Guides
Citizenship test guides
Clear answers to the questions people ask most about the 2025 civics test, the interview and how to prepare.
Start here
2025 US Citizenship Test: 128 Questions, 20 Asked, 12 to Pass
How the 2025 naturalization civics test works: 128 questions, 20 asked out loud, 12 correct to pass, who takes it, and how to prepare.
5 min read
The basics
How Many Questions Do You Need to Pass the Citizenship Test?
You need 12 correct answers out of up to 20 on the 2025 civics test, or 6 out of 10 under the 65/20 rule. Here is how scoring and early stops work.
4 min read
Special rules
The 65/20 Rule for the Citizenship Test, Explained
Age 65 or older with 20 years as a permanent resident? You study 20 starred civics questions, the officer asks 10, and you need 6 right.
6 min read
Free practice
2025 Civics Test Questions and Answers: Free Practice Set
Practice the first 15 questions of the 2025 civics test, Principles of American Government, with every official answer. Free.
4 min read
Study plan
How to Pass the Citizenship Test: A 14-Day Study Plan
A simple two-week plan to learn all 128 civics questions, about 10 a day, with review days, state answers and mock interviews.
4 min read
Interview day
Naturalization Interview: What to Expect, Step by Step
What happens at your citizenship interview: check-in, the oath to tell the truth, the English test, the civics test, the decision and the oath ceremony.
4 min read
Updated November 2026
Citizenship Test Answers That Change After Elections
Four civics test answers change after elections or appointments: President, Vice President, Speaker of the House and Chief Justice. See the current ones.
3 min read
Your own answers
Citizenship Test State Questions: Senators, Governor, Capital
Four civics questions depend on where you live. Learn how to find your answers, the special rules for D.C. and the territories, and every state capital.
4 min read
If it goes wrong
What Happens If You Fail the Citizenship Test?
Failing the English or civics test is not the end. You usually get one more chance, only on the part you failed. Here is how retesting works.
3 min read
English test
Citizenship English Test: Reading, Writing and Speaking
The naturalization English test has three parts: reading, writing and speaking. Learn how each is scored, who is exempt, and how to practice.
3 min read
Avoid these
8 Mistakes That Cost Points on the Civics Test
Giving one answer when two are needed, studying silently, skipping the state questions: eight avoidable mistakes on the citizenship civics test.
3 min read
Quick facts
Numbers and Dates to Know for the Citizenship Test
How many amendments, senators and justices? When was the Declaration adopted? The exact numbers and dates from the 2025 civics test.
3 min read
Eligibility
US Citizenship Requirements: Who Can Apply for Naturalization?
The main requirements for US naturalization: age, years as a permanent resident, time in the US, good moral character, and the English and civics tests.
4 min read
The process
Naturalization Process: Every Step From N-400 to Oath
The steps to become a US citizen: file Form N-400, the biometrics appointment, the interview and tests, the decision, and the oath ceremony.
3 min read
Interview questions
N-400 Interview Questions: What the Officer May Ask
The citizenship interview includes questions from your N-400: address, work, family, travel, taxes, arrests and the oath. Examples and how to prepare.
3 min read
The oath
Oath of Allegiance: Full Text and What It Means
The words new US citizens say at the naturalization ceremony, explained in plain language, with what happens at the ceremony and the civics question about it.
4 min read
Language
Can You Take the Citizenship Test in Spanish or Another Language?
Most applicants take the interview in English. Some can take the civics test in their own language with an interpreter. See who qualifies.
3 min read
Latest updates
Report: naturalization approvals fell sharply in the third quarter of fiscal 2026
A law-firm blog reports that USCIS approved 54,974 naturalization applications in the third quarter of fiscal year 2026, compared with 236,924 a year earlier, and that average waits rose.
Advocates explain waivers and character letters under the new neighborhood review
The Immigrant Legal Resource Center's October 2026 advisory says USCIS may waive a neighborhood investigation when an applicant sends enough testimonial or character reference letters. It also says missing letters alone cannot justify a finding of bad moral character.
USCIS ends the general waiver of neighborhood investigations for citizenship applicants
A USCIS policy alert dated August 25, 2026 ends the general waiver of neighborhood investigations. Officers may speak with people who know an applicant to check details from Form N-400, including good moral character.