Could You Pass the US Citizenship Test Today? Take It

Think you could pass the US citizenship test if you sat for it today?

This quiz-meets-explainer will walk you through what’s on the exam, how it’s administered, what trips people up, and how to prepare—then challenge you with real sample questions.

What’s on the US citizenship test?

The naturalization civics test covers four big themes: American government (branches, checks and balances, federalism), American history (colonial era through modern milestones), integrated civics (geography, symbols, holidays), and rights and responsibilities (voting, jury duty, freedoms). You’ll be asked up to 10 oral civics questions drawn from an official list; you pass by answering at least 6 correctly.

There’s also an English component. During the interview, an officer informally evaluates your speaking, and you’ll complete brief reading and writing tasks—typically reading one of three sentences correctly and writing one of three sentences correctly. Official study materials, including vocabulary lists and practice sentences, explain exactly what to expect.

Some answers depend on current officeholders (for example, your state’s U.S. Senators). USCIS advises applicants to check current names shortly before the interview because they can change after elections.

How the interview and test are administered

The exam happens during your naturalization interview with a USCIS officer. You’ll review your N‑400 application, verify biographic details, complete the English reading/writing tasks, and take the oral civics test. See the official overview of the process on the USCIS Naturalization Interview and Test page.

For civics, the officer asks up to 10 questions from the approved list; once you answer six correctly, the test stops and you pass. If you don’t reach six correct after 10, you’ll have a second chance—USCIS schedules a re‑test on only the portion you failed (civics or English) within 60–90 days.

Age- and disability-related exceptions exist. Certain long‑time permanent residents are exempt from the English requirement and may take civics in their native language with an interpreter; others with qualifying medical conditions may receive accommodations. Current rules and eligibility are detailed under USCIS Exceptions and Accommodations.

Because some answers are time‑sensitive, check the latest officeholders close to your interview date via the official USA.gov elected officials directory.

What kinds of questions are asked?

Government structure and process

What are the three branches of government?
Who makes federal laws?
How many U.S. Senators are there?
How long is a term for a member of the House of Representatives?
What does the President’s Cabinet do?

Foundational rights and principles

What is one right or freedom from the First Amendment?
What did the Declaration of Independence do?
What is the rule of law?

U.S. history highlights

When was the Constitution written?
Name one war fought by the United States in the 1900s.
Who was the first President?

Integrated civics

What is the capital of your state?
Why does the flag have 13 stripes?
What is the name of the national anthem?

USCIS publishes a definitive study list and study aids for the current (2008) version of the civics test—flashcards, audio, and printable PDFs—on its Study for the Test page.

Your challenge: 15-question mini-quiz

Set a 3-minute timer and try this mix of civics, history, government, and rights. Answer from memory—no searching! Then check the answer key below.

Name one branch or part of the government.
Who is in charge of the executive branch?
How many U.S. Senators are there?
We elect a U.S. Representative for how many years?
What are two rights in the Declaration of Independence?
What is freedom of religion?
Who signs bills to become laws?
What are two Cabinet-level positions?
When was the Constitution written?
Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?
What territory did the United States buy from France in 1803?
What movement tried to end racial discrimination?
Why does the flag have 50 stars?
What is one responsibility that is only for United States citizens?
Name one U.S. Senator from your state.

Note: Questions about current officeholders (like your state’s senators) change with elections. Verify near test time using official directories.

Surprising facts many Americans forget

Number of amendments: There are 27—many people stop at the Bill of Rights (10).
Terms of office: Senators serve 6-year terms; House members serve 2-year terms.
First Amendment freedoms: speech, religion, press, assembly, petition the government.
Presidential vs. congressional powers: The President signs or vetoes bills, but Congress makes federal laws and can override vetoes.
Dates matter: Declaration adopted July 4, 1776; Constitution written in 1787.
Rule of law: Everyone, including leaders, must follow the law—no one is above it.

Pass rates and what they mean

Among naturalization applicants who prepare using official materials, pass rates are high—consistently around the 90% mark nationwide on the civics portion, with a second chance available for those who need it. Meanwhile, surveys of the general U.S. public often reveal gaps in civics knowledge, suggesting that consistent study—rather than background—drives success.

The takeaway: the test is learnable. With focused practice and familiarity with how questions are asked, most people—immigrants and U.S.-born alike—can master the content.

Preparation strategies that work

1) Use official materials first

Start with USCIS’s free, authoritative resources: the complete question list, audio files, printable flashcards, and sample reading/writing sentences on the Study for the Test page.

2) Practice in short, daily sessions

Do 10–15 flashcards at a time, mixing easy and tricky items.
Say answers aloud to build recall and confidence speaking.
Rotate topics: government structure one day, history the next.

3) Simulate the interview

Have a friend “interview” you orally—no multiple choice.
Practice answering clearly in one sentence when possible.
Time yourself; the real test moves quickly.

4) Know the exceptions and updates

If you qualify for language exemptions or accommodations, the process and what you must study may differ. Review current eligibility and required documentation on USCIS’s Exceptions and Accommodations page. For any questions involving current officeholders, confirm names close to test day via USA.gov.

5) Take realistic practice tests

After learning the material, switch to timed practice that mimics the oral format. Many community programs and libraries offer free prep, and USCIS provides interactive practice as well.

Answer key for the mini-quiz

Legislative, Executive, or Judicial.
The President.
100.
2 years.
Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. (Any two)
You can practice any religion, or not practice a religion.
The President.
Any two examples, such as Secretary of State; Secretary of Defense; Attorney General; Secretary of Education; etc.
1787.
Thomas Jefferson. (Main author)
The Louisiana Territory (Louisiana Purchase).
The civil rights movement.
Because there is one star for each state; 50 states.
Serve on a jury or vote in a federal election. (Responsibilities that are only for citizens)
Answers vary by state and election; check current officials.

Important: USCIS allows multiple correct answers to some questions, and current names/totals can change (for example, officeholders). Always study from the latest official list and verify time-sensitive items.

Keep learning—and share the challenge

Whether you’re a naturalization applicant, a U.S.-born adult dusting off civics knowledge, a student prepping for class, or a teacher looking for a quick bell-ringer, the citizenship test is a powerful refresher on how our system works. Share this quiz with a friend or classroom, compare scores, and commit to one new fact a day. Civic knowledge grows with practice.