Applying for U.S. citizenship is a major milestone. The naturalization interview is the final step in the journey before approval and the oath of citizenship. During your interview, a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officer will evaluate your N-400 application and administer the English and Civics Tests.
On September 17, 2025, USCIS announced a new, updated Civics Test. According to USCIS the updated exam was designed to strengthen the integrity of the naturalization process and ensure that applicants are fully committed to assimilate into American society.
Under this new rule, if you file your Form N-400 on or after October 20, 2025, you will take the updated 2025 Civics Test. Below we discuss what to expect during this test, some common exceptions, and how to best prepare.
Part I: The English Language Test
The English Test assesses your ability to speak, read, and write basic English. This portion of the exam remains the same under the updated rules. The test has three components:
Reading: You will be asked to read 1 out of 3 sentences out loud, correctly from a tablet or paper.
Writing: You must correctly write 1 out of 3 dictated sentences.
Speaking: The officer will check your ability to speak and understand English throughout the entire interview when asking routine questions about your application.
The vocabulary used during the reading and writing assessments includes many words used in the civics portion of the exam, such as “Civil War,” “George Washington,” and “Congress.” USCIS provides a vocabulary list to study here. Applicants should be prepared to spell every word on the Writing Vocabulary List. It is generally okay if the spelling of a word is off by a letter or so. But if the words are unrecognizable, the applicant will fail the written portion of the test.
Part II: The 2025 Civics Test
The Civics Test evaluates your knowledge of U.S. history and government. For applicants under the 2025 rules, key updates include:
Larger Study Pool: The study list expanded from 100 to 128 civics questions.
More Questions Asked: The officer will ask up to 20 oral questions (previously 10).
Higher Passing Score: You need to answer 12 out of 20 questions correctly to pass.
As with the previous version of the Civics Test, officers practice the “Early Stopping Rule”: the officer will stop asking questions as soon as you reach 12 correct answers (and pass) or 9 incorrect answers (and fail).
You can find the 2025 Civics Test here. USCIS also offers a complete study guide – One Nation, One People – which thoroughly explains the concepts and history behind the questions and answers.
Special Accommodations & Exceptions
USCIS offers a few special accommodations and exceptions from the English and Civics Tests.
English Language Exemptions
You do not have to take the English Language Test if the following apply:
The 50/20 Exception: You are age 50 or older at the time you filed the N-400 and you have lived as a legal permanent resident (or green card holder) in the U.S. for 20 years.
The 55/15 Exception: You are age 55 or older at the time you filed the N-400 and have lived as a legal permanent resident in the U.S. for 15 years.
If either exception applies, you still must take the Civics Test, but you may do so in your native language. If you choose to take the Civics Test in your native language, you must bring a qualified interpreter with you to the interview at your expense. Your interpreter must be a disinterested party, fluent in your native language, and able to interpret everything you and the officer say without providing the interpreter’s own opinion or commentary.
English Language and Civics Exemptions
Under the “65/20 Exemption” if you are age 65 or older and have been a legal permanent resident in the U.S. for 20 years, you only need to study a simplified list of 20 questions, available here. You may also take the Civics Test in your native language. Again, you are responsible for bringing your own interpreter.
Finally, USCIS offers a Medical Disability Exception to the English and Civic Tests. Applicants may be exempt from the English and Civics requirements if they are unable to take these tests due to a physical or developmental disability or a mental impairment. Applicants seeking this exception must submit Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions. The form must be completed and signed by a licensed medical or osteopathic doctor, or licensed clinical psychologist. Under the 2025 guidelines, USCIS officers will strictly scrutinize Form N-648. If you or a loved one may qualify for the Medical Disability Exception, you should seek experienced legal counsel.
Practical Tips to Prepare for and Pass the Test
First, verify your filing date. If your application was filed before October 20, 2025, you are tested under the old, 2008 version. If filed on or after October 20, 2025, use the 2025 study materials provided above.
When preparing for your English and Civics Tests, practice out loud with a study partner. The Civics Test is oral, so practice answering questions verbally.
Finally, preparation is the key to building confidence. You are normally only given about one month’s notice before the interview date. Don’t wait until you receive the interview notice to start studying. Instead, start reviewing your study materials immediately after you file the N-400 so you can approach your interview with peace of mind.
What happens if I fail the English or Civics Test?
If you fail the English and/or Civics Test, you are given one more try. USCIS will send you notice of a follow-up N-400 interview date. If you fail the second time, your N-400 will be denied.
Conclusion
The English and Civics Tests are only one part of the naturalization interview. USCIS officers typically begin with the English and Civics Tests but then must review your N-400 Application. The officers will ask questions about your background, residency, and good moral character.
Beginning in 2025, USCIS initiated a string of updates to the naturalization processing. Other recent changes include a resumption of “neighborhood investigations” (in which USCIS officers may contact an applicant’s community contacts to verify information on the N-400), a stricter review of the Medical Disability Exception (described above), and a broad expansion of USCIS’s analysis of the applicant’s Good Moral Character (discussed in our blog post here.
Navigating these immigration rules and changes can feel overwhelming. A competent immigration attorney can assess your eligibility for citizenship, advise on recent changes, and help you prepare for the proper test and procedure. Contact Baibak Law today to schedule an N-400 evaluation and interview prep session.