How to Prepare for the U.S. Citizenship Test and Interview

The civics portion of the U.S. citizenship test includes up to 10 questions drawn from a list of 100 possible questions. All questions are asked orally by a USCIS officer. To pass, you must answer at least 6 of the 10 questions correctly. Most applicants succeed on their first attempt with proper preparation. View a directory of civics test study resources and practice materials.

Yes. The 2008 version of the civics test is the official and permanent version currently used by USCIS. This version includes 100 questions, and applicants must correctly answer 6 out of 10. A more difficult 2020 version was briefly introduced but later reversed by the Biden administration, ensuring the 2008 version remains in effect.

Yes, some applicants qualify for a language accommodation, but it is limited. For example, if you are 50 years old with 20 years as a permanent resident, or 55 years old with 15 years as a permanent resident, you may take the civics test in your native language. Applicants 65 years or older with 20 years as a permanent resident receive special consideration and fewer questions.

If you are unable to answer six of 10 questions correctly, the interview will stop, and you will be rescheduled for another day (within the next 90 days).

You will have one additional chance to pass the citizenship test. If you are unable to pass the test during the second attempt, USCIS will deny your N-400 application.

In addition to the English and civics test, the USCIS officer will ask you questions under oath to confirm details from your N-400 application. These questions may include your name, address, marital status, children, employment, travel outside the United States, and any criminal history. The purpose is to verify your eligibility and ensure the information you provided is accurate and truthful. To prepare, review your N-400 application.

It's not necessary to dress formally for your U.S. citizenship interview and test. You may dress comfortably but look professional. "Business casual" is a good rule of thumb. Avoid wearing jeans, shorts and t-shirts. A nice collar shirt or blouse for women is sufficient. Of course, you are welcome to wear a suit and tie if that's what makes you comfortable.

Yes. If all goes well at the U.S. citizenship interview and test, the USCIS officer will tell you that you have been approved and may hand you a piece of paper containing information about your oath ceremony. If USCIS is not able to immediately schedule you for the ceremony, they will mail you another notice with the place and time of the oath ceremony. You do not officially become a U.S. citizen until you take the oath.

In some cases, the USCIS officer will not be able to make a decision on the application for naturalization on the day of your interview. In these cases, the USCIS officer will continue your case. This may include a request for you to provide additional evidence or require a second interview. Read about the most common reasons N-400 applications are continued or denied.

After your interview, USCIS will give you Form N-652, Naturalization Interview Results. It provides you with information about the results of your interview. They will either grant, continue, or deny your naturalization application after your interview.

• Granted — USCIS may approve your Form N-400 if the evidence on record establishes your eligibility for naturalization.
• Continued – USCIS may continue your Form N-400 if you failed a test or did not give USCIS the correct documents. This will add time to your case as you correct the problem.
• Denied — USCIS will deny your Form N-400 if the evidence on record establishes you are not eligible for naturalization.