US citizenship test guides
In-depth explanations, backed by official data, to help you prepare with confidence.
How to pass the US citizenship test in 2026: the complete guide
Everything you need to pass the 2025 US citizenship test: how the 20-question civics test works, the English test, a 4-week study plan and pass-rate data.
Read the guide →2025 vs 2008 civics test: what changed and which one you will take
Compare the 2025 and 2008 US citizenship civics tests: 128 vs 100 questions, 20 vs 10 asked, new topics, removed topics, and how to know which test you will take.
Read the guide →The 65/20 rule for the US citizenship test, explained
If you are 65+ with 20 years as a green card holder, you study only 20 civics questions and can test in your own language. Who qualifies, the 20 questions and tips.
Read the guide →What happens at the citizenship interview: a step-by-step guide
A step-by-step guide to the US citizenship (N-400) interview: what to bring, the oath, the application review, the English and civics tests, and the results form.
Read the guide →The citizenship English test: reading, writing, speaking and the vocabulary you need
How the US citizenship English test works: speaking, reading one of three sentences, writing one of three, the official vocabulary words, scoring rules and practice.
Read the guide →Current officials for the citizenship test: the answers that change
Who is the President, Vice President, Speaker and Chief Justice now? The 8 civics answers that change, how the 2026 midterms affect them, and how to find your own.
Read the guide →How long does US citizenship take, and how much does it cost in 2026?
The 2026 N-400 fee is $710 online or $760 on paper, with a $380 reduced fee. See the proposed increase, current processing times and each step to the oath.
Read the guide →Failed the citizenship test? Here is exactly what happens next
Failed the US citizenship test? You get a free retest in 60 to 90 days on the part you missed. What your N-652 means, a study plan, and options after a second fail.
Read the guide →The naturalization oath ceremony: what to expect and what to do next
What happens at the US citizenship oath ceremony: Form N-445, what to bring, the full Oath of Allegiance, your certificate and what to do as a new citizen.
Read the guide →Nervous about the citizenship test? 15 ways to stay calm and pass
Nervous about your US citizenship interview? Practical ways to stay calm before and during the test, what to say if you go blank, and why most applicants pass.
Read the guide →Studying for the citizenship test in English as a Spanish speaker
Spanish speaker preparing for the US citizenship test? Understand in Spanish, answer in English: cognates, false friends, numbers, pronunciation and a daily routine.
Read the guide →The 20 hardest questions on the 2025 citizenship test, and how to remember them
The 20 hardest questions on the 2025 US citizenship civics test: 'why' questions, dates, amendments and multi-part answers, with answers and memory tricks.
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