American Citizenship Test Questions And Changes In 2026

If you are a green card holder preparing to apply for U.S. citizenship, the American citizenship test has changed significantly, and working with an experienced immigration lawyer can make the difference between passing on your first try and facing delays or a denial. Call Brooks Law Firm today at (617) 245-8090 for a free consultation, and we will give you an honest look at where you stand.

For most applicants filing Form N-400 in 2026, the naturalization exam looks different than it did just a year ago. USCIS introduced a redesigned civics test effective October 20, 2025, expanding the question pool, increasing the number of questions asked during the interview, and raising the total you need to answer correctly. 

In addition to understanding the test requirements, it’s important to keep in mind that certain medical or neurological exemptions may apply to people with a diagnosed condition that prevents them from taking the tests. There is a specific process that must be followed carefully to request an exemption, and legal advice is recommended.

If you are studying for the American citizenship test right now, or helping a family member prepare, this guide from our Citizenship & Naturalization Lawyer team explains exactly what to expect, what the test covers, whether you can take it in Spanish, and what it costs to apply.

What Is on the American Citizenship Test

The American citizenship test has two parts: an English language test and a civics test. Both are administered during your naturalization interview at a USCIS field office, on the same day an officer reviews your N-400 application. There is no separate test appointment.

The English test evaluates three skills: speaking, reading, and writing. The speaking portion is assessed through your conversation with the USCIS officer during the interview itself, so there is no separate speaking section. For reading, the officer displays up to three sentences on a screen and you must read one correctly. For writing, the officer dictates up to three sentences and you must write one correctly. The vocabulary focuses on civics and history terms, and USCIS publishes the exact word lists in advance so you know what to study.

The civics test is an oral exam covering U.S. government, history, rights and responsibilities, and geography. Which version of the civics test you take depends on when you filed your N-400, not when your interview is scheduled. Applicants who filed before October 20, 2025 take the older 2008 version, which draws from a pool of 100 questions. Applicants who filed on or after that date take the 2025 version, which draws from a pool of 128 questions.

What Are the Questions on the American Citizenship Test

Under the 2025 version of the test, the USCIS officer asks up to 20 questions drawn randomly from a bank of 128 civics questions. You must answer at least 12 correctly to pass, which works out to 60 percent. The officer stops asking questions once you either answer 12 correctly or answer 9 incorrectly, so a well-prepared applicant may be finished in as few as 12 questions.

The 128 questions cover four broad categories:

• American Government: The Constitution, the three branches of government, the Bill of Rights, how laws are made, and the system of checks and balances.
• American History: The colonial period, the American Revolution, the Civil War, and major developments through the twentieth century.
• Rights and Responsibilities: Voting, paying taxes, serving on juries, obeying the law, and participating in civic life.
• Integrated Civics: U.S. geography, national symbols, and federal holidays.

Some answers change depending on who currently holds office, including the President, Vice President, Speaker of the House, your state’s governor, and your U.S. Senators. USCIS advises applicants to verify these answers close to their interview date at uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates.

For comparison, the older 2008 test has a pool of 100 questions. The officer asks 10, and you need to answer 6 correctly. If you filed your N-400 before October 20, 2025, this is the version you should study for.

The 65/20 Exemption: Applicants who are 65 or older and have been lawful permanent residents for at least 20 years qualify for a simplified version. Under this exemption, you study only 20 designated questions (marked with an asterisk on the USCIS study materials), the officer asks 10, and you must answer 6 correctly. You may also take the civics test in the language of your choice.

The only study resource guaranteed to reflect the current question pool is the official USCIS guide, available as a free PDF at uscis.gov/citizenship. USCIS updates this document when questions or answers change. Third-party study apps and books may lag behind official updates by several months, so it is worth checking the official materials periodically throughout your study period.

Can You Take the American Citizenship Test in Spanish

The default rule is that the American citizenship test, both the English portion and the civics portion, is conducted in English. However, USCIS provides language exemptions that allow certain long-term permanent residents to skip the English test entirely and take the civics portion in Spanish or another language of their choice.

These exemptions are based on age and years of permanent residency:

• The 50/20 rule: You are 50 years old or older at the time of filing and have been a lawful permanent resident for at least 20 years. You are exempt from the English test and may take the civics test in your native language.
• The 55/15 rule: You are 55 years old or older at the time of filing and have been a lawful permanent resident for at least 15 years. The same exemption applies.
• The 65/20 rule: You are 65 years old or older and have been a lawful permanent resident for at least 20 years. In addition to the English exemption, you study a shorter list of only 20 civics questions and may take the test in your language.

If you qualify under any of these rules, you bring your own interpreter to the interview. USCIS does not provide one. Your interpreter must be fluent in both English and your language and must be able to interpret accurately. Family members are generally permitted to serve as interpreters.

There is no special form to request the language exemption. Your date of birth and residency start date on your N-400 establish your eligibility, and you inform the officer at your interview that you qualify. USCIS also publishes Spanish-language study materials for the civics test on their website.

If you have questions about whether you meet one of these exemptions, or how to prepare for the interview in Spanish, an experienced naturalization attorney can review your eligibility and help you understand your options before you file.

Medical Disability Exemption (Form N-648)

Separate from the age-based exemptions above, USCIS also allows applicants with a qualifying physical or developmental disability or mental impairment to request an exemption from the English test, the civics test, or both. 

This process requires filing Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions, which must be completed and signed by a licensed medical doctor, doctor of osteopathy, or clinical psychologist. The medical professional must explain not only the diagnosis but also how the specific condition prevents the applicant from learning or demonstrating the required knowledge. 

A diagnosis alone is not enough; USCIS requires a clear, detailed connection between the condition and the applicant’s inability to meet the testing requirements.

The condition must be long-term, lasting 12 months or longer, and must be severe enough that the applicant cannot fulfill the English or civics requirements even with reasonable accommodations such as extended testing time or an off-site interview. Advanced age or illiteracy alone do not qualify. 

Form N-648 should be submitted with your N-400 application, though USCIS may accept it at a later stage. It is important to note that USCIS has increased scrutiny of N-648 submissions in recent years, and improperly completed forms are a common reason for delays, requests for additional evidence, or denials of the exemption. Because the form’s requirements are precise and the stakes are high, working with an experienced attorney to coordinate with your medical provider is strongly recommended.

If you have questions about whether you meet one of these exemptions, or how to prepare for the interview in Spanish, an experienced naturalization attorney can review your eligibility and help you understand your options before you file. Brooks Law Firm offers quality legal services in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. Speak freely, in your mother language, with no barriers or translators.

How Much Is the American Citizenship Test

The American citizenship test itself does not have a separate fee, but it is part of the naturalization application, and the N-400 filing fee covers the entire process, including the interview, the English test, the civics test, and biometrics.

As of August 2026, the N-400 filing fee is $710 if you file online or $760 if you file a paper application. This single payment covers everything; USCIS no longer charges a separate biometrics fee, having combined it into the application fee in 2024.

Two options exist for applicants who cannot afford the full fee:

• Reduced fee ($380): Available if your household income falls between 150 and 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. You must file by paper; the reduced fee is not available for online filing.
• Full fee waiver ($0): Available if your household income is at or below 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or if you receive a means-tested government benefit like Medicaid or SNAP. File Form I-912 along with your N-400.
• Military applicants: Active-duty members and certain veterans who qualify under Sections 328 or 329 of the Immigration and Nationality Act pay no filing fee.

It is worth noting that in June 2026, the Department of Homeland Security proposed a rule that would raise the paper N-400 fee to $1,330 and the online fee to $1,280, and would eliminate both the reduced fee and fee waiver options. This proposed increase is not yet in effect; it is currently in a public comment period. However, applicants who are eligible to file now may want to consider doing so before any fee changes take effect.

These are government filing fees only. Attorney fees for help with the N-400 application, document preparation, and interview preparation are separate. At Brooks Law Firm, we offer free consultations so you can understand the full scope of what your case involves before making any decisions.

What Changed in the Citizenship Test for 2026

The most significant change affecting applicants in 2026 is the 2025 civics test, which took effect on October 20, 2025. 

The question pool expanded from 100 to 128, the number of questions asked during the interview doubled from 10 to 20, and the number you needed to answer correctly rose from 6 to 12. While the passing threshold remains 60 percent, the test covers more material and requires more thorough preparation than its predecessor.

USCIS has also indicated that a second redesigned test may be implemented in October 2026, though the exact content and format have not been released. Applicants who are currently eligible to naturalize may benefit from completing the process under the current version of the test rather than waiting.

Beyond the test itself, USCIS policy changes in 2026 have added complexity to the naturalization process more broadly. 

The agency has increased scrutiny of applications, including expanded background reviews and, for applicants from certain designated countries, extended processing holds that can delay final decisions even after the interview is completed. These developments make it more important than ever to file a complete, accurate application and to address any potential issues, such as common reasons for citizenship denial, before they become problems.

How to Prepare for the American Citizenship Test

Preparation starts with studying the right version of the test. If you filed your N-400 on or after October 20, 2025, study the 128-question list. If you filed before that date, study the 100-question list. USCIS provides free study guides, flashcards, and practice tests at uscis.gov/citizenship. These official materials are the most reliable source and are updated when answers change.

Practice answering the civics questions out loud, since the test is administered orally. Having a friend or family member quiz you simulates the interview experience and helps you become comfortable answering questions under mild pressure. Pay special attention to questions with answers that change based on current officeholders, and verify those names close to your interview date.

For the English reading and writing portions, USCIS publishes vocabulary lists covering the exact words that can appear. Practicing those lists is typically enough to pass both sections. The sentences are straightforward and designed to test basic literacy, not advanced English skills.

If you are a green card holder considering citizenship, and you are unsure about your eligibility, concerned about the test, or dealing with complications in your immigration history, working with an attorney can help you avoid mistakes that lead to delays or denials. Brooks Law Firm helps applicants across Massachusetts prepare their N-400 applications, gather supporting documents, and get ready for the interview and test.

Ready to take the next step toward U.S. citizenship? Call Brooks Law Firm today at (617) 245-8090 to schedule a free consultation. We offer legal assistance in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, and we will walk you through every step of the naturalization process.