During your naturalization interview, a USCIS Officer will ask you questions about your application and background. There will also be a English and Civics test, unless you qualify for an exemption or waiver.

To see if you qualify for an exemption or waiver, please visit the USCIS website.

The English test has three components:

• Reading
• Writing
• Speaking

There are many different resources available to help you prepare for the English test.

Check out Library preparation materials for FREE!

The Santa Clara City Libraries have a wide variety of library materials and databases that can help you prepare for the exam. To access this preparation materials, you will need to have a FREE City of Santa Clara Library Card. To apply for the library card, please visit your local City of Santa Clara Library, fill out the application, and present your government issued identification (drivers license, passport, or green card.) 

ESL Conversation & Book Club

Enhance your English Conversation skills in a friendly and comfortable environment. The ESL Conversation Club meets every Wednesday from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM at Central Park Library.

The ESL Book Club is a fun opportunity to practice your English reading, speaking, and listening skills. Join in to discuss award-winning and classic American/English books and meet new people.

English Learning Tools

The Santa Clara City Library can help you! Go to the“Learn English” section of the Languages Pavilion on the second floor of the Central Park Library to find many books, CDs and DVDs that can help you speak, read and write English better.

Mango Languages

Under English Courses on this website, there are 100 free lessons on how to speak English for those who speak Arabic, Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), French, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Brazilian Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Turkish and Vietnamese.

You can access this resource for FREE at any City of Santa Clara Library or from your home. You need to have a Santa Clara City Library card.

Learning Express Library is a collection of online practice exams and test preparation material. Among the exams available are the G.E.D., S.A.T., C.B.E.S.T., G.R.E., Police Officer, Postal Worker, and U.S. Citizenship. In the Adult Learning Center, there are sections on "Become a Better Reader" and "Improve your Writing, Speaking, and Grammer."  

USA Learns is the premier, free website for adults to learn English and study for U.S. citizenship.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

Visit USCIS for Educational Products and Study Materials straight from the source. USCIS has preparation materials for both the student and the teacher.

The Civics Test covers U.S. History and Government topics. You can find many different free test and study tools.

Available at the Santa Clara Central Park Library:

Civics and Citizenship Toolkits are available at the Customer Service Desk for check out.

 Free Citizenship Test in several different languages at the Citizenship Corner.

 Study Guides available FREE to check-out.