Key Takeaways
• Applicants must answer six out of ten civics questions correctly during naturalization interviews.
• Simplified test applies to applicants aged 65+ with 20+ years as permanent residents.
• Failure leads to retest within 60 to 90 days; official USCIS materials recommended for study.
The civics portion of the U.S. citizenship test is a key step for anyone hoping to become a U.S. citizen. Many people feel nervous about this part of the process, but understanding what to expect can make it much easier. This guide explains everything you need to know about the civics portion, including who needs to take it, how it works, what the requirements are, and what happens if you do not pass the first time. You will also find practical tips, real-life examples, and links to official resources to help you prepare with confidence.
What Is the Civics Portion of the U.S. Citizenship Test?
The civics portion is one part of the naturalization test that all applicants for U.S. citizenship must take. It checks your knowledge of basic U.S. government, history, and important civic ideas. The goal is to make sure new citizens understand the country’s values, how the government works, and some key moments in U.S. history.
During your naturalization interview, a USCIS officer will ask you up to ten questions from a list of 100 possible questions. You must answer at least six out of ten correctly to pass. The officer will stop asking questions as soon as you reach six correct answers.
Who Needs to Take the Civics Portion?
Most people applying for U.S. citizenship must take the civics portion. There are a few exceptions and special rules for some applicants:
- Standard Applicants: If you are between 18 and 64 years old and applying for naturalization, you must take the full civics test.
- Older Applicants: If you are 65 or older and have been a lawful permanent resident (LPR) for at least 20 years, you qualify for a simpler version of the test. You will only be asked questions from a special list of 20 questions, but you still need to answer six out of ten correctly.
- Medical Exceptions: Some people with certain medical conditions may be excused from the civics portion. To qualify, you must submit Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions, completed by a licensed medical professional. You can find the official form here.
How Does the Civics Portion Work?
Test Format
- Oral Test: The civics portion is not written. The USCIS officer will read each question out loud, and you must answer out loud. You do not need to use perfect English, but your answer must show you understand the question and know the correct information.
- Question Selection: The officer chooses questions randomly from the official list of 100 civics questions. For those who qualify for the simpler test, questions come from a special list of 20.
- Passing Score: You must answer six out of ten questions correctly. If you do, the officer stops the test right away, and you pass the civics portion.
- Answer Flexibility: You do not have to use the exact words from the study guide. As long as your answer is correct and shows you understand the idea, the officer will accept it. Officers are trained to accept different ways of saying the right answer.
Example of the Test Process
Let’s say you are taking the test. The officer asks, “What is the highest court in the United States?” You answer, “The Supreme Court.” That is correct. If you answer six questions like this correctly, the test ends, and you pass the civics portion.
If you get a question wrong, the officer moves on to the next one. You can keep answering until you have answered ten questions or until you have six correct answers.
What Topics Are Covered?
The civics portion covers three main areas:
- U.S. Government: This includes questions about the Constitution, branches of government, rights and responsibilities of citizens, and how laws are made.
- U.S. History: You may be asked about important events, wars, or people in U.S. history.
- Civics and Symbols: Some questions are about national symbols, holidays, and geography.
Here are a few sample questions:
- What is the capital of the United States?
- Who was the first President?
- What are two rights in the Declaration of Independence?
- Name one branch or part of the government.
You can find the full list of 100 questions and answers on the USCIS official website.
Who Qualifies for the Simplified Civics Test?
Some applicants do not have to study all 100 questions. If you are 65 or older and have been a lawful permanent resident for at least 20 years, you only need to study 20 questions. These questions are marked with an asterisk (*) in the official study materials. The passing rule is the same: you must answer six out of ten correctly.
This rule helps older applicants who may have more difficulty learning a new language or remembering a large number of facts. It is important to check if you qualify for this easier version before you start studying.
What Happens If You Do Not Pass?
If you do not answer six out of ten questions correctly, you do not pass the civics portion. However, you are given another chance. You will be retested on the part you failed (civics or English) within 60 to 90 days after your first interview. This gives you time to study and prepare better for your second try.
If you pass the civics portion on your second attempt, you move forward in the naturalization process. If you fail again, your application will be denied, but you can apply again in the future.
How to Prepare for the Civics Portion
Study All 100 Questions
Unless you qualify for the simplified test, you should study all 100 questions. The questions and answers are available for free from USCIS. Many community organizations, libraries, and adult education centers also offer classes and study groups.
Use Official Materials
The best way to prepare is to use the official study materials from USCIS. These include:
- The list of 100 civics questions and answers
- Audio recordings of the questions and answers
- Flashcards
- Practice tests
You can find these resources on the USCIS citizenship resource page.
Practice Speaking
Because the test is oral, it helps to practice saying your answers out loud. You can do this with a friend, family member, or teacher. Some people record themselves and listen to their answers to see if they are clear.
Focus on Understanding
You do not need to memorize every answer word-for-word. What matters is that you understand the meaning and can explain it in your own words. The USCIS officer will accept different ways of saying the correct answer.
Take Practice Tests
Many online tools and community programs offer practice tests. These can help you get used to the format and feel more comfortable during the real interview.
Real-World Example: Maria’s Experience
Maria, a permanent resident from Mexico 🇲🇽, applied for U.S. citizenship in 2024. She was nervous about the civics portion because English was not her first language. She studied the 100 questions using flashcards and practiced with her children every night.
At her interview, the USCIS officer asked her the first question: “Who is in charge of the executive branch?” Maria answered, “The President.” That was correct. She answered the next five questions correctly, so the officer stopped the test. Maria passed the civics portion and later became a U.S. citizen.
Maria’s story shows that with preparation and practice, passing the civics portion is possible, even if English is not your first language.
What If You Have a Disability?
Some people cannot take the civics portion because of a physical or developmental disability or a mental impairment. If this applies to you, you can ask for an exception by submitting Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions. A licensed doctor or psychologist must fill out this form. If USCIS approves your request, you may not have to take the civics portion or the English test.
What Rights and Pathways Does Passing the Civics Portion Open?
Passing the civics portion is one of the last steps before becoming a U.S. citizen. Once you pass both the civics and English tests, and meet all other requirements, you can take the Oath of Allegiance and become a citizen.
As a U.S. citizen, you gain many rights, including:
- The right to vote in federal, state, and local elections
- The ability to apply for a U.S. passport
- The right to sponsor certain family members for green cards
- Protection from deportation
- Access to more federal jobs and benefits
Passing the civics portion is not just about answering questions—it is about showing your commitment to being an informed and active member of the United States 🇺🇸.
How Do USCIS Officers Score the Civics Portion?
USCIS officers are trained to be fair and consistent. They use official answer keys and are allowed to accept different ways of saying the correct answer. If an answer is not clear, the officer may ask you to explain or repeat it. Officers may also check official resources if they are unsure about your answer.
If you answer six out of ten questions correctly, the officer will stop the test, and you will have passed the civics portion. If you do not reach six correct answers after ten questions, you will be scheduled for a retest.
Common Questions and Answers
Q: Can I bring notes or study materials to the interview?
A: No, you cannot use notes or study materials during the civics portion. You must answer from memory.
Q: What if I do not understand a question?
A: You can ask the officer to repeat or explain the question. Officers are trained to speak clearly and help you understand.
Q: Are there any fees for the civics portion?
A: The fee for the naturalization application (Form N-400) covers the civics and English tests. There is no extra fee for the civics portion.
Q: Will the civics portion change in 2025?
A: As of June 2025, there are no announced changes to the civics portion. The rule remains that you must answer six out of ten questions correctly.
Policy Stability and Future Outlook
The civics portion has been a part of the naturalization process for many years. The current rule—requiring six correct answers out of ten—has been in place since at least 2021. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, there have been no recent changes to this rule, and it is expected to remain the same for the foreseeable future.
USCIS sometimes updates the list of questions to reflect new laws or important events, but the passing score and format have stayed the same. This stability helps applicants prepare with confidence, knowing what to expect.
Where to Find Official Information
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always use official government resources. The USCIS Citizenship Resource Center provides study materials, practice tests, and detailed guides on the civics portion and other parts of the naturalization process.
If you have questions or need help, you can contact USCIS customer service or visit a local USCIS office. Many community organizations also offer free help with citizenship applications and test preparation.
Key Takeaways and Next Steps
- You must answer at least six out of ten questions correctly to pass the civics portion.
- The test is oral and given by a USCIS officer during your naturalization interview.
- If you qualify (age 65+ and 20+ years as a permanent resident), you can take a simpler version with only 20 questions.
- If you do not pass, you get another chance within 60 to 90 days.
- Use official USCIS materials to study and practice.
- Passing the civics portion is a big step toward becoming a U.S. citizen and gaining important rights.
By preparing carefully and using trusted resources, you can approach the civics portion with confidence. Remember, the goal is not just to pass a test, but to become an informed and active member of the United States 🇺🇸 community.
Learn Today
Civics Portion → Oral test assessing knowledge of U.S. government, history, and civic values for citizenship.
USCIS Officer → Government official who administers and scores the naturalization civics and English tests.
Naturalization → Process by which a lawful permanent resident becomes a U.S. citizen.
Form N-648 → Medical Certification form for disability exceptions to civics and English test requirements.
Passing Score → Requirement to answer at least six out of ten civics questions correctly to pass.
This Article in a Nutshell
The civics portion tests knowledge of U.S. government, history, and values through an oral quiz. Passing requires six correct answers out of ten with flexibility in phrasing. Older applicants may take a simplified test. Preparation and official materials increase success chances in becoming a U.S. citizen.
— By VisaVerge.com
