Becoming a U.S. citizen is a huge milestone. It opens the door to voting, traveling with a U.S. passport, and bringing more family members to the United States. However, before you can take the Oath of Allegiance, you must pass the naturalization interview and the citizenship test.
For many applicants, the test is the most stressful part of the process. You might be worried about your English skills or memorizing historical facts. The good news is that with the right preparation, passing the test is very achievable. In 2026, the rules remain focused on basic American civics and English literacy.
This guide covers everything you need to know about the citizenship test - questions and answers, study strategies, and what to expect during your interview.
ℹ️ Key Takeaways
- The Pass Mark: You must answer 6 out of 10 civics questions correctly.
- The Content: The test covers U.S. history, government, geography, and symbols.
- English Requirement: You must demonstrate the ability to read, write, and speak basic English.
- Filing Fee: The N-400 government filing fee is $760.
- Greenbroad Service: We can prepare your entire application package for a flat fee of $749.
What is the Naturalization Interview?
The naturalization interview is the final major step in the process of becoming a U.S. citizen. After you file Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization) and attend your biometrics appointment, USCIS will schedule this interview.
During the appointment, a USCIS officer will review your application to ensure all your answers are still true. They will also administer the two-part test:
- The Civics Test: Questions about U.S. history and government.
- The English Test: Evaluating your speaking, reading, and writing skills.
💡 Pro Tip
The interview starts the moment you meet the officer. They are evaluating your ability to speak and understand English from the very first “Hello.” Be polite, listen carefully, and answer clearly.
The Civics Test: The 100 Questions
Most applicants in 2026 will take the “2008 version” of the civics test. This is an oral test. There are 100 possible questions on the study list, but you do not need to answer all of them.
Here is how it works:
- The officer will ask you up to 10 questions from the list of 100.
- You must answer 6 questions correctly to pass.
- The questions are asked verbally; there is no multiple-choice paper.
- Once you get 6 right, the officer will usually stop the test.
Sample Questions and Answers
The questions are divided into three categories: American Government, American History, and Integrated Civics (Geography/Symbols). Here are common examples you should study.
Category 1: American Government
Q: What is the supreme law of the land? A: The Constitution.
Q: What does the Constitution do? A: Sets up the government (or defines the government/protects basic rights of Americans).
Q: The idea of self-government is in the first three words of the Constitution. What are these words? A: We the People.
Category 2: American History
Q: Who was the first President? A: (George) Washington.
Q: What territory did the United States buy from France in 1803? A: The Louisiana Territory (or Louisiana).
Q: Name one war fought by the United States in the 1900s. A: World War I (or World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Persian Gulf War).
Category 3: Integrated Civics
Q: Name one of the two longest rivers in the United States. A: Missouri (River) or Mississippi (River).
Q: Why does the flag have 13 stripes? A: Because there were 13 original colonies.
Q: Name one state that borders Mexico. A: California (or Arizona, New Mexico, Texas).
⚠️ Warning
Some answers change based on elections. For example, the name of the President, Vice President, or the Speaker of the House may change. Make sure you check the current names for 2026 before your interview.
For the complete list of all 100 questions, you should visit the official USCIS study resources page.
The English Language Test
Unless you qualify for an age exemption, you must demonstrate that you can communicate in English. This part of the test has three sections.
1. Speaking
The officer assesses your speaking ability throughout the interview. They will ask questions about your Form N-400 application.
- Example: “Have you traveled outside the United States in the last five years?”
- Example: “Are you currently married?”
You do not need to speak perfect English. You just need to understand the questions and answer them in a way the officer understands.
2. Reading
The officer will show you a tablet or a piece of paper with a sentence written on it. You must read it aloud.
- You will be given up to three chances.
- You only need to read one sentence correctly to pass.
- Sample sentence: “Washington is the first President.”
3. Writing
The officer will read a sentence aloud, and you must write it on a tablet or paper.
- You will be given up to three chances.
- You only need to write one sentence correctly to pass.
- Sample sentence: “The people elect Congress.”
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Exemptions and Special Rules
USCIS recognizes that learning a new language can be difficult for older applicants. There are specific exemptions based on your age and how long you have lived in the U.S. as a permanent resident (Green Card holder).
The “50/20” Rule
If you are over 50 years old and have lived in the U.S. as a permanent resident for at least 20 years, you are exempt from the English language test. You must still take the civics test, but you can take it in your native language using an interpreter.
The “55/15” Rule
If you are over 55 years old and have lived in the U.S. as a permanent resident for at least 15 years, you are also exempt from the English test. You must take the civics test in your native language.
The “65/20” Rule (Simplified Test)
If you are over 65 years old and have been a permanent resident for at least 20 years, you get the most help. You are exempt from the English test, AND you take a simplified version of the civics test. You only need to study 20 specific questions instead of the full 100. You still need to answer 6 out of 10 correctly.
Medical Disability Exception (Form N-648)
If a medical doctor certifies that you have a physical or developmental disability that prevents you from learning English or civics, you may be exempt from both tests. This requires filing Form N-648. This is strictly for medical conditions, not just for difficulty learning.
Study Tips for 2026
Preparing for the test does not have to be boring. Here are some strategies to help you remember the answers.
- Use Flashcards: Create physical flashcards with the question on one side and the answer on the other. This is great for memorizing the 100 civics questions.
- Practice Speaking: Ask a friend or family member to play the role of the officer. Have them ask you N-400 questions and civics questions.
- Listen to Audio: Download audio lessons of the questions and listen to them while you drive, cook, or exercise.
- Focus on Keywords: For the reading and writing test, focus on key vocabulary words like “President,” “White House,” “Flag,” and “Congress.”
Costs and Processing Times
Understanding the investment of time and money is important for planning your naturalization journey.
Fees
- USCIS Filing Fee: The fee for Form N-400 is currently $760. This includes the biometrics fee. You can pay online with a credit card or by check/money order.
- Greenbroad Service Fee: We charge a flat fee of $749 to prepare your application. This is much cheaper than a traditional attorney, which can cost $2,000 or more.
Timeline
Processing times vary by location, but generally, the N-400 process takes between 8 to 14 months from filing to the oath ceremony.
- File Application: Month 0
- Biometrics Appointment: Month 1-2
- Interview and Test: Month 8-12
- Oath Ceremony: Month 9-14
See our guide on Citizenship Processing Time 2026: How Long Does Naturalization Take? for more detailed timeline information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions about the citizenship test and interview.
How many questions are on the citizenship test? There are 100 possible civics questions on the list, but the officer will only ask you up to 10 of them during your interview. You must answer 6 out of those 10 correctly to pass the civics portion. Once you get 6 right, the officer usually stops asking questions.
Is the 2026 test different from previous years? Currently, USCIS uses the 2008 version of the civics test for most applicants. This implies the standard list of 100 questions regarding American history and government remains in effect for 2026. Always check the official USCIS website for any sudden policy announcements.
What happens if I fail the citizenship test? If you fail the English or civics test during your first interview, you will be given a second chance. USCIS will schedule a re-examination between 60 and 90 days after your first interview. You only need to retake the portion of the test that you failed.
Are there exemptions for the English test? Yes, there are age and residency exemptions known as the 50/20 and 55/15 rules. If you are over 50 and have had a Green Card for 20 years, or over 55 with 15 years of residency, you may be exempt from the English test. You must still take the civics test, but you can use an interpreter.
How much does it cost to apply for citizenship? As of the current fee schedule, the filing fee for Form N-400 is $760. This fee covers the application processing and the biometric services. Greenbroad charges a separate flat fee of $749 to help prepare your application package.
Conclusion
Passing the citizenship test is the key to unlocking your future in the United States. While the list of 100 questions might seem long, remember that hundreds of thousands of people pass this test every year. With consistent study and preparation, you will be ready to answer confidently in 2026.
Don’t let the paperwork distract you from your study time. Ensuring your N-400 application is accurate and complete is critical to getting your interview scheduled.
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Disclaimer: Greenbroad is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. We are a document preparation service. All government fees are paid directly to USCIS and are subject to change.