Lumen

What is on the US citizenship test, and who is exempt from the English part?

Checked on

At the interview you must speak basic English and read and write one of three sentences correctly. If you filed on or after 20 October 2025, the civics test is 20 questions from a list of 128, and you need 12 right. Applicants over 50 with 20 years, or over 55 with 15 years, as permanent residents skip English.

Key facts

What The law or USCIS says Source
What is required Understanding of English, including reading, writing and speaking words in ordinary usage, and knowledge of US history and government 8 U.S.C. 1423(a); 8 CFR 312.1(a), 312.2(a)
Speaking Assessed by the officer from your answers during the interview 8 CFR 312.1(c)(1); USCIS, The Naturalization Interview and Test
Reading Read aloud 1 of 3 sentences correctly USCIS, The Naturalization Interview and Test
Writing Write 1 of 3 sentences correctly USCIS, The Naturalization Interview and Test
Civics, N-400 filed on or after 20 Oct 2025 Oral test, 20 questions from a list of 128; pass with 12 correct, fail with 9 wrong USCIS, The Naturalization Interview and Test
Civics, N-400 filed before 20 Oct 2025 Up to 10 questions from a list of 100; pass with 6 correct USCIS, The Naturalization Interview and Test
Exempt from English Over 50 with 20 years, or over 55 with 15 years, living in the US as a permanent resident, on the filing date 8 U.S.C. 1423(b)(2); 8 CFR 312.1(b)
If you fail A second chance within 90 days of the first examination 8 CFR 312.5(a)

The English test

The law (8 U.S.C. 1423(a)(1)) requires you to show an understanding of English, including the ability to read, write and speak words in ordinary usage. The statute says reading and writing are met if you can read or write simple words and phrases. The officer judges your spoken English from your answers at the interview (8 CFR 312.1(c)(1)). USCIS guidance says that to pass reading you must read aloud one out of three sentences correctly, and to pass writing you must write one out of three sentences correctly.

The civics test

The law also requires knowledge of the fundamentals of US history and of the principles and form of US government (8 U.S.C. 1423(a)(2)). USCIS says which version you take depends on when you filed Form N-400:

Who is exempt

The law exempts you from the English requirement if, on the date you file, you are:

These applicants still take the civics test, and the regulation says it may be given in their native language with an interpreter if their spoken English is not enough (8 CFR 312.2(a), 312.2(c)(1)(i)). The law also says the government shall give special consideration on civics to applicants over 65 with at least 20 years as permanent residents (8 U.S.C. 1423(b)(3)).

Applicants who cannot meet the requirements because of a physical or developmental disability or mental impairment are excepted (8 U.S.C. 1423(b)(1)). The regulation requires Form N-648, completed by a licensed medical or osteopathic doctor or a licensed clinical psychologist, filed with the N-400 (8 CFR 312.2(b)(2)).

If you fail

The regulation gives a second opportunity within 90 days after the first examination (8 CFR 312.5(a)). USCIS guidance says you are retested only on the part you failed, between 60 and 90 days after the first interview.

Sources

  1. 8 U.S.C. 1423 (INA 312), Requirements as to understanding the English language, history, principles and form of government (United States Code, 2024 edition, GPO govinfo) checked 2026-10-25
  2. 8 CFR part 312, Educational requirements for naturalization (eCFR, current) checked 2026-10-25
  3. USCIS: The Naturalization Interview and Test checked 2026-10-25
  4. USCIS: N-400, Application for Naturalization (Checklist: Form N-648) checked 2026-10-25

Change history

  • : Page created

This is general information, not legal advice, and Lumen is not a law firm. Rules change and offices differ: check the official sources above before you act. Found something wrong or out of date? Write to support@lumen.observer.