Frequently Asked Questions

It depends on the version. The 2008 test asks up to 10 questions from a pool of 100 — you pass at 6 correct, and the test stops there. The 2025 test asks up to 20 questions from a pool of 128 — it ends as soon as you reach 12 correct (pass) or 9 incorrect (fail). Because the officer stops early once the result is decided, you may hear fewer questions than the maximum.

If you filed Form N-400 before October 20, 2025, you take the 2008 test. If you filed on or after October 20, 2025, you take the 2025 test. The filing date decides, not the interview date — many interviews in 2026 still use the 2008 test.

Learn more: 2008 vs 2025 civics test differences

The 2008 test draws up to 10 questions from a pool of 100 (pass at 6 correct). The 2025 test draws up to 20 questions from a pool of 128 (pass at 12 correct) and applies to N-400 applications filed on or after October 20, 2025. About 75% of the 2025 content comes from the 2008 test; the rest is new material. Our app covers both versions.

Both versions require 60% correct on the civics portion: 6 of up to 10 questions on the 2008 test, 12 of up to 20 on the 2025 test. Applicants who qualify for the 65/20 special consideration answer 10 questions from a designated list of 20 and pass with 6. You also need to pass the English test — speaking, reading and writing.

The civics test is oral — the USCIS officer reads each question aloud and you answer verbally. There is no written civics test. The officer stops as soon as the result is decided: at 6 correct on the 2008 test, and at either 12 correct (pass) or 9 incorrect (fail) on the 2025 test.

Most applicants take the test in English. But if you were 50 or older with 20 years living in the US as a permanent resident when you filed (the 50/20 rule), or 55 or older with 15 years (55/15), you are exempt from the entire English requirement — speaking, reading, and writing — and can take the civics test in your native language with an interpreter you bring.

Learn more: who can take the citizenship test in Spanish

Yes. If you are 65 or older and have lived in the US as a permanent resident for at least 20 years when you file your N-400, you study only 20 designated questions and are asked up to 10 (pass at 6 correct). Each test version has its own separate list of 20 designated questions, and you may take the civics test in your native language with an interpreter.

Learn more: the 65/20 exception for senior applicants

You read 1 of up to 3 sentences aloud correctly, and write 1 of up to 3 dictated sentences correctly. Both are built from short vocabulary lists USCIS publishes. Spelling, capitalization and punctuation errors do not fail you unless they stop the officer understanding the sentence — but you must never abbreviate a dictated word.

Learn more: how the English reading and writing test is scored

The naturalization interview covers four things: an oral civics test, an English reading test (read 1 of up to 3 sentences correctly), an English writing test (write 1 of up to 3 sentences correctly), and questions about your application — the officer assesses your speaking ability throughout. The outcome is recorded on Form N-652, the Naturalization Interview Results notice the officer hands you at the end.

Learn more: what to expect at your N-400 interview

You get a second attempt. USCIS automatically schedules a re-examination 60-90 days after the initial interview, and you retake only the portion you failed. Failing the second attempt means the N-400 is denied — you can then request a hearing with Form N-336 within 30 days, or refile a new application and fee. Missing the re-exam appointment without rescheduling also results in denial.

Learn more: what happens if you fail the citizenship test

The N-400 filing fee is $760 on paper or $710 online as of July 2026. A reduced fee of $380 is available if your household income is between 150% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. A full fee waiver (Form I-912) is available on any of three grounds: household income at or below 150%, receipt of a means-tested benefit such as Medicaid or SNAP, or financial hardship. Both the reduced fee and the waiver must be filed on paper. A DHS rule proposed on June 23, 2026 would change these fees and end the reduced-fee and waiver options, but it is not final.

Processing times vary widely by field office and have been lengthening — recent figures run from well under a year in the fastest offices to considerably longer in the busiest ones. Check your own office at the USCIS processing times tool rather than planning around a national average, then add time for the oath ceremony after approval.

Yes — the app is free to download and includes both complete official question pools: all 100 questions for the 2008 test and all 128 for the 2025 test. Premium features such as AI mock interviews and advanced progress analytics require an optional subscription.

Yes. The app supports practice in English, Spanish, Turkish, French, Russian, and Chinese. Studying in your native language first can help you understand the concepts before you memorize the English answers — and if you qualify for the 50/20 or 55/15 exemption, you can take the actual civics test in your native language.

Most applicants prepare for 1 to 3 months. Studying 15-30 minutes a day, you can realistically cover the full 128-question pool in 4 to 6 weeks. Plan extra time if you also need to practice English reading and writing.