The citizenship English test: reading, writing and speaking

Reading

The officer shows you up to three sentences. You must read one of them correctly, out loud. Once you read one correctly, the reading test is over. Read slowly and clearly.

How to practice reading

• Read short sentences out loud every day.
• Read the civics questions out loud. They are the kind of language you will meet.
• Slow down. Clear and correct beats fast.

Writing

The officer says sentences and you write them. You must write one of up to three correctly. Your handwriting must be readable. Passing does not require perfect spelling or grammar. Small mistakes are allowed as long as the meaning is clear.

How to practice writing

• Ask someone to say a sentence, then write it.
• Write in clear letters and leave spaces between words.
• Check capital letters and the period at the end.

Speaking

Speaking is not a separate test. The officer judges it throughout the interview, as you answer questions about your application. The question is whether you understand and speak enough English to be sworn in and to answer the officer. An accent alone is not a reason to fail.

How to practice speaking

• Practice answering questions about yourself: your name, address, work and family.
• Practice saying your answers to civics questions in full sentences.
• If you do not understand, ask the officer to repeat the question.

Practice sentences

These are examples we wrote for practice. They are not official test sentences.

• Citizens can vote.
• The President lives in Washington, D.C.
• Americans celebrate Independence Day in July.
• We pay taxes to the government.

Common mistakes

• Reading too fast and skipping a word.
• Whispering. Read in a normal, clear voice.
• Forgetting capital letters at the start of a sentence or a name.
• Leaving out the period at the end.
• Panicking when you miss one sentence. You usually have more than one try.

Who is exempt

Some applicants do not take the English test. The main age-based rules are 50/20, 55/15 and 65/20. See the comparison table. People with certain medical conditions may qualify for an exception too. If you are exempt, you can take the civics test in your own language, usually with an interpreter.

The 2025 changes announced for naturalization concerned the civics test. The English test is described the same way.

If you are exempt, you may be able to take the civics test in your own language. See taking the test in Spanish or another language.

Exceptions and accommodations

Besides the age-based rules, people with certain medical conditions may qualify for an exception to the English or civics requirement, and may need to submit a medical certification form. If you think this applies to you, ask USCIS or an immigration attorney before your interview. If you need an interpreter or an accommodation, follow the instructions on your appointment notice.

Common questions

Keep reading

• Naturalization Interview: What to Expect, Step by StepWhat 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.
• The 65/20 Rule for the Citizenship Test, ExplainedAge 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.
• 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.
• 2025 US Citizenship Test: 128 Questions, 20 Asked, 12 to PassHow the 2025 naturalization civics test works: 128 questions, 20 asked out loud, 12 correct to pass, who takes it, and how to prepare.