Take our Free Practice Tests for the 2026 U.S. Citizenship Test.

• About the US Citizenship Test
• Sections of the U.S. Citizenship Test
  • Civics
  • Interview
  • Reading
  • Writing
• How to Start the Citizenship Process
• What to Expect on Test Day
  • What to Bring
  • What Not to Bring
• Best Ways to Study for the US Citizenship Test
  • Take US Citizenship Test Practice Tests
  • Use Alternative Study Methods
  • Simulate the Testing Experience
• US Citizenship Test Tips and Tricks
  • Remember that perfection is not required.
  • Exposure to English is always a good thing.
  • Keep up with the most current information.
• US Citizenship Test FAQ:
  • 1. How often can I retake the US citizenship test if I fail?
  • 2. Can the US citizenship test be taken in a language other than English?
  • 3. How long does it usually take to prepare for the US citizenship test?
  • 4. How much does it cost to take the US citizenship test?
  • 5. Can I bring anyone with me to the interview?

About the US Citizenship Test

The US citizenship test, also known as the naturalization test, is an important step in the process of obtaining United States citizenship. The purpose of the test is to demonstrate applicants’ understanding and knowledge of US history, government, and the English language. The test is administered by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), a component of the Department of Homeland Security.

Established in the early 20th century, the naturalization test has undergone numerous revisions, reflecting the country’s evolving values and priorities. The test is made up of two main sections: the English test and the civics test.

The English test assesses applicants’ reading, writing, and speaking abilities in English. There are separate reading and writing parts of the test. Your English-speaking ability is assessed during the interview portion of the test.

The civics test evaluates the applicants’ understanding of US history and government. In the current version of the test (revised in 2025), applicants need to answer up to 20 out of a pool of 128 potential civics questions, and they need to get 12 correct answers to pass.

Sections of the U.S. Citizenship Test

Civics

The officer will choose questions from an official list of 128 questions on U.S. Government, American History, and Integrated Civics (geography, symbols, and holidays in the U.S.). He/she will ask you these questions and wait for your response. You will have a total of 20 chances to answer 12 questions correctly.

While there is no set time, the officer will give you a chance to give your answers in a reasonable amount of time. He/she will conclude the test when you either answer 12 questions correctly, or it becomes apparent that you cannot do so, because of lack of knowledge or inability to respond in English.

The officer will ask the questions out loud, and you will respond the same way. There is no reading or writing necessary on this portion of the U.S. Citizenship Test.

Interview

This part of the naturalization process is included because it is required for progression to the actual tests involved. During the interview, a USCIS officer will ask you to take an oath of honesty while standing before him/her. Following the oath, the officer will review your N-400 application form with you. It is a good idea to be very familiar with the answers you supplied on this form and to be ready to discuss any changes that have occurred since you filed it. During this part, the officer will also be assessing your ability to understand and speak English. You are encouraged to ask the officer to repeat or rephrase questions if necessary. The only things that will cause you to fail the interview portion of the process are:

• demonstrating that you really do not understand the English language at all

• the discovery of any dishonesty in the application or in your responses to interview questions

There is no set time limit for this section, but failure to be able to respond to the interviewer’s questions may cause the officer to end the session and schedule a retest.

Reading

You will have three chances to read a sentence in English correctly. As in the initial interview, the officer will not be looking for absolutely perfect performance. You just need to be able to read the sentence in a way that does not cause it to lose meaning and in a way that an English speaker can understand.

There will be a reasonable time given for reading a sentence correctly. The officer will only conclude this section if it becomes apparent that you cannot do the task after you have been given three different sentences.

Your reading should also show that you understand the meaning of the sentence. The officer will be choosing sentences from an official list. You can practice reading words that may be in these sentences here.

You can also practice reading aloud for meaning by using our free Reading Practice Questions. These questions require you to decide which of four sentences makes sense, as it is written. This way, you can practice making sure what you read makes sense in English. The sentences contain words from the approved list, so you can also practice reading these words when they are used in a sentence.

Writing

During this part of the naturalization test, a sentence will be read to you and you will be asked to write it down on paper. The officer is looking for basic writing skills that would make the sentence understandable to an English-reading person. You can make minor errors in spelling and still pass this test. However, do not use any abbreviations for words when you write. In other words, spell out government instead of writing govt.

You will be given a reasonable amount of time to complete your sentence and you will be given up to three attempts to do so.

How to Start the Citizenship Process

There are many resources available to help you during your citizenship journey. A big part of it will include filing tasks. Consult this filing guidance provided by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services. There is also a collection of forms that may be required, with a listing of when to file them. Additionally, you may have the option of filing online.

What to Expect on Test Day

On the day of the US citizenship test, you will be asked to arrive at your designated USCIS office at a specific time. The overall process may take a few hours, so plan accordingly. You will first be checked in and verified. After this, the actual examination will commence, starting with the English test and followed by the civics test. Be prepared to answer questions verbally, in writing, and by reading English sentences.

What to Bring

On the test day, you should bring the appointment notice you received from USCIS, a form of identification such as your Permanent Resident Card (a.k.a. Green Card), and any other documents requested in your appointment notice. You may also want to bring relevant study materials for last-minute review while you wait, though these materials must be put away before the test begins.

What Not to Bring

Items not to bring on the test day include any electronic devices such as cell phones, smartwatches, cameras, or recording devices. These are not permitted in the testing area and can lead to disqualification. Additionally, avoid bringing large bags or unnecessary personal items as there might not be storage available. Finally, refrain from bringing any form of cheat sheets or unauthorized study materials into the testing area.

Best Ways to Study for the US Citizenship Test

Studying for the US citizenship test involves a blend of learning about the nation’s history and government, as well as improving your English language skills. Here are some effective strategies to aid your preparation.

Take US Citizenship Test Practice Tests

Taking practice tests is one of the most beneficial ways to prepare for the US citizenship test. First, practice tests help familiarize you with the format of the exam, reduce anxiety, and let you know what to expect on test day. Second, they allow you to gauge your current knowledge level and identify areas where you need to focus your study efforts.

The USCIS provides a list of 128 possible questions that could be asked on the civics test. Completing practice tests using these questions can increase your confidence and improve your test-taking speed. Additionally, taking timed practice tests can enhance your ability to think and respond quickly, a valuable skill for the actual exam.

Use Alternative Study Methods

Besides taking practice tests, consider using alternative study methods, like study guides and flashcards. The USCIS provides official study materials, including a study guide for the civics test, a list of vocabulary words for the English test, and even flashcards with potential test questions.

Utilizing flashcards can improve memorization through repetition and active recall. They can be particularly helpful for memorizing key historical dates, figures, and civics concepts. Moreover, study guides often provide comprehensive information in a condensed format, making them a great resource to comprehend broad topics in a short amount of time.

Simulate the Testing Experience

Simulating the test experience is another effective strategy for exam preparation. This involves replicating the conditions of the real test as closely as possible, which can help you improve your performance and reduce stress on the actual test day.

You can simulate the test experience by taking practice tests without distractions, just like in the real exam setting. Try to follow the same rules that will apply during the actual test, such as not using your phone or other study aids. Remember to practice the civics and English reading and writing sections, as well as the interview. By creating an exam-like environment, you’ll feel more prepared and confident on test day.

US Citizenship Test Tips and Tricks

Remember that perfection is not required.

Keep in mind that your responses on the reading and writing test do not need to be perfect to pass. As long as your speech is understandable, any accent you may have won’t matter. Making a spelling mistake or two on the writing test won’t count against you either. Even capitalization and punctuation errors aren’t an issue so long as the sentence can be read.

Exposure to English is always a good thing.

If English is not your native language, it’s time to plunge into every possible situation in which you can practice listening, speaking, reading, and writing English. Focus especially on the vocabulary lists for the reading and writing test sections.

Other ways to enhance your English literacy level are taking advantage of citizenship classes offered in your community and online. Just be sure the preparation materials are for the 2025 test and beyond, versus previous test versions (mainly 2008 and 2020).

Keep up with the most current information.

Check the official US Citizenship and Immigration Services website and this update pagev regularly. Regulations concerning the naturalization process in general and the US citizenship test in particular are subject to change at any time.

US Citizenship Test FAQ:

1. How often can I retake the US citizenship test if I fail?

If you fail any portion of the US citizenship test during your initial interview, you will be given a second opportunity to take that part of the test. The retest for the failed component, of either the English or civics test, will occur between 60 and 90 days after the initial interview.

2. Can the US citizenship test be taken in a language other than English?

Since a large part of this test assesses English speaking ability, it is normally only given in English. However, some people may qualify for an exemption from this rule. There is a list of exceptions.

Although no free interpreters are provided as of 2026, you may be entitled to bring one with you if you qualify through age, residency, or medical exemption policies. This person must be a “disinterested party.” Please see this information about interpreters for pertinent facts about using an interpreter. Note that this form (G-1256) is currently dated 2015. At the time of this publication, that is the most up-to-date version of the form available, but please ensure the form you use has the latest publication date at the bottom. Also, please note that if the interviewing officer thinks that the integrity of the interview is compromised by the interpreter, the interpreter may be disqualified.

3. How long does it usually take to prepare for the US citizenship test?

The preparation time can vary significantly depending on an individual’s existing knowledge of US history and government, as well as their English proficiency. On average, it might take several weeks to a few months of consistent study to prepare adequately. However, each individual should plan their study schedule based on their unique learning pace and available time.

4. How much does it cost to take the US citizenship test?

The fee for submitting the required N-400 form is currently (as of 2026) listed as $760, but there may be other associated costs. Check the official fee schedule to be sure.

5. Can I bring anyone with me to the interview?

You may have the option of bringing a representative with you, provided they meet these required specifications listed under number 2.