Terms of Clearance Acknowledgement

Terms of Clearance Acknowledgement

Collection of Qualitative Feedback through Focus Groups

OMB Control Number: 1615-0126

Summary of the USCIS Naturalization Test Revision Pilot Test

The purpose of the USCIS Naturalization Test Revision Pilot Test was to collect data on the naturalization test revision pilot test items. Pilot testing of this nature is standard practice when developing standardized assessments in order to ensure the validity of the test. Furthermore, administering of a pilot test as part of the USCIS Naturalization Test Revision was consistent with past practices, as a similar pilot test was conducted during the redesign of the current test that was released in 2008.

The pilot test was necessary to ensure that revised naturalization test items be within the English language level target, introduce the new test items, identify pilot test items that need to be removed for the final draft of the revised naturalization test, and make determinations about revisions to the remaining test items. Participating lawful permanent residents (LPRs) were asked 10 test items randomly selected from a test bank of revised naturalization test items. All 10 test items were delivered regardless of whether the participating LPR provides a correct or incorrect response. Participating LPRs were also be asked demographic questions.

1. Age

2. Gender

3. Approximate English language level (according to the National Reporting System)

4. Approximate years of schooling

5. Approximate hours of classroom instruction on naturalization test revision pilot test items and the subsequently educational materials provided by USCIS

6. Country of origin

7. Native language

The purpose of these questions was exclusively for making a determination about removing and revising test items. No PII (names addresses, SSN, phone numbers, etc.) was collected.