The civics test is the part of the naturalization interview where a USCIS officer asks you questions about American government and history, out loud. For applications filed on or after 20 October 2025 the officer asks up to 20 questions chosen from a public list of 128, and you must answer at least 12 correctly. Applicants who filed earlier may still be on the older 100-question test, so check which one applies to you. If you are 65 or older and have been a permanent resident for 20 years, you only study 20 marked questions and answer 6 of 10. The English reading, writing and speaking tests are separate. All the questions and answers are published by USCIS, so you can learn them in advance.
What you'll learn
- How the test works: an oral test, up to 20 questions asked, 12 correct answers to pass
- The difference between the 2025 test (128 questions) and the older 100-question test
- The 65/20 special rule and which answers change with elections or appointments
- How to study the six themes and check yourself with a timed practice exam on Asagno
A sample question from the bank
Question: What is the supreme law of the land? Answer: The U.S. Constitution.
Some answers depend on the day or on where you live: the president, vice president, Speaker of the House, Chief Justice, and your state’s senators, representative, governor and capital. Look them up before your interview at uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to say the answer exactly as written?
No. USCIS says there may be other correct answers, but it encourages you to use the answers it publishes. For questions that say “name one”, one correct answer is enough.
What if I fail the civics test?
USCIS gives you a second chance to retake the part you failed, normally between 60 and 90 days after the first interview.
Is Asagno the real test?
No. The real test is spoken. Asagno uses the public USCIS questions so you can learn the content and practise with multiple choice.