USCIS has revised the civics portion of the naturalization test. The naturalization civics test has two components: an English and civics test. The English portion has not changed.
Which civics test will I take?
| Naturalization Application Filing Date | Applicable Test at Initial Exam, Re-exam, or N-336 |
|---|---|
| Before Dec. 1, 2020 | 2008 version of the civics test |
| On or after Dec. 1, 2020 | 2020 version of the civics test |
What should I expect at my naturalization interview if I am taking the 2020 version of the civics test?
With the 2020 version of the civics test, the USCIS officer will ask you to answer 20 out of the 128 civics test questions. You must answer at least 12 questions correctly to pass the 2020 version of the civics test. All questions on the test are asked orally.
There are no changes to the English portion of the naturalization civics test. You must demonstrate an understanding of the English language, including the ability to read, write, and speak basic English.
- Speaking: A USCIS officer will determine your ability to speak and understand English during your eligibility interview on Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.
- Reading: You must read out loud one out of three sentences correctly to demonstrate an ability to read in English.
- Writing: You must write one out of three sentences correctly to demonstrate an ability to write in English.
What if I fail the naturalization civics test?
Applicants are given two opportunities to pass the naturalization civics test. If you fail any part of the civics test at your first interview, you will be retested, only on the portion of the test that you failed, between 60 and 90 days from the date of your initial interview.
Note: If you fail the 2020 version of the civics test at your initial interview appointment, you will take the 2020 version of the civics test again at your second appointment. If you fail the 2008 version of the civics test at your initial appointment, you will take the 2008 version of the civics test again at your second appointment.
What if I qualify for the 65/20 Special Consideration?
Certain applicants, because of age and time as a lawful permanent resident, are given a special consideration for the English requirements for naturalization and may take the civics test in the language of their choice. Further, these applicants are given 20 questions to study. For more information about the 65/20 special consideration and other exceptions, see our Exceptions and Accommodations page.
- If you qualify for the 65/20 special consideration and are required to take the 2020 version of the civics test based on your application filing or receipt date on or after Dec. 1, 2020, you will only need to study the civics questions that are marked with an asterisk found at the end of each question. From the list of 128 civics test questions, there are 20 questions that you will need to study under this special consideration.
- To pass the 2020 version of the civics test as someone who qualifies for the 65/20 special consideration, the USCIS officer will ask you to answer 10 out of the 20 civics test questions. You must answer at least 6 out of 10 correctly to pass the 2020 version of the civics test.
How can I prepare for the 2020 version of the civics test?
To help you prepare for the 2020 version of the civics test, you can find study materials that are available below.
- Please note, on the civics test, some answers may change because of elections or appointments. Visit the Civics Test Updates page to find the answers that may have changed on the civics test. You must answer the question with the name of the official serving at the time of your naturalization interview.
- Although USCIS is aware there may be additional correct answers to the civics questions, applicants are encouraged to respond to the questions using the answers provided in the study materials.
<https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship/2020test>