The civics test
The civics test
The most common questions about the civics test.
It depends on when you filed Form N-400. If you filed on or after October 20, 2025, you take the 2025 test. If you filed before that date, you take the 2008 test.
On the 2025 test, the officer asks 20 questions from a list of 128, and you pass by answering 12 correctly. On the 2008 test, the officer asks up to 10 questions from a list of 100, and you pass by answering 6 correctly.
Spoken. The officer asks the civics questions out loud and you answer out loud. The only writing is in the English test, where you write 1 of 3 sentences correctly.
You are tested again on only the part you missed, English or civics, between 60 and 90 days after your first interview.
Some people can. If you are 50 or older with 20 years as a green card holder, or 55 or older with 15 years, you take the civics test in your own language with an interpreter you bring. If you are 65 or older with 20 years as a green card holder, you can take it in the language you choose.
Yes. If you are 65 or older and have been a green card holder for 20 years, the officer asks 10 questions from a special list of 20, and you pass with 6 correct.
A licensed medical doctor, osteopathic doctor, or clinical psychologist can certify a physical or developmental disability or a mental impairment on Form N-648, which can exempt you from the English and civics requirements.
A few answers depend on elections or where you live, like the names of your senators and representative. Check the current official answers before your interview.
Our free practice tool has the 2008 questions three ways, and USCIS publishes the official lists for both versions.
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The civics test