The US citizenship civics test at a glance
- Format
- Spoken questions at your USCIS interview
- Questions
- Up to 20 asked from the official list
- To pass
- 12 correct answers
- Also tested
- English reading, writing and speaking
- Retake
- One retest if you fail part of the test
Rules and fees can change. Always check USCIS: Citizenship Resource Center before you book.
Who needs to take it?
Most applicants for US citizenship (Form N-400). Some older, long-term residents can study fewer questions or take the test in their own language.
How it works, step by step
- 1
File Form N-400
Apply online or by mail. USCIS then schedules your biometrics and interview.
- 2
Learn the official civics questions
USCIS publishes the full list of questions and answers. Learn every one: you don't know which you'll get.
- 3
Attend your interview
The officer reviews your application and gives you the English and civics tests.
- 4
Take the Oath of Allegiance
If you pass and your application is approved, you're invited to a naturalization ceremony.
🎒 On the day
- ✓Bring your interview notice and green card
- ✓Bring the documents listed in your notice
- ✓Answer clearly; you can ask the officer to repeat a question
💡 Tips to pass
- ✓Practise answering out loud, not just reading
- ✓Some answers change (like who your senators are): check them before the interview
- ✓Mix civics practice with reading and writing the vocabulary lists
Your 14-day study plan
A simple plan for the US citizenship civics test. Print it and tick off each day.
- 1American Government: Principles of American Government
- Study American Government: Principles of American Government
- Answer the topic practice questions
- Write down anything you get wrong
- 2American Government: Principles of American Government
- Study American Government: Principles of American Government
- Answer the topic practice questions
- Write down anything you get wrong
- 3American Government: Principles of American Government
- Study American Government: Principles of American Government
- Answer the topic practice questions
- Write down anything you get wrong
- 4American Government: System of Government
- Study American Government: System of Government
- Answer the topic practice questions
- Write down anything you get wrong
- 5American Government: System of Government
- Study American Government: System of Government
- Answer the topic practice questions
- Write down anything you get wrong
- 6American Government: System of Government
- Study American Government: System of Government
- Answer the topic practice questions
- Write down anything you get wrong
- 7American Government: Rights and Responsibilities
- Study American Government: Rights and Responsibilities
- Answer the topic practice questions
- Write down anything you get wrong
- 8American Government: Rights and Responsibilities
- Study American Government: Rights and Responsibilities
- Answer the topic practice questions
- Write down anything you get wrong
- 9American Government: Rights and Responsibilities
- Study American Government: Rights and Responsibilities
- Answer the topic practice questions
- Write down anything you get wrong
- 10Review
- Take the readiness check
- Re-study your two weakest topics
- Redo the questions you got wrong
- 11Review
- Take the readiness check
- Re-study your two weakest topics
- Redo the questions you got wrong
- 12Mock test
- Take a full timed mock test
- Review every wrong answer
- Study the topics you missed
- 13Mock test
- Take a full timed mock test
- Review every wrong answer
- Study the topics you missed
- 14Final mock test
- Take a full timed mock test
- Review every wrong answer
- Pass with room to spare? You're ready to book
Test yourself for free
No download, no sign-up. See how close you are to passing.
Frequently asked questions
It depends on when you filed your N-400. Check USCIS's website for the version that applies to you.
