About the Mexican Citizenship Exam

To pursue Mexican citizenship, one must first conquer a challenging hurdle: the citizenship examination. This test, known for its demanding nature, is a significant step in the application process, designed to assess an individual's knowledge of Mexico's history, culture, and laws.

It's important to highlight that this exam is exclusively for those seeking to become naturalized citizens. Individuals who apply for citizenship based on their lineage, specifically through their parents, are exempt from this requirement.

Components of the Mexican Citizenship Test

In order to submit an application for Mexican citizenship, you must first pass a test. This test has two components, although many people are exempt from one or both parts.

History and Culture Test

The first component is a multiple choice test about Mexican culture and history. The test consists of 10 questions, and you must receive a score of 8 out of 10 correct answers in order to be successful. You have 10 minutes to complete the culture and history exam. Applicants who are past 60 years of age are exempt from this component.

Spanish Test

The second component tests your Spanish comprehension. You must read out loud a short text and answer multiple choice questions about it. You must also pick an image from a stack of cards, and describe with three complete and orthographically correct sentences what is depicted on the card you chose. There is ten minutes to complete the Spanish component also. Applicants from Latin America and Spain are exempt from the Spanish comprehension component of the exam.

What to Study for the Mexican Citizenship Exam?

In the past, there was an official list of 100 questions from SRE that could be asked on the exam. Applicants only had to study these questions, and they were good to go. In 2018 this was changed, and the exam is now much more challenging. Applicants are expected to have a very broad knowledge of Mexican history, geography, popular culture, and gastronomy. Even people who have resided in Mexico for many years may be woefully unprepared for the citizenship exam, and may be in for a surprise if they think they can pass it without many hours of careful study.

The SRE lists several sources in their bibliography which they recommend for applicants to study. This includes the primary source, which is a book called Nueva historia mínima de México. This is a very good introduction to Mexican history, but applicants are expected to know much more than just textbook history. In addition to knowing when the first birth certificates were issued or the names of Mayan and Aztec gods, they may ask you anything from the real name of Juanga, to which Pueblos Mágicos are in which states, to who won the gold medal in the Olympics in a given year.

Passing the Mexican citizenship exam requires a well-rounded understanding of Mexican history, culture, and government institutions. Here’s a breakdown of key topics you'll need to know:

• Pre-Hispanic Civilizations – The major civilizations of Mesoamerica, along with their gods and religious symbols
• Archaeological Sites – The most renowned sites and their historical significance
• The Spanish Conquest – The events around the fall of Tenochtitlan and colonial structure in New Spain
• Independence and the Republic – The Mexican War of Independence, independent Mexico, the Porfiriato, and the Revolution
• Modern Mexico – Mexico’s path from the Revolution to the present day
• Leaders and Figures – Key emperors, presidents, and their roles in shaping Mexico
• The Mexican Constitution – Major constitutions and the rights provided by the 1917 Constitution
• Government Institutions – Key institutions, when they were founded, by whom, and why
• Important Laws and Reforms – Milestone laws, reforms, and the presidents who enacted them
• Pioneering Figures – The first individuals in important positions, such as the inaugural Secretary of Public Education
• Government Structure – The current political structure and levels of government
• States and Capitals – The geography and political divisions of Mexico
• Geography – Major natural landmarks, including mountain ranges, rivers, and wildlife reserves
• Pop Culture and Icons – Key figures in Mexican pop culture, sports, and arts from past and present
• Famous Mexican Figures – Names and contributions of historical and modern icons
• Landmarks and Art – Iconic monuments, landmarks, and their creators
• Regional Foods – Traditional Mexican dishes and their regional origins
• Scientific and Cultural Pioneers – Notable Mexicans known for innovations and achievements

As you can see, the topics on the Mexican citizenship exam are broad! Preparation requires dedicated study to master these subjects and memorize key facts, dates, people, and places. Even seasoned expats and “honorary locals” might need to brush up on these areas, especially given the emphasis on rote memorization needed to pass with confidence.