Citizenship Test Guide

What the Citizenship Test Is

If you applied for U.S. citizenship with Form N-400, one of the most important steps is the naturalization interview with a USCIS officer (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services). During that interview, in addition to reviewing your application, the officer will give you the naturalization test, which has two parts: an English test and a civics test (U.S. history and government).

The good news is that the test can be prepared for with free, official materials. In this guide we explain what to expect on interview day, who can take the civics test in their own language, what happens if you don’t pass, and how to study efficiently.

The English Part: Speaking, Reading, and Writing

The English test has three components. It is not a separate test from the interview: much of the evaluation happens while you converse with the officer.

1. SpeakingThe USCIS officer evaluates your ability to speak English during the eligibility interview, while reviewing your Form N-400 answers with you.
2. ReadingYou must read aloud correctly one of three sentences in English.
3. WritingYou must write correctly one of three sentences in English that the officer dictates to you.

That’s why it’s helpful to know your own N-400 application very well: many of the interview questions are based on what you answered on that form.

The Civics Part: 2008 and 2025 Versions

On the civics test, the officer asks you oral questions about U.S. history and government, taken from an official list that USCIS publishes with its answers. There are currently two versions: the 2008 version, with a list of 100 questions, and the 2025 version, with a list of 128 questions. According to USCIS, if you filed your Form N-400 before October 20, 2025, you take the 2008 version, and if you filed on or after that date, the 2025 version.

On the 2008 version, the officer asks you up to 10 questions from the list of 100 and you must answer 6 of those 10 correctly to pass. On the 2025 version, the officer asks you up to 20 questions from the list of 128 and you must answer at least 12 correctly (with 9 incorrect answers you no longer pass that part).

English Requirement Exemptions

Some people, because of their age and time as permanent residents, are exempt from the English requirement. According to USCIS, these are the two main rules:

• 50/20: being 50 or older at the time of filing the naturalization application and having been a permanent resident for 20 years.
• 55/15: being 55 or older at the time of filing the naturalization application and having been a permanent resident for 15 years.

Being exempt from English does not exempt you from the civics test. If you qualify for one of these exemptions, you must still take the civics test, but you can take it in your native language. In that case, you must bring your own interpreter to the interview, and that person must be fluent in both English and your native language.

Medical Disability Exception (Form N-648)

If, due to a disability or mental impairment, you cannot meet the English and civics requirements, you may qualify for an exception. To request it, you must file Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions, completed by a licensed physician (medical doctor or doctor of osteopathy) or a licensed clinical psychologist.

USCIS recommends filing the N-648 together with your Form N-400, although it can also be filed later, even during the interview. The officer decides at the interview: if the form is sufficient, the exception applies; if not, you will take the English and civics tests as if you had not filed it.

What Happens If You Don’t Pass

USCIS gives you two opportunities to meet the English and civics requirements. If you don’t pass a part at your first interview, you will be retested at a new interview, between 60 and 90 days after the date of the first. On that second opportunity you only retake the part you did not pass (English or civics).

What to Bring to the Interview

• The original documents supporting your application, for example birth, marriage, and divorce certificates, and final adoption or naturalization certificates, depending on your case.
• The other documents indicated by the Form N-400 instructions for your situation; that list changes with each case.
• If you will take the civics test in your language under an age and residence exemption, your interpreter.

How to Prepare for the Test

1. Confirm which version applies to youCheck the date you filed your N-400: before October 20, 2025, 2008 version; on or after that date, 2025 version.
2. Use official materialsUSCIS offers the official list of questions and answers for free (also in Spanish), study cards, brochures, videos, and interactive practice tests.
3. Practice with a simulatorReview the questions in our citizenship test simulator to measure your progress and identify the topics you find hardest.
4. Practice English aloudRead and write short sentences in English every day and rehearse how you would answer questions about your own N-400.
5. Update answers that changeBefore the interview, verify answers about elected or appointed officials, explained in the next section.

Answers About Current Officials Change

Some civics test answers may change due to elections or appointments, such as the names of certain officials in office. When asked about an elected or appointed official, you must answer with the name of the person holding the office at the time of your interview. USCIS maintains a page of civics test updates; check it shortly before your appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Official Sources

• USCIS: Study for the Test
• USCIS: Study for the Test (2008 and 2025 versions)
• USCIS: 128 Civics Questions (2025 version, PDF in English)
• USCIS: Exceptions and Accommodations
• USCIS: Commonly Asked Questions About the Naturalization Process
• USCIS: Civics Test Updates

Reviewed on October 14, 2026.