Citizenship Guide
The civics and English tests
In short
In short: At your interview a USCIS officer gives two tests: English (speaking, reading and writing) and civics (U.S. history and government). The civics test is oral: the officer asks questions and you answer out loud. Which civics test you take depends on when you filed Form N-400.
Last reviewed: . Written and checked against official sources by ChowChow Labs, an independent study website. This is general information, not legal or immigration advice.
Which civics test applies to you
| Filed N-400 | Questions asked | To pass |
|---|---|---|
| On or after October 20, 2025 (2025 test) | Up to 20 from 128 study questions | 12 correct (the officer stops at 12 correct or 9 incorrect) |
| Before October 20, 2025 (2008 test) | Up to 10 from 100 study questions | 6 correct |
This app's mock exams practice the 2025 test. They are written multiple-choice practice, not a copy of the oral test.
The English test
- Speaking: the officer judges your spoken English during the interview.
- Reading: you read a sentence out loud.
- Writing: you write a sentence the officer reads to you.
USCIS publishes reading and writing vocabulary lists to help you prepare.
If you don't pass
You get a second chance. USCIS retests you on the part you failed, usually 60 to 90 days after your first interview. Failing again generally leads to a denial.
Answers that change
Some questions ask about people in office, such as the President, the Speaker of the House, your senators, your representative and your governor. Check the current answers right before your interview at uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates (opens in a new tab).
Common questions
Do I have to answer exactly as written?
No. The officer accepts answers that mean the same as the official ones. Practice saying answers in your own words with oral interview practice.
Is the civics test timed?
There is no published time limit. Our optional practice timer is only for practice.
Practice for the civics test
Try free timed mock exams, practice the interview out loud, or study by topic with questions and answers.
Official sources
Links open the official U.S. government pages.
Related guides
US Citizenship Test Prep is an independent educational resource made by ChowChow Labs. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or any U.S. government agency. Official rules can change: always confirm details on uscis.gov. For questions about your own case, contact USCIS or a licensed immigration attorney or DOJ-accredited representative.