By Danielle Perez, Immigration Attorney
Key Takeways
The US citizenship test is part of the naturalization process for most applicants who file Form N-400
The test includes both an English test and a civics test covering U.S. history, government, geography, symbols, and the rights and responsibilities of citizens.
Most applicants filing under the current rules may be asked up to 20 civics questions and must answer at least 12 of them correctly to pass.
Studying the official USCIS questions, practicing your answers out loud, and taking practice tests can help you feel more confident and prepared.
If you don’t pass the test your first time, you’ll generally have another opportunity to retake the portion you didn’t pass before your naturalization application is denied.
If you’ve been searching for US citizenship test questions and answers, you’re probably preparing for one of the biggest milestones on the path to becoming a U.S. citizen. It’s totally normal to feel a little nervous about the test. But the good news is that knowing what to expect and spending some time studying can go a long way toward making you feel extra confident on the day of your interview.
What Is the US Citizenship Test?
The US citizenship test is an important step in the naturalization process for many lawful permanent residents who want to become U.S. citizens. After you file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, USCIS will schedule you for a naturalization interview. During that appointment, a USCIS officer will review your application, confirm that you meet the eligibility requirements, and, for most applicants, administer both an English and a civics test.
What Does the US Naturalization Test Cover?
The English portion of the test measures your ability to speak, read, and write basic English, while the civics test covers your knowledge of U.S. history and government. If you filed Form N-400 on or after October 20, 2025, you’ll study from an official list of 128 official civics questions. During the interview, the officer might ask up to 20 questions, and you need to answer at least 12 of them correctly to pass.
If you’re 65 or older and have been a lawful permanent resident for at least 20 years, you’ll qualify for a special version of the civics test. You’ll be asked up to 10 questions from a short list of designated questions and must answer at least 6 correctly to pass.
The civics portion of the test covers several key topics, including:
American government and the U.S. Constitution
U.S. history and important historical events
Geography
American Symbols
The rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizens
US Naturalization and Citizenship Test Sample Questions
American Government
1. Question: What is the supreme law of the land?
Answer: The Constitution.
2. Question: What does the Constitution do?
Answer: It establishes the government, defines the government's powers, and protects the basic rights of Americans.
3. Question: The idea of self-government is in the first three words of the Constitution. What are these words?
Answer: "We the People."
4. Question: What is one right or freedom from the First Amendment?
Answer: Freedom of speech. (Other acceptable answers include freedom of religion, freedom of the press, freedom of assembly, or the right to petition the government.)
5. Question: How many branches of government are there?
Answer: Three.
6. Question: What are the three branches of government?
Answer: The legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
7. Question: What does the legislative branch do?
Answer: It makes the nation's laws.
8. Question: What does the executive branch do?
Answer: It enforces the nation's laws.
9. Question: What does the judicial branch do?
Answer: It interprets the nation's laws and decides whether laws follow the Constitution.
10. Question: Who makes federal laws?
Answer: Congress, which consists of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
11. Question: Who signs bills to become laws?
Answer: The President of the United States.
12. Question: What is the highest court in the United States?
Answer: The Supreme Court.
American History
1. Question: What is one reason colonists came to America?
Answer: For freedom. (Other acceptable answers include political liberty, religious freedom, economic opportunity, or to escape persecution.)
2. Question: Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?
Answer: Thomas Jefferson.
3. Question: When was the Declaration of Independence adopted?
Answer: July 4, 1776.
4. Question: What happened at the Constitutional Convention?
Answer: The Constitution was written.
5. Question: Who was the first President of the United States?
Answer: George Washington.
6. Question: What territory did the United States buy from France in 1803?
Answer: The Louisiana Territory (the Louisiana Purchase).
7. Question: What was one important thing that Abraham Lincoln did?
Answer: He freed the slaves. (Other acceptable answers include he saved the Union or led the United States during the Civil War.)
8. Question: What war was fought between the North and the South?
Answer: The Civil War.
9. Question: What movement tried to end racial discrimination?
Answer: The Civil Rights Movement.
10. Question: Who was the leader of the Civil Rights Movement who gave the "I Have a Dream" speech?
Answer: Martin Luther King Jr.
Geography
1. Question: What is the capital of the United States?
Answer: Washington, D.C.
2. Question: What ocean is on the East Coast of the United States?
Answer: The Atlantic Ocean.
3. Question: What ocean is on the West Coast of the United States?
Answer: The Pacific Ocean.
4. Question: What is the longest river in the United States?
Answer: The Missouri River.
5. Question: What river forms part of the border between the United States and Mexico?
Answer: The Rio Grande.
6. Question: What is the capital of your state?
Answer: Answers will vary depending on the state where you live.
7. Question: Name one state that borders Canada.
Answer: Alaska. (Other acceptable answers include Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Michigan, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, or Maine.)
8. Question: Name one U.S. territory.
Answer: Puerto Rico. (Other acceptable answers include Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, or the Northern Mariana Islands.)
American Symbols
1. Question: Why does the flag have 13 stripes?
Answer: Because they represent the original 13 colonies.
2. Question: Why does the flag have 50 stars?
Answer: Because there is one star for each state.
3. Question: What is the name of the national anthem?
Answer: The Star-Spangled Banner.
4. Question: What is the national bird?
Answer: The bald eagle.
5. Question: Where is the Statue of Liberty?
Answer: New York Harbor. (Other acceptable answer: Liberty Island.)
6. Question: What is the national motto of the United States?
Answer: "In God We Trust."
Rights & Responsibilities
1. Question: What is one promise you make when you become a United States citizen?
Answer: To be loyal to the United States. (Other acceptable answers include obeying the laws, defending the Constitution, serving the country if needed, or giving up loyalty to other countries when required.)
2. Question: What is one right only for United States citizens?
Answer: The right to vote in a federal election. (Other acceptable answer: Running for federal office.)
3. Question: What is one responsibility that is only for United States citizens?
Answer: Serving on a jury if called. (Other acceptable answer: Voting in a federal election.)
4. Question: When must all men register for the Selective Service?
Answer: Between the ages of 18 and 26.
5. Question: What are the two rights of everyone living in the United States?
Answer: Freedom of speech and freedom of religion. (Other acceptable answers include freedom of assembly, freedom of the press, the right to petition the government, or the right to bear arms.)
6. Question: Why is it important to vote?
Answer: Because it allows citizens to help choose their leaders and have a voice in government.
Tips for Passing the US Citizenship Test
A little consistent practice every day is usually much more effective than trying to memorize everything at the last minute. The more familiar you are with the questions and interview process, the more confident you’ll feel on the day of the test.
Here are a few simple tips that can help:
1. Study for 15-20 minutes each day.
2. Practice answering questions out loud.
3. Review the official USCIS study materials
4. Understand the answers instead of just memorizing them.
5. Take a few practice tests.
What Happens If You Fail the US Citizenship Test?
Failing the US Citizenship test doesn't automatically mean you’ll have to start the entire naturalization process over. If you don’t pass either the English test or the civics test during your first interview, USCIS will generally give you another opportunity to take the portion you didn’t pass. For many applicants, that second chance provides enough time to review the material and come back feeling more prepared.
Take the Next Step Toward U.S. Citizenship
Preparing for the US citizenship test might seem like a daunting challenge at first, but it’s a goal that many achieve every year. Understanding how the test works, knowing what to study, and feeling prepared for your naturalization interview can make the whole process much less stressful.
If you have questions about the US citizenship test, your naturalization application, or any part of the immigration process, our experienced team at Ginsburg and Perez is here to help. Whether you're just getting started with Form N-400 or need guidance before your interview, we can answer your questions, help you avoid common mistakes, and provide the personal support you need on your path to becoming a U.S. citizen.
FAQs
How many questions are on the US citizenship test?
If you file Form N-400 on or after October 20, 2025, you’ll study from a list of 128 official civics questions. During your interview, the USCIS officer may ask you up to 20 questions, and you’ll need to answer at least 12 correctly to pass. Some applicants who qualify for age-based exceptions have different testing requirements.
Is the US citizenship test multiple-choice?
No. The civics test is an oral test, meaning the USCIS officer asks the questions aloud and you answer them verbally. There are no multiple-choice answers to choose from, so it's helpful to practice saying your answers out loud before your interview.
Can you take the US citizenship test in Spanish?
Most applicants are required to complete the interview in English. However, certain applicants qualify to take the civics test in their preferred language based on their age and how long they’ve been lawful permanent residents. If you qualify, you might bring an interpreter to your interview.
What happens if you fail the US citizenship test twice?
If you don't pass the required portion of the test during your second attempt, USCIS will generally deny your naturalization application. In many cases, you can apply again later by filing a new Form N-400, provided you meet the eligibility requirements.
How long is the US citizenship test?
The civics portion of the test usually takes only a few minutes. However, the entire naturalization interview, including reviewing your Form N-400, completing the English test (if required), and taking the civics test, often lasts about 20-30 minutes, although the exact length can vary.
*Nothing herein constitutes legal advice. You should obtain independent legal counsel regarding your specific factual situation.
