Naturalization Test

  • Naturalization Test
English • Civics • Exceptions

The U.S. Naturalization Test: English, Civics and Exceptions

Most applicants for naturalization must demonstrate knowledge of English and U.S. history and government. The applicable civics test now depends on when Form N-400 was filed, and separate rules govern age-based English exceptions, disability exceptions, retesting, and applicants who fail part of the examination.

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2025 Civics Test English Test Age Exceptions Form N-648
Educational Requirements

Passing the Naturalization Test Involves More Than Memorizing Civics Answers

The naturalization examination generally includes both an English language component and a civics component addressing U.S. history and government.

The English requirement evaluates speaking, reading, and writing. Civics is tested orally. Some applicants qualify for statutory exceptions from the English requirement, special consideration on civics, or a disability-based exception from English, civics, or both.

An applicant who fails part of the examination ordinarily receives a second opportunity to pass the failed portion. If the applicant cannot satisfy the requirement after the permitted testing opportunities, USCIS may deny Form N-400.

The Examination

Four Testing Questions to Identify First

I

Which Civics Test Applies?

The filing date of Form N-400 determines whether the applicant generally takes the 2008 or 2025 civics test.

II

Is English Required?

Age and length of permanent residence may exempt certain applicants from the English language requirement.

III

Does a Disability Exception Apply?

Certain applicants with qualifying physical or developmental disabilities or mental impairments may seek an exception using Form N-648.

IV

Has a Test Already Been Failed?

USCIS generally provides a second opportunity to pass only the portion of the naturalization test that the applicant failed.

Current Civics Examination

The 2025 Naturalization Civics Test

Applicants who file Form N-400 on or after October 20, 2025 generally take the 2025 Naturalization Civics Test.

The test is oral. USCIS asks up to 20 questions selected from the official list of 128 civics questions covering American government, history, symbols, and related civic knowledge.

The applicant must answer at least 12 questions correctly to pass.

20
Questions

Asked Orally

USCIS asks up to 20 questions from the official 128-question pool for the 2025 civics test.

12
Correct

Required to Pass

The applicant passes when at least 12 questions are answered correctly under the current scoring rules.

Filing Date Controls

Determine Which Civics Test Applies Before Studying

The current testing system contains two principal civics tests depending on when the applicant filed Form N-400.

Applicants should prepare for the correct version rather than assuming that older study materials remain applicable to every naturalization case.

Which Test Applies?

N-400 Filed Before October 20, 2025 The applicant generally takes the 2008 version of the naturalization civics test.
N-400 Filed On or After October 20, 2025 The applicant generally takes the 2025 Naturalization Civics Test.
English Language Requirement

The English Test Has Three Components

Unless an exception applies, USCIS evaluates speaking, reading, and writing during the naturalization examination.

I

Speaking

The officer evaluates the applicant's ability to speak and understand English during the naturalization interview and while discussing the Form N-400 application and eligibility.

II

Reading

The applicant must demonstrate the ability to read in English by correctly reading aloud one of up to three sentences.

III

Writing

The applicant must demonstrate the ability to write in English by correctly writing one of up to three sentences.

Reading & Writing

The Applicant Does Not Have to Complete Every Sentence Correctly

The reading and writing portions use a limited number of opportunities during the examination.

Reading USCIS provides up to three sentences. Correctly reading one sentence is sufficient to pass the reading portion.
Writing USCIS provides up to three opportunities. Correctly writing one sentence is sufficient to pass the writing portion.
Speaking Speaking ability is evaluated through the applicant's responses to questions and discussion with the officer during the naturalization examination.
Age & Permanent Residence Exceptions

Some Long-Term Permanent Residents Do Not Have to Take the English Test

These exceptions concern the English requirement. Qualifying applicants still must satisfy the applicable civics requirement.

50/20

Age 50 + 20 Years as an LPR

An applicant who is at least 50 years old and has been a lawful permanent resident for at least 20 years at filing may qualify for an exception from the English language requirement.

55/15

Age 55 + 15 Years as an LPR

An applicant who is at least 55 years old and has been a lawful permanent resident for at least 15 years at filing may qualify for the English language exception.

65/20

Special Civics Consideration

An applicant who is at least 65 years old and has been a lawful permanent resident for at least 20 years receives special consideration regarding the civics requirement in addition to qualifying for the English exception.

Disability Exception

Form N-648 Can Request an Exception From English, Civics, or Both

A naturalization applicant who cannot satisfy the English and/or civics requirements because of a qualifying physical or developmental disability or mental impairment may seek a statutory disability exception.

The existence of a diagnosis alone does not automatically establish eligibility. The medical certification must adequately explain the relationship between the qualifying impairment and the applicant's inability to learn or demonstrate the required English or civics knowledge.

N-648

Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions

Form N-648 is completed by an authorized medical professional and submitted to establish eligibility for a medical disability exception from the naturalization educational requirements.

Exception vs. Accommodation

A Disability Accommodation Is Not the Same as an N-648 Exception

Some applicants are able to satisfy the English and civics requirements but need an accommodation because of a disability. Others have a qualifying impairment that prevents them from learning or demonstrating the required material and therefore seek an exception through Form N-648.

These are different legal and procedural issues. An accommodation modifies how USCIS conducts the examination, while an approved disability exception can excuse the applicant from one or both of the educational requirements.

The appropriate request depends on the applicant's condition, functional limitations, and ability to complete the naturalization testing requirements.

Second Testing Opportunity

Failing Part of the Naturalization Test Does Not Usually Mean Immediate Denial

When an applicant fails the English test, civics test, or a particular component of the examination, USCIS generally provides one additional opportunity to pass the failed portion.

The applicant is ordinarily retested only on the portion that was failed rather than repeating portions already passed.

60–90
Days

USCIS generally schedules the second examination between 60 and 90 days after the initial examination.

Test-Based N-400 Denials

What Happens if the Applicant Fails the Second Test?

USCIS may deny Form N-400 when the applicant cannot satisfy the required English or civics component after the permitted testing opportunities.

The next step depends on why the applicant failed and whether the issue concerns testing performance, application of an age-based exception, an N-648 disability claim, or another legal or procedural issue.

I. Confirm exactly which portion USCIS found was not passed.
II. Determine whether the correct version of the civics test was administered.
III. Determine whether an age-based English exception applied.
IV. Review any Form N-648 determination separately from ordinary testing failure.
V. Review whether Form N-336 administrative review is appropriate after denial.
Complicated Testing Cases

Not Every Naturalization Test Problem Is a Study Problem

N-648 Rejected USCIS may conclude that the medical certification does not sufficiently establish the required connection between the qualifying impairment and inability to meet the educational requirements.
Incorrect Test Version The applicant's N-400 filing date should be checked to determine which version of the civics test applies.
Age Exception Dispute The applicant's age and length of lawful permanent residence at filing should be reviewed when USCIS disputes eligibility for the 50/20, 55/15, or 65/20 provisions.
Failed Reexamination A second failure can result in denial and should be distinguished from a case in which USCIS improperly applied an exception or testing standard.
Disability Accommodation An applicant who can take the test but requires an accommodation presents a different issue from an applicant seeking a complete disability exception under Form N-648.
Related Naturalization Issues

Continue the Analysis

N-400 Problems Naturalization Denials N-336 Hearings Naturalization Risk Before Filing Good Moral Character
Naturalization Test Resource Center

English, Civics and Disability Issues

Naturalization testing problems can involve a failed English or civics portion, the second testing opportunity, age and residence exemptions, special consideration for older applicants, disability exceptions under Form N-648, interpreter issues, and USCIS's treatment of medical evidence.

English and Civics Testing

Civics Failed the Civics Test What happens after failing the civics portion of the naturalization examination. English Failed the English Test Speaking, reading and writing requirements and what happens after a failed portion. Second Attempt Naturalization Test Retake USCIS reexamination after an applicant fails part of the English or civics test. Current Civics Test 2025 Naturalization Civics Test Which applicants take the current civics test and how the test operates.

Age and Residence Exceptions

English Exception 50/20 and 55/15 Exceptions When age and years as a permanent resident excuse the English requirement. Special Consideration 65/20 Civics Exception Special civics consideration for qualifying applicants age 65 or older.

Form N-648 and Disability Exceptions

Disability Exception Form N-648 Medical disability exceptions to the English and civics requirements. N-648 Problem N-648 Denied or Rejected Why USCIS may refuse a disability exception and what issues should be reviewed. Evidence N-648 RFE or Evidence Problem Medical documentation, diagnosis, functional limitations and deficiencies identified by USCIS. Timing Late Form N-648 Submission Issues involving an N-648 presented after the initial naturalization filing. Communication Interpreter at Naturalization When an applicant may use an interpreter and how interpreter issues can affect the examination.
Primary USCIS Resources

Naturalization Testing Resources

USCIS — 2025 Naturalization Civics Test USCIS — Study for the Naturalization Test USCIS Policy Manual — English and Civics Testing and Exceptions USCIS Policy Manual — English and Civics Testing USCIS Policy Manual — Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions USCIS — Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions USCIS — Exceptions and Accommodations

Did a Naturalization Test or N-648 Issue Affect Your N-400?

Review the testing history, applicable civics test, claimed exception, medical certification, and USCIS decision before deciding how to proceed.

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