The US Citizenship Test: English and Civics, Explained

Written by the Ellis Porter content team. This article has not been reviewed by an attorney. It is general information, not legal advice.

In plain English: The US citizenship test is part of the naturalization interview and has two parts: an English test and a civics test. The English part checks that you can read, write, and speak basic English. The civics part is an oral test on US history and government, where the officer asks a set of questions from an official study list and you answer out loud. There are exemptions and easier options for certain older or long-resident applicants, and accommodations for disabilities. USCIS publishes the study materials, so most applicants can prepare well in advance.

The test everyone worries about, in plain terms

If you have a naturalization interview coming up, the citizenship test is usually the part that keeps people up at night. The good news is that it is more predictable than it feels, and you can prepare for the exact questions ahead of time. Here is how it actually works.

The US citizenship test is the testing portion of the naturalization interview. It has two parts:

• An English test (read, write, and speak basic English); and
• A civics test on US history and government.

The officer administers both during the interview. For most applicants, passing both is required for approval, though exemptions and accommodations exist. The good news: USCIS publishes the study materials, so you can prepare on the exact content.

The English test

The English component checks that you can:

• Read a sentence in English;
• Write a sentence in English; and
• Speak and understand basic English (assessed through the interview itself).

The standard is basic English, not fluency. Most applicants who use English in daily life clear it comfortably.

The civics test

The civics test is an oral test on US history and government. The officer asks a set number of questions from an official study list, and you must answer a required number correctly to pass. Because USCIS publishes the full list of possible questions and acceptable answers, you can study the precise material.

Who can take a different path

Not everyone takes the standard test:

• English exemptions based on age and years of residence (commonly the 50/20 and 55/15 rules, where age plus years as a permanent resident meet a threshold) let some older, long-resident applicants take the civics test in their own language with an interpreter.
• Disability accommodations are available with proper documentation for applicants with qualifying medical conditions.

Confirm the current exemption rules with USCIS, since the details matter for who qualifies.

If you do not pass the first time

Take a breath here, because one stumble is not the end of the road. If you fail the English or civics portion at the interview, you are generally given a second opportunity to retake the portion you failed, usually within a set period. If you fail again, the application can be denied, but you can reapply later. Because a retake exists, applicants who are close often pass on the second try with more study.

How to prepare

• Study the official USCIS civics questions and answers directly.
• Practice English reading and writing with the official vocabulary lists.
• Consider practice interviews.
• If you are older or have a disability, check whether an exemption applies.

The test is very passable with preparation, and the material is known in advance. If you are unsure whether an exemption applies to you, or you have concerns about the interview, a licensed Ellis Porter attorney can help you understand what to expect.

This article is general information, not legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Test requirements and exemptions can change. Confirm current details with USCIS and consult a licensed immigration attorney.

Frequently asked questions

What is the US citizenship test?

It is the testing portion of the naturalization interview, with two components: an English test (reading, writing, and speaking basic English) and a civics test on US history and government. The officer administers both during the interview. For most applicants, passing both is required to be approved for citizenship, though exemptions and accommodations exist for certain applicants.

What is on the civics test?

The civics test covers US history and government, and USCIS asks questions from an official study list. The officer asks a set number of questions orally, and you must answer a required number correctly to pass. USCIS publishes the full list of possible questions and acceptable answers, so applicants can study the exact material in advance.

Do I have to speak English for the citizenship test?

Most applicants must demonstrate the ability to read, write, and speak basic English. However, there are exemptions based on age and length of permanent residence: some older, long-resident applicants may take the civics test in their own language and are exempt from the English requirement. Disability accommodations are also available with proper documentation. The general rule is basic English for most.

Who is exempt from the English test?

Certain applicants qualify for an English exemption based on age and years as a permanent resident (commonly described as the 50/20 and 55/15 rules, where age plus years of residence meet a threshold). Those applicants may take the civics portion in their preferred language with an interpreter. Some applicants with qualifying medical disabilities may also be exempt. Confirm current exemption rules with USCIS.

What happens if I fail the citizenship test?

If you fail the English or civics test at the interview, you are generally given a second opportunity to take the portion you failed, usually scheduled within a certain period. If you fail again, the application can be denied, though you can reapply later. Because a second chance exists, an applicant who is close often passes on the retake with more preparation.

How do I prepare for the citizenship test?

USCIS publishes official study materials, including the civics questions and answers and English vocabulary and reading and writing practice. Studying the official list directly is the best preparation, since the civics questions come from it. Many applicants also use practice interviews. For older or disabled applicants, checking whether an exemption applies is part of preparing.