How many questions are on the citizenship test?

The 2025 citizenship test includes 20 questions selected from a pool of 128 questions. You must answer 12 questions correctly (60%) to pass the civics portion.

What is the pass rate for the citizenship test?

The citizenship test has an 89.7% pass rate on the first attempt, and 94.4% overall when including retakes. More than 93% of applicants pass the English portion.

How long does it take to become a US citizen?

From filing Form N-400 to oath ceremony, the average timeline is 5.5 months. This includes biometrics (4-6 weeks), interview scheduling (3-5 months), and oath ceremony.

Can I take the citizenship test in my native language?

Generally, no. However, applicants age 50+ with 20 years as permanent resident, age 55+ with 15 years, or age 65+ with 20 years can take the civics test in their native language with an interpreter.

What happens if I fail the citizenship test?

You can retake the test 60-90 days later. You only retake the portion you failed (civics OR English, not both). There is no limit on total attempts.

What is the 65/20 exemption?

Applicants age 65 or older who have been permanent residents for at least 20 years can take a simpler civics test with only 20 questions and can take it in their native language.

How much does Form N-400 cost?

The Form N-400 filing fee is $710 ($640 application fee + $70 biometrics fee) as of 2025. Fee waivers are available for eligible applicants. Verify current fees at uscis.gov.

Does my state matter for the citizenship test?

Yes. Some questions ask about your state's senators, governor, or congressional representative. You must know the current officials for YOUR state. Our app personalizes these answers for you.

What if I have an accent when speaking English?

Having an accent is completely fine. The officer evaluates whether you can communicate effectively, not whether you sound like a native speaker. Focus on being understood, not perfection.

What is the difference between the 2008 and 2025 tests?

The 2025 test has 128 questions (vs 100 in 2008), asks 20 questions (vs 10), requires 12 correct answers (vs 6). Both maintain a 60% passing requirement. The 2025 test emphasizes more American history.

Can I bring notes or study materials to the interview?

No. You cannot bring study materials, notes, or any reference materials to your citizenship interview. The test is oral and based on your knowledge.

How long should I study for the citizenship test?

Most people need 2-4 weeks of consistent practice. Your timeline depends on your English level and existing knowledge of US history. Daily 15-30 minute study sessions are most effective.

What documents should I bring to my interview?

Bring your green card, passport, state ID, and appointment notice. Also bring any documents requested in your interview notice, such as tax returns or travel documents.

Can I reschedule my citizenship interview?

Yes, but you must have a valid reason and contact USCIS as soon as possible. Multiple reschedules may delay your process significantly.

Form N-648 is the Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions. It allows applicants with qualifying disabilities to request accommodations or waivers for the English or civics requirements.

US Citizenship Test 2025: Complete Guide, Practice Questions & Study Tips

Test Overview

Key Facts About the Civics Test
2025 Version

Essential information you need to know

Number of Questions

There are 128 total questions in the question pool. You will be asked 20 questions during your interview.

Passing Score

You must answer 12 out of 20 questions correctly to pass (60%). The test stops early when you reach 12 correct answers (you pass) or 9 incorrect answers (you fail), so most people are asked between 12-18 questions total.

Test Format

Oral examination conducted by a USCIS officer. Questions are asked verbally and you respond verbally in English.

Multiple Answers

Many questions have multiple correct answers. You only need to provide one correct answer for most questions.

Visual diagram showing the citizenship test process: 128 questions in the pool, 20 questions asked during the interview, and 12 correct answers needed to pass

Note: This page focuses on the 2025 version of the test. If you filed your N-400 application before October 20, 2025, you will take the 2008 version with different requirements (100 questions, 10 asked, 6 needed to pass).

Which Test Will You Take?

On October 20, 2025, USCIS implemented a new version of the citizenship test. Which version you take depends on when you filed your Form N-400 application.

Test Version Comparison

Compare the 2008 and 2025 versions side by side

Feature	2008 Test	2025 Test
Who takes this?	Filed N-400 before Oct 20, 2025	Filed N-400 on/after Oct 20, 2025
Questions in pool	100 questions	128 questions
Questions asked	10 questions	20 questions
Pass requirement	6 out of 10 correct (60%)	12 out of 20 correct (60%)
Stops early?	Yes - at 6 correct or 5 incorrect	Yes - at 12 correct or 9 incorrect
English test	Same	Same
Focus areas	General civics	More American history

2008 Test

Legacy

For N-400 filed before Oct 20, 2025

Questions in pool100

Questions asked10

Pass requirement6 of 10 (60%)

Stops early?Yes (6/5)

FocusGeneral civics

2025 Test

Current

For N-400 filed on/after Oct 20, 2025

Questions in pool128

Questions asked20

Pass requirement12 of 20 (60%)

Stops early?Yes (12/9)

FocusMore history

How to Know Which Test You'll Take

Check your Form N-400 receipt date. If you filed before October 20, 2025, you'll take the 2008 test. If you filed on or after October 20, 2025, you'll take the 2025 test.

Our app helps you practice BOTH versions. You can switch between them anytime in your study settings.

You Have Two Chances to Pass

If you don't pass on your first try, you can retake the test 60-90 days later. You only retake the part you failed (civics OR English).

Most people pass on their first or second try. The citizenship test has a 94.4% overall pass rate.

What's on the Citizenship Test?

The citizenship test has three components: civics, English reading, and English writing. There's also a speaking assessment throughout the interview.

Civics Test

Oral test of your knowledge of US history and government. 20 questions from 128 total (2025 test). You must answer 12 correctly.

Practice Civics Questions

English Reading Test

Read 1 sentence correctly out of 3 sentences. Simple sentences about US history or civics.

93%+ pass rate

English Writing Test

Write 1 sentence correctly out of 3 sentences. The officer reads the sentence, you write it.

93%+ pass rate

How Long Should You Study?

Most people need 2-4 weeks of consistent practice. Your timeline depends on:

Your current English level
How much US history you already know
How much time you can study each day

Study Recommendations

Practice 15-30 minutes daily for consistent progress
Focus on questions you don't know yet (our app helps with this)
Read answers out loud to practice speaking
Take practice tests to build confidence

Start Practicing Now

What Happens During Your Citizenship Interview?

The naturalization interview typically lasts 20-30 minutes and includes your civics test, English test, and a review of your N-400 application.

Are There Special Accommodations?

USCIS provides accommodations for certain applicants based on age or disability.

What Should I Bring on Test Day?

Being prepared for your interview helps reduce stress and ensures a smooth process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about the citizenship test and naturalization interview.

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Sources & Official References

All information on this page is based on official USCIS sources. Last verified: October 2025

Official USCIS 2025 Civics Test
Official USCIS page for the 2025 Naturalization Civics Test
Federal Register Implementation Notice
Official government notice implementing the 2025 test (September 18, 2025)
USCIS Study Materials
Official USCIS study materials and practice resources
2025 Test Questions & Answers (PDF)
Complete list of 128 civics test questions and answers

Important Note

This information is provided for study purposes. Always verify current requirements and procedures at the official USCIS website at uscis.gov.

US Citizenship Test 2025