Welcome to the Seal of Civics Literacy Program!

 

The Montana Seal of Civics Literacy is a statewide recognition program developed through a joint effort between the Montana Office of Public Instruction (OPI) and the Montana 250th Commission. The Seal honors students who demonstrate strong knowledge of civics and active engagement in their communities, reflecting Montana’s commitment to meaningful civics education.

The Seal of Civics Literacy supports the goals of MCA 20-7-119, which encourages civic engagement and student achievement. As part of the program, the Superintendent of Public Instruction will publish a list of schools with significant participation in administering the USCIS Naturalization Test and the Montana Challenge.

There are two tests a student can take are the OPI Naturalization (USCIS) test and the Montana Challenge test created by the Montana Historical Society. A student must take and pass the USCIS with a score of 80% or better. A student may choose to take the Montana Challenge test for the Seal.

All applications are due to the OPI by May 1, 2026. 

Attn: Seal of Civics Literacy
PO Box 202501
Helena, MT 59620

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Program Requirements

Criteria 1

A student must complete the OPI Naturalization (USCIS) test with a score of 80% or higher.

Critera 2

A student must successfully complete the required .5 credits of Civics courses during high school as approved by the Board of Public Education.

Critera 3

A student may choose between the following community service requirements:

  • 40 hours of community service, or
  • 20 hours of community service & passing the Montana Challenge test created by the Historical Society.

Criteria 4

A student must submit their application to the OPI before the end of their final year of high school with evidence of all criteria.

 

Applications, Materials, and Resources

 

OPI staff are here to help:

Tyler Capece, OPI Assistant Deputy Superintendent, 406-444-0037