US Citizenship Test — FAQ

It depends on when you filed Form N-400. If USCIS received your naturalization application on or after October 20, 2025, you take the 2025 civics test (128 questions). If you filed before October 20, 2025, you take the 2008 civics test (100 questions). Your interview notice will confirm which version applies. Our practice tools cover both.

The 2025 test has a study bank of 128 questions. At your interview, the USCIS officer asks you up to 20 questions from that bank, and you must answer 12 correctly to pass. The officer stops early once you reach 12 correct — or 9 incorrect.

Three big changes: the study bank grew from 100 to 128 questions, the number of questions asked doubled from 10 to 20, and the passing requirement rose from 6 correct to 12 correct. The test is oral (not multiple choice) — the officer reads the questions aloud and you answer in your own words.

You get a second chance. USCIS will reschedule you to retake the failed portion, generally 60–90 days after your first interview. If you fail the retest, your application is denied — but you can reapply.

No. It's an oral test. A USCIS officer asks you questions from the official bank and you answer out loud. You don't need to answer word-for-word from the study list — an answer with the same meaning counts. That's why our practice modes include a "say it out loud" flashcard mode, not just multiple choice.

Besides civics, your interview tests reading (read one of three sentences correctly), writing (write one of three sentences correctly), and speaking (assessed through your conversation with the officer about your N-400). Our reading & writing vocabulary lists cover the official USCIS word lists.

No — you qualify for the 65/20 special consideration. You study only a reduced set of specially marked questions and you may take the test in the language of your choice with an interpreter. Look for the 65/20 badge in our study tools.

The test is given in English for most applicants. Exceptions: the 50/20 rule (age 50+, permanent resident 20+ years) and the 55/15 rule (age 55+, permanent resident 15+ years) exempt you from the English test and let you take the civics test in your language with an interpreter. Our site offers Spanish study aids to help you learn the material — but practice answering in English if you don't qualify for an exemption.

Yes. Questions about current officials — the President, Vice President, Speaker of the House, your governor, and your senators — change with elections and appointments. We update these automatically and mark them with an "answers may change" badge. Always check the USCIS Test Updates page before your interview.

Right — several questions vary by where you live. Use our state pages (e.g. /states/california) to see your current governor, both U.S. senators, and your state capital, so you can study the answers that apply to you.

Most applicants who study consistently pass on the first try — USCIS reports a pass rate around 90% for naturalization applicants overall. With our spaced-repetition flashcards, most users master the full 128-question bank in 3–6 weeks at 15 minutes a day. Start when you file your N-400: interviews are typically scheduled several months out.

Your interview appointment notice, green card, state ID or driver's license, and all passports/travel documents since becoming a permanent resident. Bring any documents USCIS requested in your notice. (This is general information, not legal advice.)

You take it at your local USCIS field office during your naturalization interview — you do not pick the location. USCIS assigns your office based on your home ZIP code. See our full guide to where the citizenship test is held for details.

No. NewCitizenshipTest.com is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to USCIS, DHS, or any government agency. All questions come from official public-domain USCIS study materials. For official information, visit uscis.gov.

Yes — every practice question, flashcard, and study guide is free. The site is supported by advertising, which we keep out of your way while you study.