US Citizenship Test: What to Expect
The US citizenship test is part of the naturalization interview and generally has two parts, an English test covering reading, writing, and speaking, and a civics test on U.S. history and government, and you must pass both to naturalize, though certain applicants qualify for exemptions or accommodations. The naturalization test checks your English ability and your knowledge of U.S. civics, with the civics portion drawn from a set of study questions and the English portion assessed through reading, writing, and your ability to speak with the officer. If you do not pass a portion, you generally get a second opportunity to retake the failed part.
This guide explains what to expect on the US citizenship test and how it fits the interview. It connects to our guides on how to become a U.S. citizen و what happens if you fail the citizenship test.
Preparing for the citizenship test? Atlas Legal can help you get ready. Contact our team.
نکات کلیدی
- The test has an English part and a civics part.
- The English part covers reading, writing, and speaking.
- The civics part covers U.S. history and government.
- You generally must pass both parts to naturalize.
- If you fail a part, you usually get a second chance to retake it.
What This Guide Covers
- When the test happens
- The English test
- The civics test
- Exemptions and accommodations
- If you do not pass
- Frequently asked questions
When the Test Happens
The citizenship test takes place during your naturalization interview with a USCIS officer, after you file Form N-400 and complete biometrics. The same interview where the officer reviews your application also includes the English and civics testing, so the test is not a separate appointment.
Because it is part of the interview, being prepared for both the test and the review of your application helps the appointment go smoothly. Our guide to the naturalization interview explains the full appointment, of which the test is one component.
The English Test
The English portion assesses your ability to read, write, and speak basic English. Your speaking ability is generally evaluated through your normal conversation with the officer as they conduct the interview and review your application. The reading and writing portions involve reading and writing sentences to demonstrate basic literacy.
| English skill | How it is tested |
|---|---|
| Speaking | Through your conversation with the officer during the interview |
| Reading | Reading a sentence aloud correctly |
| Writing | Writing a sentence correctly |
The English level required is basic, aimed at everyday ability rather than advanced fluency. Practicing reading and writing simple sentences on civics and everyday topics is a helpful way to prepare.
The Civics Test
The civics test covers important U.S. history and government topics. Applicants study from an official set of civics questions and answers, and during the interview the officer asks a number of these questions orally, with the applicant needing to answer a required number correctly to pass.
Because the questions come from a known study list, preparation is very achievable: study the official materials, practice the questions and answers, and become comfortable answering them aloud. Some answers, such as the names of current officials, can change over time, so use up-to-date study materials. Free official study resources are available to help you prepare.
Want a study plan for the civics test? Ask Atlas Legal for guidance.
Exemptions and Accommodations
Not everyone takes the standard test in the same way. Certain applicants may qualify for an exemption from the English requirement based on age and length of permanent residence, allowing them to take the civics test in their native language with an interpreter. Some older, long-term residents may also be eligible for a simpler version of the civics test.
In addition, applicants with a qualifying medical disability may seek an exception to the English and civics requirements through the proper process and form. Reasonable accommodations are also available for applicants with disabilities so they can take the test. If you think an exemption or accommodation may apply to you, it is worth confirming the requirements in advance.
If You Do Not Pass
If you do not pass the English or civics test at your interview, you generally are given a second opportunity to take the portion you failed, typically at a later date. You retake only the part you did not pass, not the entire test. This second chance means one difficult day does not necessarily end your case.
If you do not pass on the second attempt, the application can be denied, but you may reapply. Preparing thoroughly for the first interview is the best approach, and our guide on what happens if you fail the citizenship test explains the retake and next steps in more detail.
When to Work With an Immigration Attorney
Most applicants prepare for the test on their own, but guidance can help. Legal help is valuable when you think you qualify for an English exemption or a medical disability exception, when you need accommodations, when you are unsure about eligibility on your N-400, or when a prior attempt did not go well. An attorney can help you prepare and pursue any exemptions correctly. Outcomes depend on the facts of each case.
سوالات متداول
What is on the US citizenship test?
The US citizenship test has two main parts. The English test assesses your ability to read, write, and speak basic English, with speaking generally evaluated through your conversation with the officer and reading and writing tested through simple sentences. The civics test covers important U.S. history and government topics, drawn from an official set of study questions that the officer asks orally. You generally must pass both parts to naturalize. The test takes place during your naturalization interview, not as a separate appointment, after you file Form N-400 and complete biometrics.
How many civics questions do I need to answer correctly?
During the interview, the officer asks a number of civics questions from the official study list, and you must answer a required number correctly to pass. Because the questions come from a known set of study materials, preparation is very achievable by studying the official questions and answers and practicing them aloud. Some answers, such as the names of current elected officials, can change over time, so use up-to-date study resources. Once you answer enough questions correctly, the officer generally stops asking, and you have passed the civics portion.
How hard is the English part of the test?
The English requirement is aimed at basic, everyday ability rather than advanced fluency. Your speaking is generally assessed through your normal conversation with the officer during the interview, while the reading and writing portions involve reading a sentence aloud correctly and writing a sentence correctly to show basic literacy. Practicing reading and writing simple sentences, especially on civics and everyday topics, is a good way to prepare. Many applicants find that consistent practice with basic English and the study materials builds the confidence needed to pass.
What happens if I fail the citizenship test?
If you do not pass the English or civics portion at your interview, you generally receive a second opportunity to retake only the part you failed, usually at a later date, rather than repeating the entire test. This second chance means one difficult day does not necessarily end your case. If you do not pass on the second attempt, the application can be denied, though you may reapply. Thorough preparation for the first interview is the best strategy, and reviewing what to expect helps you approach the test with confidence.
Can I take the test in my own language?
Some applicants can. Certain applicants qualify for an exemption from the English requirement based on their age and how long they have been permanent residents, allowing them to take the civics test in their native language with an interpreter. Some older, long-term residents may also take a simpler version of the civics test. Whether you qualify depends on meeting the specific age and residence criteria. If you think you may be eligible for an English exemption, confirm the current requirements in advance so you can prepare accordingly.
Are there exceptions for medical conditions?
Yes. Applicants with a qualifying medical disability or impairment may seek an exception to the English and civics testing requirements through the proper process, which involves a specific form completed by a medical professional. In addition, reasonable accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities so they can take the test, such as modifications to the testing process. If a medical condition affects your ability to take the standard test, it is important to pursue the exception or accommodation correctly and in advance, ideally with guidance, to support your naturalization.
When does the citizenship test happen?
The citizenship test takes place during your naturalization interview with a USCIS officer, which occurs after you file Form N-400 and complete your biometrics appointment. The same interview where the officer reviews your application also includes the English and civics testing, so it is not a separate appointment. Being prepared for both the test and the review of your application helps the interview go smoothly. Knowing that the test is part of the interview lets you prepare comprehensively for the whole appointment rather than treating the test in isolation.
Where can I find official study materials?
Official study materials for the civics test, including the list of study questions and answers, are made available for free to help applicants prepare, along with resources for the English portion. Using official, up-to-date materials is important because some civics answers, such as current officials, change over time. Studying the official questions, practicing them aloud, and working on basic English reading and writing are effective ways to prepare. Because the civics questions come from a known set, consistent study with the official resources makes passing very achievable for most applicants.
Bottom Line
The US citizenship test, taken during your naturalization interview, has an English portion covering reading, writing, and speaking, and a civics portion on U.S. history and government drawn from official study questions. You generally must pass both, but exemptions and accommodations exist, and you usually get a second chance if you fail a part. Each case depends on its own facts.
If you are preparing for the citizenship test, Atlas Legal Immigration Law can help. Reach us at 1750 E Golf Rd Ste 214, Schaumburg, IL 60173, call (+1) 872 382 2762, or email info@theatlaslegal.com. Learn more on our services page.
Reviewed by the Atlas Legal Immigration Law editorial team. Last reviewed on July 29, 2026.
Sources
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Find Study Materials and Resources
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Study for the Test
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Form N-400, Application for Naturalization
This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration laws, government fees, policies, and processing times may change. Reading this article or contacting Atlas Legal does not by itself create an attorney-client relationship. The outcome of any immigration matter depends on its individual facts and circumstances.
