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. The current standard is the 2008 version with 100 questions (the Biden administration retired the Trump-era 2020 version in 2021 and reverted to the 2008 test).

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

• The officer asks 10 questions drawn from the 100-question pool, orally
• 6 correct answers are required to pass (60%)
• The test ends as soon as you answer 6 correctly — you can miss 4 and still pass if your first 6 are right
• The civics portion is conducted as part of the same English-language interview

Reduced test (65/20 rule): Applicants who are 65+ and have been LPRs for 20+ years study only the 20 questions marked with an asterisk and must answer 6 of 10 correctly.

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 (raised in 2024; biometrics included)
• Reduced fee of $710 for applicants age 65+
• Free for certain military applicants and approved fee-waiver cases

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

• 100 questions 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.
• Because the test ends at 6 correct, lead with answers you are confident about.
• 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.