What the U.S. Naturalization Test Includes

The U.S. naturalization test is an important part of the citizenship process. Understanding what the test includes can help applicants choose the right study materials and prepare for the skills they will need during their naturalization interview.

Unless an applicant qualifies for an exemption or waiver, the naturalization test includes both English and civics requirements. The English portion measures speaking, reading, and writing skills, while the civics portion covers U.S. government and history.

The English Portion of the Naturalization Test

The English test includes speaking, reading, and writing.

A USCIS officer evaluates an applicant’s ability to speak and understand English during the naturalization interview. Applicants are also asked to demonstrate reading and writing skills.

Because these skills are tested separately, studying civics questions alone is not enough for applicants who must meet the English requirement.

It can help to practice reading short sentences aloud, writing simple sentences, listening carefully to questions, and answering clearly in English.

The Civics Portion of the Test

The civics test focuses on American government and history. Unlike many online practice quizzes, the official civics test is oral. A USCIS officer asks the questions aloud, and the applicant answers verbally.

For the 2025 version of the civics test, applicants study 128 possible questions. During the interview, the officer asks up to 20 questions, and the applicant must answer at least 12 correctly to pass.

This makes speaking practice an important part of preparation. Instead of only recognizing the correct answer on a screen, learners should practice recalling and saying answers without multiple-choice options.

Make Sure You Are Studying the Correct Test

USCIS has used different versions of the civics test, so applicants should confirm which version applies to their naturalization case before beginning a study plan.

Using the correct official materials helps prevent applicants from spending time preparing for questions or requirements that do not apply to them.

USCIS should remain the primary source for current testing requirements, forms, exemptions, and other official naturalization information.

Some Applicants May Qualify for Special Consideration

Not every applicant follows exactly the same testing requirements.

Depending on factors such as age, length of time as a lawful permanent resident, or certain disabilities, an applicant may qualify for an English exemption, special civics consideration, or another exception.

For example, USCIS provides special civics consideration for qualifying applicants who are age 65 or older and have been lawful permanent residents for at least 20 years.

Applicants should review their individual circumstances with current USCIS guidance rather than assuming an exemption applies.

Prepare for the Oral Format

One of the most useful ways to prepare is to practice answering civics questions aloud.

Ask another person to read questions to you without showing the possible answers. Try to respond from memory, then review any questions that are difficult.

Short explanatory lessons can also help. Understanding why an answer is correct can make the information easier to recall than memorizing a list without context.

Start With a Clear Understanding of the Test

Knowing what happens during the naturalization test gives learners a better starting point for preparation. Review the English and civics requirements, confirm the test materials that apply to you, and spend extra time on areas that need improvement.

For a closer look at the testing process and free educational resources, visit What Is the U.S. Naturalization Test? from Civics Fundamentals.