US Citizenship Test: the civics and English test explained, with free practice
For US naturalization you take an English test and an oral civics test. Since October 20, 2025 there are two civics test versions — which one you take depends on when you filed Form N-400. Choose yours:
Which test version is yours?
On October 20, 2025, USCIS introduced a new civics test. Which version you take depends only on the date you filed your naturalization application (Form N-400). Many study sites still mix both versions — here they are kept strictly apart.
| 2008 version | 2025 version | |
|---|---|---|
| Who takes it | N-400 filed before Oct 20, 2025 | N-400 filed on or after Oct 20, 2025 |
| Question bank | 100 questions | 128 questions |
| Questions asked | Up to 10 | Up to 20 |
| To pass | 6 correct | 12 correct |
| Test ends when | 6 correct or 5 incorrect | 12 correct or 9 incorrect |
| 65/20 special consideration | 10 of 20 marked questions, 6 correct to pass | |
The naturalization test has two parts
English: speaking
The officer checks your spoken English during your interview about your Form N-400.
English: reading
You read one of three sentences out loud correctly.
English: writing
You write one of three sentences correctly.
Civics
An oral test about US history and government — 10 or 20 questions depending on your version.
More about the English part: the English test explained.
How the interview works
Interview
A USCIS officer goes through your Form N-400 with you and checks your spoken English at the same time.
Reading and writing
You read one of three sentences aloud and write one of three sentences.
Civics questions
The officer asks the civics questions out loud. The test stops as soon as you pass or can no longer pass.
Second chance
If you fail a part, you are tested again on that part 60 to 90 days later.
Questions like “What is the name of the President now?” or “Who is one of your state’s U.S. senators now?” have answers that change. USCIS lists the current answers on its Test Updates page — always check it shortly before your interview.
Exceptions
65/20
Age 65+ and 20 years as a permanent resident: study 20 marked questions, 10 are asked, 6 correct to pass; civics in the language of your choice.
50/20 and 55/15
Age 50+ with 20 years, or 55+ with 15 years, as a permanent resident: no English test; civics in your own language with your own interpreter.
Medical exception
A physical or developmental disability or mental impairment can exempt you from English and civics with Form N-648, completed by a licensed doctor or psychologist.
Study tips
Know your version
Check the filing date on your N-400 receipt notice, then study only that list.
Learn in small blocks
Ten questions a day: say each answer out loud, as in the interview.
Simulate the interview
Use the mock interview until you pass every time — the trainer stops exactly when the officer would.
Lee esta guía en español: examen de ciudadanía americana — preguntas y respuestas.
中英对照的题目和答案：美国入籍考试。
Frequently asked questions
Sources and disclaimer
Last checked: October 2026. Official sources:
- USCIS: The Naturalization Interview and Test
- USCIS: 128 Civics Questions and Answers (2025 version, M-1778)
- USCIS: 100 Civics Questions (2008 version)
- USCIS Policy Alert PA-2025-24 (October 20, 2025)
- USCIS: Check for Test Updates
- USCIS: Exceptions and Accommodations
Langula is not connected to USCIS or the U.S. government. This page is general information, not legal or immigration advice. Questions and answers are from USCIS (U.S. government works, public domain, retrieved October 15, 2026); explanations are by Langula. Rules can change — always check uscis.gov.
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