To pass the U.S. citizenship test, you need to score at least 60% on the civics section and pass all three parts of the English section. On the 2008 civics test that means answering 6 of 10 questions correctly. On the 2025 version, in use for applications filed on or after October 20, 2025, it means 12 of 20. The English section is graded pass or fail on each of its three components (speaking, reading, and writing), and you must pass every one.
Civics: 6 of 10 or 12 of 20
Which civics test you take depends on when you filed Form N-400. Applications filed before October 20, 2025 use the 2008 test; applications filed on or after that date use the 2025 test.1USCIS. Check for Test Updates The passing percentage is the same, but the mechanics differ.
On the 2008 test, the USCIS officer asks up to 10 oral questions drawn from a pool of 100. You need 6 correct to pass, and the officer stops as soon as you reach 6.2U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Civics (History and Government) Questions for the Naturalization Test Five wrong answers means you fail.
On the 2025 test, the pool grows to 128 questions and the officer asks up to 20. You need 12 correct. The officer stops once you hit 12, and 9 wrong answers means you fail.3USCIS. 2025 Civics Test The subject matter is similar, covering the Constitution, the branches of government, American history, and rights and responsibilities, but the larger pool means more material to prepare.
The 65/20 Threshold
Applicants who are 65 or older and have been lawful permanent residents for at least 20 years study from a shorter list of 20 designated questions and can take the civics test in the language of their choice. The officer asks 10 of those questions, and 6 correct answers pass.4U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Civics Questions for the 65/20 Exemption The 20 designated questions concentrate on foundational topics such as the first president, the capital, Independence Day, and basic government structure.5U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Study for the Test
English: Pass All Three Parts
The English test has three components (speaking, reading, and writing), each scored separately. You must pass every one. Passing two and failing the third means failing English overall.6U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Scoring Guidelines for the U.S. Naturalization Test
Speaking
There is no separate speaking exercise. The officer judges your spoken English during the interview itself, as you answer questions about your N-400 and your eligibility. You pass if you can generally understand the officer’s questions and respond in a way that makes sense. Perfect grammar is not required, and the officer may rephrase to give you a fair chance. You fail speaking if you cannot understand enough English to be placed under oath or to answer basic eligibility questions.7USCIS. USCIS Policy Manual Volume 12 Part E Chapter 2 – English and Civics Testing
Reading
The officer shows you up to three sentences and asks you to read them aloud. You pass by reading one of the three correctly, and the test stops as soon as you do. The sentences use a limited civics vocabulary that includes words like “President,” “Congress,” “Constitution,” and place names such as “Washington, D.C.”6U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Scoring Guidelines for the U.S. Naturalization Test
Writing
The officer dictates up to three sentences. You pass by writing one of the three in a way the officer can read. Abbreviations are not accepted. The vocabulary parallels the reading test and covers figures like Lincoln and Washington, civics terms such as “citizens” and “freedom of speech,” and common verbs and function words.6U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Scoring Guidelines for the U.S. Naturalization Test USCIS publishes the full reading and writing vocabulary lists in advance.8U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Writing Vocabulary for the Naturalization Test
Who Can Skip a Part of the Test
Some applicants do not have to meet the English standard at all, and some can be excused from the civics test as well.
Two age-and-residency exemptions let you skip English and take the civics test in your native language with a USCIS interpreter:
- The 50/20 rule: 50 or older at filing and a permanent resident for at least 20 years.
- The 55/15 rule: 55 or older at filing and a permanent resident for at least 15 years.
Both groups still must pass civics.9U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Exceptions and Accommodations
Applicants with a physical or mental disability that prevents them from learning English or civics may request an exemption from one or both components by filing Form N-648, a medical certification completed by a licensed doctor or clinical psychologist. The condition must have lasted or be expected to last at least 12 months and must specifically prevent the applicant from learning the material. Advanced age or illiteracy alone does not qualify.9U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Exceptions and Accommodations
Separately, applicants who can take the test but need adjustments can request accommodations when they file the N-400. Options include extended exam time with breaks, sign language interpreters, large print or braille materials, oral administration of the writing test for applicants who cannot use their hands, and off-site interviews at a home, hospital, or nursing facility.10USCIS. USCIS Policy Manual Volume 12 Part C Chapter 3 – Types of Accommodations
If You Fall Short of the Passing Score
Falling short on one component does not end your application. USCIS schedules a second attempt between 60 and 90 days after the initial interview, and only the portion you failed gets retested. If you passed civics but failed writing, the officer re-administers writing alone.6U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Scoring Guidelines for the U.S. Naturalization Test Missing the re-examination without good cause to reschedule can lead to denial.11USCIS. USCIS Policy Manual Volume 12 Part B Chapter 4 – Results of the Naturalization Examination
If you fail a second time, USCIS denies the N-400. You then have 30 days from the date you receive the denial (33 days if it was mailed) to file Form N-336 and request an administrative hearing before a different USCIS officer, who will re-administer the failed portion.12U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. N-336, Request for a Hearing on a Decision in Naturalization Proceedings A denial is not a permanent bar. You can file a new N-400 at any time, though you pay the filing fee again and start the process over.