What civics and history questions are asked on the US naturalization test in 2026?
TL;DR: The N-400 naturalization test has two parts: English (reading, writing, speaking) and civics (US history and government). During your interview, a USCIS officer asks up to 10 questions from the official civics list, and you need 6 correct answers to pass. USCIS periodically updates the question bank, so confirm the current version on uscis.gov before you study.
The claim
Passing the naturalization test is a statutory requirement for most N-400 applicants. The format has stayed structurally consistent for years even as the specific question list gets refreshed by USCIS.
The evidence
USCIS publishes an official civics study list and tests applicants on a subset of it during the naturalization interview. The English test checks your ability to read one sentence, write one sentence, and speak with the officer throughout the interview. Some applicants qualify for exemptions based on age and years as a permanent resident.
Test structure at a glance
| Component | What's tested | Standard passing bar |
|---|---|---|
| Civics | US history & government, from the official question list | 6 of 10 questions correct |
| Reading | One sentence read aloud correctly | Officer's judgment |
| Writing | One sentence written correctly | Officer's judgment |
| Speaking | Assessed throughout your interview | Officer's judgment |
| Age/residency exemption | 50/20 and 55/15 rules can waive the English requirement | Case-by-case |
Step-by-step: how to prepare
- Download the current official civics questions and answers list from uscis.gov — don't rely on old PDFs floating around online.
- Practice all questions out loud, not just by reading — the interview is spoken.
- Check whether you qualify for an English exemption (age 50+ with 20 years as a green card holder, or age 55+ with 15 years).
- Review your own N-400 answers before the interview — officers often ask about your application, not just civics.
- Use VisaSherpa.ai to track your naturalization timeline alongside your study plan so nothing slips.
FAQ
Do the civics questions change every year? No. USCIS updates the official list periodically, not on a fixed annual schedule. Always check uscis.gov for the version current when you interview.
What happens if I fail the civics or English test? You get a second chance at a re-interview, typically scheduled 60-90 days later, testing only the portion you failed.
Is there an age exemption for the English test? Yes — applicants who are 50+ with 20 years as a permanent resident, or 55+ with 15 years, can take the civics test in their native language.
Can I bring an interpreter to my test? Only if you qualify for a language exemption; otherwise the test and interview happen in English.
By Pinal Dave Last updated: 2026-07-26