United States
US citizenship test: how the naturalization test works
At your interview, an officer asks civics questions and tests your English: speaking, reading and writing.
Practice it out loud. The Citizenwise app (now on the App Store for iPhone) asks the civics questions the way the officer does, listens to your answer and follows the real rules. No ads. No account.
Read the guideSee all 128 questions
Get it on Google PlayDownload on the App Store
Not a government website. An independent study app. Who we are
The 2025 civics test at a glance
- Questions
- Up to 20 of 128 Source: uscis.gov
- To pass
- 12 correct answers Source: uscis.gov
- Format
- Oral, at your interview Source: uscis.gov
- English test
- Read, write and speak Source: uscis.gov
The civics test
Which civics test you take depends on when you filed your citizenship application (Form N-400):
Which test is yours?
- 2025 civics test: filed on or after October 20, 2025. Up to 20 questions from 128; pass with 12 correct.
- 2008 civics test: filed before October 20, 2025. 10 questions from 100; pass with 6 correct.
A few answers depend on where you live (your senators, representative, governor and capital): find yours by state.
The English test
You read one of three sentences out loud and write one of three sentences that the officer reads to you. Speaking is checked during the whole interview.
Your path to citizenship
Prepare for the test
The civics test and the English test. Citizenwise helps with the civics test.
The interview
An officer asks the questions out loud and checks your documents.
We help with step 2. For your own case, ask an immigration attorney or a DOJ-accredited representative. We don't give legal advice.
Using the Citizenwise app
The guide in your language (automatic translation; the app itself is in English, like the test):
What is free
Every question stays free, with no ads and no account: practice tests are free and unlimited, with 1 spoken practice interview a week. Full access, a one-time purchase (not a subscription), costs USD 9.99 on Google Play and on iPhone. It adds unlimited spoken practice interviews, spoken English practice for every part of Form N-400, the “Why” and Listen for every topic, and translations. N-400 practice is English practice only, not legal advice.
Questions about the civics test
Which civics test do I take, the 2025 or the 2008 test?
It depends on when you filed your citizenship application (Form N-400). Filed on or after October 20, 2025: the 2025 test (128 questions). Filed before: the 2008 test (100 questions).
How many questions do I need to answer correctly?
2025 test: the officer asks up to 20 questions and you pass with 12 correct answers; the officer stops at 12 correct or 9 wrong. 2008 test: the officer asks 10 questions and you pass with 6 correct answers.
What is the 65/20 rule?
If you are 65 or older and have been a permanent resident for 20 years or more when you file, you study only the 20 questions marked 65/20 and may take the civics test in the language of your choice. The officer asks 10 of them and you pass with 6 correct.
Is the civics test multiple choice?
No. The officer asks the questions out loud and you answer out loud. The Citizenwise app practices it the same way.
Practice it out loud: the free Citizenwise app asks the civics questions the way the officer does and follows the real rules. Available on Google Play and the App Store.
Source: uscis.gov/citizenship. Always check the official source before your interview.