How to Pass the US Citizenship Test (Naturalization Interview)
The naturalizationBecoming a US citizen by application — The process a green card holder goes through to become a US citizen — application, interview, test, and oath.Click for official info ↗ interview has three parts. First, you answer up to 20 civics questions. You must get 12 right. This count is for N-400s filed on or after 20 October 2025 or later. Second, you read one sentence in English. Third, you write one sentence in English. It is a memory game. This guide shows you exactly how to prepare.
At a glance
- Cost:
- Free to study (interview is part of the N-400 fee: $710 online / $760 paper)
- Total time:
- 2–6 months of study
- Steps:
- 9 steps
- Where to apply:
- uscis.gov
Last reviewed October 2026 against official sources. Re-checked every 6 months · next review due April 2027.
The Steps
Follow these in order
Each card shows the phase, expected time, and any cost. Data checked against official US sources(October 2026).
0 of 9 steps
- Before You Go Ongoing
Study in your own language first
If English is not your first language, start in your own language. Study the civics questions for your version first. Your version is the 128-question 2025 bank or the 100-question 2008 bank. Community organizations offer the questions in Hindi, Nepali, Portuguese, Spanish, and many other languages. Then practice the English versions. Remember these rules. If you are 50+ with 20 years as a green cardPermanent Resident Card — The ID card proving lawful permanent resident status — live and work in the US permanently.Click for official info ↗ holder, you may take the civics test in your own language. You may use an interpreter. The same rule applies if you are 55+ with 15 years. If you are 65+ with 20 years, you get a simpler 20-question list. You can also read this guide in Hindi, Nepali, Português (Brasil), or Español. Use the language dropdown at the top of the page.
Click to mark as done
- Before You Go 30 min
Learn the exact test format
At your interview, a USCIS officer asks civics questions. The questions come from the official list for your filing date. If you filed your N-400 on or after 20 October 2025, you get up to 20 questions. They come from the 128-question 2025 bank. You must answer 12 correctly. The officer stops once you reach 12 correct or 9 wrong. If you filed earlier, you get 10 questions. They come from the 100-question 2008 bank. You must answer 6 correctly. Next, you read one sentence aloud in English. Then you write one sentence the officer reads out to you. The officer also goes through your N-400 application line by line. They ask questions about your background.
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- Before You Go 15 min
Confirm which civics version applies to you
The 2025 version has 128 questions. It applies to N-400s filed on or after 20 October 2025 or later. USCIS announced this in a Federal Register notice on 18 September 2025. The 2008 version has 100 questions. It applies to earlier filings. The old 2020 version no longer applies to new filers. Ignore older articles that say it is current. Some applicants get a simpler test. If you are 65+ and have been a resident for 20+ years, you get 10 questions. They come from the 20 starred questions. You need 6 to pass. You may also test in your own language.
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- Fill / Prepare 2–6 months
Study the questions in batches
Split the questions into themes. The themes are the Constitution and rights, system of government, history, geography, symbols, and holidays. Learn 10 per week. Use the free USCIS flash cards and practice tests. Practice the ones you miss again and again. Pay close attention to answers that depend on your state. Your senator, governor, and capital change with elections. So check the current officeholders right before your interview.
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- Fill / Prepare Ongoing
Practice English reading and writing
The reading test uses simple civics sentences. For example, "Abraham Lincoln was president". The writing test is similar. The officer reads a sentence, and you write it down. USCIS publishes the exact vocabulary lists. Study those words. Then nothing can surprise you. Watch the official USCIS interview videos. They show the real pace and tone.
Click to mark as done
- Before You Go 1 hour
Re-read your own N-400 before the interview
The officer will ask you to confirm everything on your application. You answer under oath. The officer asks about trips abroad, addresses, employment, and marriages. They also ask the "good moral character" questions. Do not go against your own answers. That is the fastest way to get into trouble. Bring your passport, green card, and state ID. Also bring any documents named in your interview notice.
Click to mark as done
- Submit & Pay Half day
Attend the interview
Arrive 30 minutes early at the field office. Bring your appointment letter and photo ID. The interview itself takes about 20–30 minutes. It covers the oath, the N-400 review, civics questions, reading, and writing. Answer in English. You do not have to if you are exempt by age/residency. Stay calm. If you do not understand a question, you can ask the officer to repeat it.
Click to mark as done
- Follow Up 60–90 days
If you fail, retake the failed part
You get two chances. If you fail civics or English, USCIS sets a second attempt for you. It is usually 60–90 days later. You only retake the part you failed. If you fail twice, the application is denied. But you can apply again and pay the fee again. Most people who study the official materials pass on the first try.
Click to mark as done
- Receive Weeks to months
Attend the oath ceremony and get your certificate
After you pass, you get an oath ceremony notice. Some offices hold ceremonies the same day. At other offices, the wait is weeks to months. At the ceremony, you give up your green card. You take the Oath of Allegiance. You receive your Certificate of Naturalization. Then you can apply for a US passport the same week.
Click to mark as done
Be Careful
Don't make these mistakes
Studying the wrong civics version. The 2025 version has 128 questions and applies to N-400s filed on or after 20 October 2025. The 2008 version has 100 questions and applies to earlier filings. The old 2020 version no longer applies to new filers, so ignore older articles that say it is current.
Not checking your state-specific answers. Answers that depend on your state, like your senator, governor, and capital, change with elections. Check the current officeholders right before your interview.
Contradicting your own N-400. The officer goes through your N-400Application for Naturalization — The form green card holders file to become US citizens.Click for official info ↗ application line by line and asks about trips abroad, addresses, employment, and marriages under oath. Do not go against your own answers. That is the fastest way to get into trouble.
Skipping English reading and writing practice. The reading test uses simple civics sentences, and the writing test asks you to write a sentence the officer reads out to you. USCISUS Citizenship and Immigration Services — The federal agency that processes green cards, work permits, naturalization, and most immigration benefits. Part of the Department of Homeland Security.Click for official info ↗ publishes the exact vocabulary lists, so study those words and nothing can surprise you.
Assuming one failure ends the application. If you fail civics or English, USCIS sets a second attempt for you, usually 60 to 90 days later, and you only retake the part you failed. If you fail twice, the application is denied, but you can apply again and pay the fee again.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the test in my own language?
Yes, in some cases. If you are 50+ with 20 years as a permanent residentCanadian permanent resident — Someone granted the right to live and work anywhere in Canada permanently, without being a citizen.Click for official info ↗, you do not have to take the English reading/writing tests. The same applies if you are 55+ with 15 years. You take the civics part in your own language. You may use an interpreter. Applicants 65+ with 20 years also get the simpler civics test. It has 10 questions from the 20 starred questions. You need 6 to pass.
What if my interview is delayed and the test version changes?
The version is set by your N-400 filing date. It is not set by your interview date. If you filed on or after 20 October 2025, you take the 2025 test. This is true even if your interview is much later.
How hard is the civics test really?
It is pure memory work. The questions and answers are published. There are no tricks. The national pass rate is over 90%. For most applicants, the harder part is the N-400 review in English. So practice speaking about your own application.
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