United States · USCIS
Naturalization civics test, 2008 version
The civics test for everyone who filed Form N-400 before October 20, 2025: 100 questions, up to 10 asked, 6 to pass.
100questions
Practice- Principles of American democracy 0 / 12
- System of government 0 / 35
- Rights and responsibilities 0 / 10
- Colonial period and independence 0 / 13
- 1800s 0 / 7
- Recent American history 0 / 10
- Geography 0 / 8
- Symbols 0 / 3
- Holidays 0 / 2
What to expect on the test
If you filed Form N-400 before October 20, 2025, your interview uses the 2008 version of the civics test, however long the wait. A USCIS officer asks you up to 10 questions out loud from a public list of 100, and you answer out loud. Six correct answers pass the test, and the officer stops asking once you have 6 right or 5 wrong. Applicants 65 and older who have been permanent residents for 20 years answer 10 questions from a set of 20, in a language of their choice.
The 100 questions and the answers USCIS accepts are quoted here as they are, from the official list. Each explanation is written from the USCIS civics textbook for this version and links to its page. Names that change with elections are checked against the USCIS test updates page, the date is shown below. Four questions ask about your state: pick it at the top of the page and the names are filled in.
Study in four ways. Flashcards work like the interview: read the question, say the answer, then check it against the list of answers USCIS accepts. Practice shows three choices and explains each answer. The exam follows the rules of the real test, with a separate 65/20 version. Mistakes brings back what you missed. Progress stays in your browser: no account, no sign-up.
Frequently asked questions
Do I take the 2008 or the 2025 civics test?
It depends on the date USCIS received your Form N-400. Before October 20, 2025: the 2008 version on this page, with 100 questions. On or after that date: the 2025 version with 128 questions, which has its own page on this site.
How many questions are asked and how many do I need to pass?
Up to 10 questions from the list of 100. You need 6 correct. The officer stops as soon as you reach 6 correct or 5 wrong.
What happens if I fail the civics test?
You get a second chance. USCIS retests you on the part you failed, English or civics, between 60 and 90 days after the first interview.
Best exam100 questions · A different exam every time
On the real test, per USCIS. Questions from the 100 Civics Questions and Answers 2008, checked Nov 3, 2026.
Names of current officials per uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates, checked Nov 3, 2026.
Four questions ask about your state: its senators, your representative, its governor and its capital. The names are filled in for the state you choose.
Governors and capitals per usa.gov, senators per senate.gov, checked Nov 3, 2026.