US Citizenship Test 2026: The 2025 Civics Test and English Test

It depends on the date USCIS received your Form N-400:

The 2025 test uses the same bank of 128 questions that USCIS used for its 2020 version. USCIS announced it in the Federal Register on September 18, 2025. Everyone filing in 2026 takes the 2025 test.

• The test is oral. The officer reads questions aloud and you answer aloud.
• The officer asks questions from the official list of 128, until you have answered 12 correctly (you pass) or 9 incorrectly (you fail that attempt). The maximum is 20 questions.
• Some questions ask about current officials, such as the President, Vice President, Speaker of the House, your state's US Senators, and your state's governor. Check the answers close to your interview date, because they can change after elections.
• USCIS publishes the full list with answers. Many questions accept several correct answers; you only need to give the one the question asks for.

Topics include the Constitution and Bill of Rights, the three branches of government, rights and responsibilities, American history from colonial times to the modern era, and symbols and holidays.

The English test has three parts:

• Speaking: the officer judges your spoken English during the interview as you answer questions about your application.
• Reading: you must read aloud 1 of up to 3 sentences correctly.
• Writing: you must write 1 of up to 3 sentences correctly, as the officer reads it aloud.

USCIS publishes vocabulary lists for the reading and writing tests. Practice with them, and practice answering questions about your own N-400 in English.

People with disabilities can also ask for accommodations, such as extra time or a sign language interpreter. Request them on the N-400.

If you fail the English test, the civics test, or both, USCIS gives you one retest on the part you failed, usually scheduled 60 to 90 days after the first interview. You do not retake the part you passed. If you fail the retest, USCIS denies your application. You can file a new N-400 and pay the fee again, or ask for a hearing on the denial with Form N-336.

Your green card stays valid if you fail. You remain a permanent resident.

1. Download the official 128 questions and answers from USCIS (linked below).
2. Update the "current officials" answers for your state.
3. Practice out loud with a friend or family member, since the test is spoken.
4. Use the USCIS reading and writing vocabulary lists.
5. Review your N-400, because the officer will ask about it in English.

Many public libraries and community organizations offer free citizenship classes. Check that any paid class or "consultant" is legitimate; see notario fraud and scam protection.