Test overview

The USCIS Civics Test is the citizenship test required as part of the U.S. naturalization process. It covers basic knowledge of U.S. history, government, and the Constitution. Which version you take depends on the date you filed Form N-400:

• Filed on or after 20 October 2025 → 2025 civics test (128-question pool)
• Filed before 20 October 2025 → 2008 civics test (100-question pool)

This app offers both versions: the 2025 test is the default, and the 2008 test is available if you filed earlier.

The civics test is not a separate sit-down exam. It is administered as part of the N-400 naturalization interview, given orally by a USCIS officer alongside the English language assessment.

Eligibility

(as of 2026)

• Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) for at least 5 years — or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen
• At least 18 years old
• Physical presence in the U.S. for at least 30 months out of the last 5 years (18 months for the 3-year case)
• Continuous residence in the USCIS district for the 3 months immediately before filing
• Demonstrate good moral character — no disqualifying criminal record
• English proficiency (speaking, reading, writing) — unless you qualify for an exemption

Test format

2025 civics test (N-400 filed on or after 20 October 2025)

• The officer asks up to 20 questions from the 128-question pool, orally
• 12 correct answers are required to pass
• The test stops as soon as you reach 12 correct answers — or once you have 9 wrong answers, which means you did not pass

2008 civics test (N-400 filed before 20 October 2025)

• The officer asks up to 10 questions from the 100-question pool, orally
• 6 correct answers are required to pass
• The test stops as soon as you answer 6 correctly

In both versions, the civics portion is conducted as part of the same English-language interview.

Special consideration (65/20): Applicants who are 65+ and have been LPRs for 20+ years study only the 20 questions marked with an asterisk. The officer asks 10 of them, and 6 correct answers are needed to pass (2025 and 2008 versions alike).

English exemption (50/20 and 55/15):

• 50/20: age 50+ with 20+ years as an LPR
• 55/15: age 55+ with 15+ years as an LPR
• This exemption only waives the English speaking, reading, and writing requirement. You must still take the civics test, but you may take it in your native language with an interpreter.
• The civics test itself can only be waived through a medical disability exception (Form N-648).

Fees

(as of 2026; subject to change)

• The civics test itself has no separate fee — it is included in the N-400 application.
• N-400 filing fee: $760 for paper filing, $710 if you file online (biometrics included)
• Reduced fee: $380 for eligible applicants based on household income
• A fee waiver is possible if you qualify; certain military applicants pay no fee

How to apply

1. File Form N-400 with USCIS, online or by mail
2. Attend the biometrics appointment (fingerprints and photo)
3. Receive an interview notice
4. Attend the interview — civics test, English test, and N-400 review all happen together
5. Receive the decision (often issued the same day)

Retake policy

• If you fail either the English or civics portion at the first interview, you get one retake within 60–90 days.
• The retake covers only the portion you failed.
• Failing the second time results in denial of the N-400 — you must reapply from scratch and pay the fee again.

After passing

1. Receive approval of your N-400 after the interview
2. Receive a Notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony (sometimes scheduled the same day)
3. Attend the public ceremony and recite the Oath of Allegiance
4. Receive your Certificate of Naturalization
5. Surrender your Green Card
6. You may now apply for a U.S. passport using the certificate

Official resources

• Civics questions (2025 and 2008 versions) and audio: USCIS Study Materials
• Citizenship resource center: uscis.gov/citizenship
• Form N-400 (PDF): uscis.gov/n-400

Things to watch for

• Always study the most current civics answers — the President, Vice President, Speaker of the House, and Chief Justice change over time.
• Check the filing date of your N-400 to know which test you will take (2025 or 2008) — the question pools and passing scores differ.
• Perfect English pronunciation is not required — clear communication with the officer is enough.
• The 50/20 and 55/15 exemptions waive English, not civics — make sure you understand which exemption applies to you.

FAQ

Can I take the test in another language? Yes, if you qualify under the 65/20, 50/20, or 55/15 rules. In those cases, you may take the civics portion in your native language and bring an interpreter. Otherwise the test is in English.

What if I fail? You get one retake within 60–90 days. Failing twice means your N-400 is denied and you must file a new application.

What is tested besides civics? The same interview also tests your spoken English, reading, and writing (one sentence each), and the officer reviews your N-400 application with you.