My Experience Taking the Colombian Citizenship Exam: What to Expect

If you’ve been following the blog, you know I recently obtained my Colombian citizenship. This post is designed to help anyone preparing for the citizenship exam if you’re considering the same path.

To be clear from the start: the questions have changed since I took the test, so this isn’t a list of current exam answers or a guaranteed shortcut to passing. The goal here is to give future applicants a realistic idea of the topics covered, the level of detail expected, and the overall structure of the exam. True preparation still requires dedicated study and a genuine interest in Colombia.

Fun (and slightly humbling) side note: Even my French brother-in-law—a literature professor and decent Spanish—flunked the test on his first try! If someone that academically sharp can stumble, it really drives home that this isn’t just about being “good at trivia.” It takes serious, focused effort to pass.

I was initially nervous because the official government website described it as an oral interview conducted by university professors—but that wasn’t my experience at all. Instead, it was a fully handwritten exam administered in a room with other applicants from countries around the world.

The test consists of two main parts, each with about 30 questions: one assessing Spanish language proficiency and the other covering Colombian history, geography, and politics. I had roughly 2 to 3 hours to complete it (I can’t recall the exact time, but it felt generous if you’re well-prepared). No aids are allowed—no dictionaries, encyclopedias, phones, computers, or personal notes. It’s all on your own.

Part 1: Written Spanish Proficiency

The first section is a written test entirely in Spanish. Its purpose is to confirm you have a solid command of the language—both grammar and vocabulary—at a level that allows you to function fully in Colombian society.

Questions I received included things like:

• Listing five synonyms for the word “silla” (chair)
• Conjugating verbs correctly in different past and future tenses

It’s not an easy section. When I took the exam, I was told a minimum of 60% correct was required to pass. There’s really no shortcut here; it takes consistent practice over time—reading, writing, speaking, and listening to native Colombian Spanish. Watching local news, reading newspapers, or joining conversation groups can help more than any single study guide. If your Spanish still needs work, that’s okay. Most people improve significantly with immersion and patience.

Part 2: Knowledge of Colombia – History, Geography, and Government

The second part focuses on Colombia’s history, geography, and political system. It’s usually done orally, and examiners want to see that you’ve made an effort to understand the country beyond surface-level tourism. Here are the main categories and examples of the questions I was asked. Remember, the questions and selection may vary now, though there may be some repeat questions. I’m writing this out in English for you my fellow expats, but for the exam all answers must be in Spanish.

Government and Constitution

• Recite the first verse of the national anthem (not the chorus that begins the anthem).
• What is the highest legal norm in the country? (Answer: The Political Constitution of Colombia – La Constitución Política de Colombia – CP)
• What happens in case of conflict between the Constitution and an ordinary law? (Constitutional provisions prevail – Art. 4 CP)
• Name five fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution (e.g., right to life, equality, prohibition of slavery, freedom of religion, freedom of expression, right to form a family)
• How does Article 286 CP divide Colombia’s territory? (Departments, districts, municipalities, indigenous territories, etc.)
• What are the three branches of public power? (Legislative, Executive, Judicial – Art. 113 CP)
• Which body makes the laws? (Congress – Art. 150 CP)
• What are the two chambers of Congress? (Senate and House of Representatives – Art. 114 CP)
• Who elects members of Congress and for how long? (Popular election, 4-year term)
• Where does national sovereignty reside? (Exclusively in the people – Art. 3 CP)

Geography

• Which countries and bodies of water border Colombia?
• Name five major rivers
• Which departments and body of water border Valle del Cauca? (regional question for us taking the test in Cali)
• Name the capitals of five departments (e.g., Chocó, Nariño, Amazonas, Valle del Cauca, Cundinamarca)
• Name two volcanoes and their departments
• Name the two highest peaks in Colombia and their departments
• Name two important agricultural export products
• Name two Colombian islands

History

• Who was Colombia’s only dictator in the 20th century and during which years?
• What is the oldest city in Colombia, who founded it, and in what year?
• Who said the phrase: “Las armas os dieron la independencia, las leyes os darán la libertad”?
• What national holiday is celebrated on July 20?
• Name three heroes of the independence struggle
• What was the Frente Nacional, and how long did it last?
• Which former president signed the end of the Frente Nacional and later helped found the Organization of American States?
• What do the colors of the Colombian flag represent?
• Which modern countries were once part of Gran Colombia?

Hope this helps 🙂

Shoutout to My Visa Agent

Throughout the entire citizenship process—from initial visa applications and residency requirements to gathering documents for the naturalization exam—I had invaluable help from Cali Capital Visa Services. Yessika and her team guided me step by step, handled the paperwork efficiently, and answered all my questions (often in English when needed). Their expertise made what could have been a stressful bureaucratic maze much smoother.

If you’re starting or continuing your journey toward Colombian residency or citizenship, I highly recommend reaching out to them. You can find more details on their website at calicapital.com or contact them directly (they’re bilingual and very responsive). A big thank you to Cali Capital Visa Services for making this possible—highly worth it!

Final thoughts

The citizenship exam isn’t just a formality—it’s designed to confirm that us applicants have taken the time to learn about Colombia’s identity, institutions, and geography. For me, studying for it deepened my appreciation for the country I now call home. If you’re preparing, I recommend:

• The official study guide provided by the government for those seeking to obtain Colombian citizenship
• Reading the Colombian Constitution (especially the first articles and key chapters)
• Reviewing a good Colombian history book or reliable online resources
• Studying maps and basic geography
• Practicing your Spanish writing and speaking regularly

It’s challenging, but very achievable with steady effort. Wishing everyone on this path the very best.

¡Éxitos!