The U.S. citizenship test: what to expect

Civics test

The 2025 civics test uses a list of 128 questions published by USCIS. The officer asks up to 20 of them, and you need 12 correct answers to pass. You can practise all 128 here, including the question about your state's capital, whose answer depends on where you live.

English test

Your speaking is assessed by the officer during the interview. For reading, you must read one of three sentences correctly; for writing, you must write one of three sentences correctly.

65/20 special consideration

If you are 65 or older and have been a permanent resident for 20 years or more, you study a shorter list of questions marked for this group. Some applicants are also exempt from the English requirement and may take civics in their own language — check the USCIS rules for your situation.

How to prepare

• Practise the full list until you can answer without the options.
• Check answers that change with elections or appointments shortly before your interview.
• Use our exam simulator: 20 questions, 12 to pass.