Understanding the naturalization test
A plain-English walkthrough of the civics test, the interview, and which question set applies to you.
Which test version applies to you?
In October 2025, USCIS introduced a new version of the civics test. Which one you take depends entirely on when you filed Form N-400 — not when your interview happens.
- Filed before October 20, 2025: you'll take the original 2008 test — 100 possible questions, the officer asks up to 10, and you need 6 correct to pass.
- Filed on or after October 20, 2025: you'll take the 2025 test — 128 possible questions, the officer asks up to 20, and you need 12 correct to pass.
Not sure which you filed under?
Check the filing date on your Form N-400 receipt notice (Form I-797C) — it shows the date USCIS received your application. If you’re unsure, both question sets overlap heavily, so studying the 128-question set covers almost everything either way.
What happens on interview day
Check-in & biometrics review
You'll check in, and the officer will confirm your identity and review your application under oath.
Civics test (oral)
The officer asks civics questions conversationally, one at a time, and you answer out loud. They stop once you've answered enough correctly to pass — or made too many mistakes to.
English reading & writing
You'll read a sentence aloud and write a sentence that's read to you, to demonstrate basic English literacy. (This site focuses on the civics portion.)
Application review
The officer reviews your N-400 answers with you and may ask follow-up questions about your background and eligibility.
Passing the civics test
2008 Test (100 questions)
- Up to 10 questions asked
- Need 6 correct to pass
- Interview stops at 6 correct or 5 wrong
2025 Test (128 questions)
- Up to 20 questions asked
- Need 12 correct to pass
- Interview stops at 12 correct or 9 wrong
65/20 special consideration: if you’re 65 or older and have held a green card for 20+ years, you only need to study the questions marked with a star (★) in our full question list, and you can take the test in your preferred language.
Ready to start studying?
Jump into a quiz to test what you already know, or start with flashcards for a slower, recall-based approach.