Citizenship test guide
Citizenship interview questions, and how to practice them
The naturalization interview is the last big step before the oath. It helps to know what will happen, and to say your answers out loud before the officer asks.
Start practicing →What the officer will ask you
An officer goes over your N-400 application with you and asks about your background. Then come the English test and the civics test. Take your time, answer honestly, and check your appointment notice for what to bring.
The civics questions
For the 2025 test, the officer asks up to 20 questions from the official list of 128, and you need 12 correct. Here are four of them, with answers from USCIS's official list:
- What is the supreme law of the land? The Constitution.
- How many amendments does the U.S. Constitution have? Twenty-seven (27).
- The President of the United States is elected for how many years? Four (4) years.
- The Federalist Papers supported the passage of the U.S. Constitution. Name one of the writers. For example, (James) Madison, (Alexander) Hamilton or (John) Jay.
Why saying it out loud matters
Knowing an answer in your head is different from saying it clearly to a stranger when you feel nervous. Practice the full answer, in English, until you can say it easily. The exact words matter too, so it helps to see how USCIS words each answer.
A mock interview like the real one
WelcomeOath's mock interview asks 20 questions one after another, like interview day, with the same pass and stop rules. If you qualify for the 65/20 rule, it is 10 questions from your 20. You hear each question read aloud, answer by speaking, and see which ones you missed. Registered learners get a free mock interview.
Questions about your own application
The questions about your N-400 are about you, so nobody can practice them for you. Read through your own application before the day so every detail is fresh.
Questions people ask
How many questions are on the 2025 civics test?
USCIS publishes a bank of 128 questions. At your interview an officer asks up to 20 of them, out loud, and you pass with 12 correct answers. The officer stops as soon as you reach 12 correct or 9 incorrect. Nobody can tell you which 20 you will get, so the safest plan is to know all 128.
USCIS: 128 Civics Questions and Answers (2025 version)
Study all 128 here. Then take a mock interview of 20 questions to see how the real interview feels.
Is the citizenship test multiple choice?
No. The civics test is oral. An officer asks a question and you answer in your own words. There are no choices to pick from, so it is not enough to recognize the correct answer. You must say it yourself.
USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 12, Part E, Chapter 2
That is why you speak every answer out loud here. Your tiles show which answers you know well. If you forget one, it comes back until you can say it easily.
What if I fail the citizenship test?
If you do not pass the English or civics part, USCIS schedules a second interview 60 to 90 days after the first, and you are tested again only on the part you did not pass. Failing the same part a second time leads to a denial. After all your work to get here, that is hard to face, so it is important to prepare well the first time.
USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 12, Part E, Chapter 2
Practice out loud until the answers feel automatic. We show you exactly which questions you still need to practice, so nothing surprises you on interview day.
Do any answers change over time?
Yes. Some answers depend on who holds an office, such as the President, Vice President, Speaker of the House or Chief Justice, and on where you live (your senators, representative, governor and state capital). You must name the person serving on the date of your interview.
We keep these questions up to date, including your elected officials when they change. We ask for your state and ZIP code so your answers are correct for where you live. It is still a good idea to check USCIS a few days before your interview.
From welcome to oath
Let's get you ready
Becoming an American is something to celebrate. Practice out loud, and we will help you feel ready for the interview.
Start practicing →