What Percent Do You Need to Pass the US Citizenship Test?

The U.S. Citizenship Test is designed to assess your knowledge of American government, history, and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. But there’s often confusion about how this test is scored and, more specifically, what percentage you need to pass. So let’s break it down: The test consists of two major parts—an English test and a Civics test. Each of these has its own set of requirements.

The Civics Test: In the Civics portion of the U.S. Citizenship Test, you will be asked up to 20 questions from a list of 128 possible questions. You need to correctly answer 12 of these 20 questions to pass. If we break this down into a percentage, that's a passing threshold of 60%. Unlike the standardized tests many of us are used to, you only need to hit 60% here, which might sound like a relief for many applicants.

But here's where the stakes get higher: There's no multiple choice. These are oral questions, asked by an immigration officer, and you have to respond with the correct answers on the spot. This requires more than just rote memorization—it requires being able to recall the information quickly and correctly under pressure. It’s crucial to practice and get familiar with the way questions are asked and to practice your answers out loud.

The English Test: The English portion of the test evaluates three different skills: speaking, reading, and writing. Here’s the breakdown:

1. Speaking: This is assessed during your eligibility interview. The officer will determine whether you can understand and respond to basic questions about your application and your background. There’s no formal score here, but you need to demonstrate basic proficiency.

2. Reading: You will be asked to read aloud one out of three sentences correctly to pass this portion. The sentences are selected from a list of standard phrases, and they focus on fundamental civics and history topics.

3. Writing: You must write one out of three sentences correctly. Similar to the reading test, the sentence will focus on basic civics and history.

The English test does not have a percentage-based pass mark, but you need to complete each part successfully to pass.

Why Is This Test Important? The U.S. Citizenship Test is more than just a formality—it’s a demonstration of your commitment to understanding and participating in the country’s democratic process. Passing the test grants you one of the most significant honors and responsibilities: U.S. citizenship. While the threshold to pass may seem approachable (60% for the Civics portion), the consequences of not passing can be significant, including having to reapply and retake the test.

How Do You Prepare? Now that you know the percentage you need to pass, the next step is preparation. Many prospective citizens find that it's not just the facts themselves that are important, but how you study. Here are some strategies:

• Practice, Practice, Practice: With 128 potential civics questions, it’s crucial to go beyond simply memorizing the answers. Practice answering the questions out loud, simulating the test conditions as closely as possible. This builds confidence in both your knowledge and your ability to recall that information under pressure.

• Use Flashcards: Flashcards can be a quick and effective way to study civics questions and answers. Create flashcards for each of the 128 possible questions and practice them regularly.

• Focus on the Wording: Pay attention to how the questions are worded and how you phrase your answers. While you don’t have to recite answers verbatim, the key details of your response must be accurate.

• Read, Write, and Speak English Daily: For the English portion of the test, practice speaking with native speakers if possible. Read newspapers, watch English news broadcasts, and write short sentences on common topics like American history or government.

Common Misconceptions:

1. “I need to know every single fact about U.S. history to pass.” While it’s essential to be well-prepared, you don’t need to know everything. Focus on the 128 questions provided in the USCIS study materials. These cover the key points of American government and history that you need to know.

2. “If I fail one part of the test, I fail everything.” Not true. If you fail either the English or Civics portion of the test, you’ll have another chance to retake the part you failed. You don’t have to start from scratch.

3. “The test is too hard for non-native English speakers.” The USCIS provides plenty of resources to help non-native speakers succeed. The English portion is designed to evaluate basic proficiency, not fluency. With the right preparation, it’s possible to pass, even if English isn’t your first language.

What Happens If You Fail? If you don’t pass the U.S. Citizenship Test on your first try, you will be given another opportunity to retake the portion you failed within 60 to 90 days. The good news is that you don’t have to start from scratch—you only need to pass the portion you didn’t succeed in.

However, if you fail the test a second time, you will need to reapply for naturalization and pay the application fees again. This is why preparation is key. The stakes are high, and failure can result in additional time, money, and stress.

Final Thoughts: Passing the U.S. Citizenship Test is a monumental step toward becoming a U.S. citizen. Knowing that you need 60% to pass the Civics portion provides a clear target. However, the test demands more than just hitting a number—it requires thoughtful preparation, practice, and confidence in your ability to recall key facts under pressure.

The good news is that with the right approach, you can pass. And once you do, you will join millions of others who have made this country their home, contributing to its diverse and dynamic culture.