How to Study for the U.S. Citizenship Civics Test with CitizenExams
CitizenExams is a free, independent study site (not part of USCIS). Here is the fastest way to use it, step by step, plus a simple plan you can follow in about 10 minutes a day.
Step 1. Check which civics test you will take
USCIS picks the version by the date you filed Form N-400:
| You filed N-400 | Your civics test |
|---|---|
| On or after Oct. 20, 2025 | 2025 test: up to 20 questions from a list of 128; pass with 12 correct |
| Before Oct. 20, 2025 | 2008 test: 10 questions from a list of 100; pass with 6 |
| Age 65+ with 20+ years as a permanent resident | 10 questions from a special list of 20 starred questions; pass with 6 |
Everything on CitizenExams follows the 2025 test (128 questions). If you filed before Oct. 20, 2025, study the 2008 list on USCIS; many questions overlap, so our quick questions and audio still help. Confirm on USCIS: Check for test updates.
In the practice test you pick Quick 5, Standard (20 questions, 12 to pass) or Age 65 / 20 years (starred list, 6 to pass).
Step 2. Study one topic at a time
Open Study and pick a category: American Government, American History, or Symbols & Holidays. Each question shows the accepted answers and has audio. Questions that depend on where you live (your senators, governor, state capital) let you pick your state. See all of yours on one page, plus the answers that change, at Your officials.
Step 3. Tap through 3 quick questions
On the homepage and on blog posts there is a 3-question card. Tap an answer to see if you were right, plus every answer USCIS accepts. It takes under a minute, which makes it a good warm-up.
Step 4. Listen to all 128 questions and answers
Listen mode plays each question, a short pause, then the answers. Play everything or one topic, change the speed, add “think time” to answer out loud before you hear the answer, and pick up where you left off next time. Good for the car, a walk, or chores.
Step 5. Take a scored Quick 5, then the full 20
The practice test works like the interview: you type your answer in your own words, with no choices. When a question asks for two or three things (like “Name three national U.S. holidays”), list them with commas; you need all of them, just like in the interview. Quick 5 takes about 2 minutes (3 correct to pass). When you pass Quick 5 easily, switch to Standard 20 (12 to pass).
Step 6. Use the results screen
When a round ends you see your score, the questions you missed with the accepted answers, and one clear next step: study your missed questions first, then try a fresh round.
A simple 2-week plan (about 10 minutes a day)
| Day | What to do (about 10 minutes) |
|---|---|
| 1 | Check your test version (Step 1). Take one Quick 5 to see where you are. |
| 2–3 | American Government A–B: read or listen to the topic, then 3 quick questions. |
| 4–5 | American Government C and American History A, same routine. |
| 6–7 | American History B–C. End day 7 with a Quick 5. |
| 8 | Symbols & Holidays. Look up your senators, representative, governor, and capital on Your officials. |
| 9–12 | One Quick 5 a day. Study every missed question right after. Listen to one topic with +3 s think time. Do 3 sentences of English reading and writing practice. |
| 13 | One full Standard 20. Aim for 15 or more, a buffer above the 12 needed. |
| 14 | Final check: one more Standard 20, re-check the answers that change (President, Vice President, Speaker, your senators and governor) on USCIS test updates, practice saying answers out loud, and print the interview-day checklist. |
Short and daily beats long and rare. If you are short on time, do just the Quick 5 and listen during your commute.
Note: this is a study plan, not legal advice. Your interview also includes English reading, writing and speaking (practice reading and writing here), and questions about your N-400. Always check official USCIS study materials.