[Updated for 2025 Version] Naturalization Test – USCIS Questions and Answers

Last modified: October 8, 2025

Process of Naturalization

The naturalization test is part of the process to become a U.S. citizen. You must take and pass this test before your citizenship can be approved.

You also must be a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) before you can apply for naturalization. This is a required step under U.S. immigration law.

Two Versions of the Test

There are now two versions of the USCIS civics test:

  1. The 2008 version (still used for most applicants)
  2. The 2025 version of the civics test, which will start on October 20, 2025

    The 2008 version is the one used for all applications filed before October 20, 2025.
    If you file your application on or after October 20, 2025, you will take the 2025 version instead.

    Oral Naturalization Test

    During your naturalization interview, the USCIS officer will ask you civics questions orally.

    If you applied before October 20, 2025, you’ll take the 2008 version of the test.

    • You’ll be asked 10 questions from a list of 100 possible questions.
    • You must answer six correctly to pass.

      If you applied on or after October 20, 2025, you’ll take the 2025 version of the test.

      • You’ll be asked 20 questions from a list of 128 possible questions.
      • You must answer 12 correctly to pass.
      • The officer will stop the test once you have 12 right or 9 wrong.

        The civics portion is one part of the interview. You’ll also complete English reading and writing sections unless you qualify for an exemption.

        What happens to your application to become an American Citizen if you fail?

        If you don’t pass the civics or English part of the test, immigration law gives you one more chance.

        You’ll receive a letter with a new test date, usually within 60 to 90 days of your first interview.

        You’ll only need to retake the section you failed, not the entire test.

        Naturalization Test Questions

        The following is a list of questions that you may be asked as part of the oral part of the citizenship process.

        If you click on any of the questions, then you will be given the answer as well as an explanation of the answer.

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Edward Savey

Edward Savey holds a Bachelor's degree in Political Science from the University of Georgia and a Master's degree in Public Administration with a focus on constitutional law from Georgetown University. He launched constitutionUS.com as its editor, striving to make complex constitutional topics accessible to the public.