and experts explain the answers to the questions posed on the citizenship test.

George Washington's face in Mount Rushmore

Who was the first president?

Listen to Dr. Denver Brunsman discuss the first president, George Washington.

  • Colonial Period and Independence
Map of the United States

Why do some states have more US representatives than other states?

Listen to Misha Matsumoto Yee discuss how population affects the number of US representatives that each state has.

  • System of Government
American flag

Why does the flag have 50 stars?

Listen to Hamilton cast member Marc delaCruz discuss the reason the US flag has 50 stars.

  • Symbols
Explore All Videos

Lesson Plans

Throughout our history, the United States has attracted newcomers from all over the world. The Institute's new elementary lesson and a secondary unit focused on citizenship highlight diverse perspectives and experiences in the naturalization process, sparking classroom discussions on civic engagement and fostering dialogue on such topics as belonging, empathy, and citizenship.

For Grades 3–5

Understanding Citizenship: Rights and Responsibilities

Cover of Understanding Citizenship lesson

This lesson explores the rights and responsibilities of citizenship by engaging students’ interpretive and critical thinking skills. You will assess their understanding through class discussions and their work analyzing photographs and matching them to primary source documents. Access the lesson here.

For Grades 7–12

Naturalization and Citizenship in the United States, 1790–2024

Cover image of Naturalization and Citizenship in the US

The five lessons in this unit explore the history of how citizenship has been defined in the United States, particularly regarding naturalization and citizenship status. It also looks at the evolution of the naturalization process and its impact on American immigration. Students will examine and assess primary sources, including the US Constitution, the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, the American Indian Act of 1924, and various Immigration Acts. They will learn from naturalized citizens from the past as well as the present. You will assess students’ understanding through their participation in small-group and whole-class discussions and their written responses to the critical thinking questions and the essential questions. Access the unit here.