The citizenship interview: English and civics tests explained

What happens at the interview

The officer places you under oath and goes through your application, asking you to confirm or update your answers. Expect questions about your trips abroad, your marriage and family, your employment and any arrests or citations. Answer honestly and say so if you do not understand a question.

Bring your appointment notice, your green card, a government-issued photo ID, all passports and travel documents used during the statutory period, and any documents requested in your notice. If you have court dispositions, tax transcripts or child support records relevant to your case, bring certified copies.

How the English and civics tests work

The English test has three parts. Your speaking ability is assessed through the interview itself. For reading and writing, you are asked to read and to write sentences in English, and you generally need to get one of up to three attempts correct for each part.

The civics test is an oral test of US history and government drawn from an official list of questions. USCIS introduced an updated version of the civics test in 2025, and the version you take depends on when you filed your N-400. Check the USCIS citizenship resources for the current question list, the number of questions asked and the passing score that apply to you.

• Study from the official USCIS question list and materials, not unofficial apps alone.
• Some answers change with elections, such as the names of current officials.
• Practice reading and writing the official vocabulary lists.

Age and residence exemptions: 50/20, 55/15 and 65/20

Some long-time residents are exempt from the English requirement. These exemptions are based on your age and years as a permanent resident at the time you file the N-400.

If you are exempt from English, you still take the civics test, but you may take it in the language of your choice with an interpreter. You generally need to bring your own interpreter who is fluent in English and your language.

• 50/20: age 50 or older with at least 20 years as a permanent resident. Exempt from English.
• 55/15: age 55 or older with at least 15 years as a permanent resident. Exempt from English.
• 65/20: age 65 or older with at least 20 years as a permanent resident. Exempt from English and given special consideration on civics, with a smaller set of questions to study.

Disability exceptions with Form N-648

If a physical or developmental disability or a mental impairment prevents you from learning or demonstrating knowledge of English, civics or both, you may request an exception with Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions. A licensed medical doctor, doctor of osteopathy or licensed clinical psychologist must complete it and explain how the condition affects your ability to meet the requirement. File it with your N-400 if possible.

USCIS reviews the form for completeness and may ask questions. A form that only lists a diagnosis without explaining its effect on learning is more likely to be found insufficient.

Retests, decisions and the oath

If you fail any portion of the English or civics test, USCIS generally schedules a second opportunity to retake only that portion. Failing the same portion again leads to denial. If your application is denied, you may request an administrative hearing on Form N-336 within the deadline stated in the decision. Once approved, you become a citizen only after you take the Oath of Allegiance at a ceremony.