The civics test is one of 3 key tasks in the N-400 interview (alongside English speaking, reading, writing). From the 100 questions list, the USCIS officer asks 10 – you must answer correctly at least 6. This guide is a study package.
Test Format
- 10 questions from the list of 100
- Questions ASKED ORALLY by the officer
- You answer ORALLY in English (if you do not have an age exemption)
- Stop at 6 correct – success
- Stop at 5 incorrect – failure (but you get a second chance after 60-90 days)
Age Exemptions – Who Can Take the Test in Polish
50/20 Rule
- 50+ years OLD AT the time of filing N-400
- + 20 years as a Green Card holder
- → You can take ALL tests in Polish (with a translator)
55/15 Rule
- 55+ years OLD AT the time of filing N-400
- + 15 years as a Green Card holder
- → You can take ALL tests in Polish
65/20 Rule (Special)
- 65+ years OLD AT the time of filing N-400
- + 20 years as a Green Card holder
- → Simplified version of civics: only 20 questions (special sublist from 100), not 10 from 100. And in Polish.
Check if you qualify – it’s a huge advantage!
Official USCIS Materials (FREE)
Complete List of 100 Questions + Answers
- USCIS – Study for the Test
- In English: 100q.pdf
- In Polish: 100q_polish.pdf (for study, but you answer in English on the test if you do not have an exemption)
Audio Materials
- USCIS provides MP3 files with questions and answers
- Ideal for studying in the car, while walking
- USCIS Audio Files
USCIS Apps
- "USCIS: Civics Test Study Tools" – official iOS/Android app
- Flashcards, quizzes, progress tracking
Categories of Questions
A. Principles of American Democracy (12 questions)
- U.S. Constitution
- Bill of Rights
- Federalism
- Branches of government
B. System of Government (47 questions)
- Branches of power (executive, legislative, judicial)
- Congress (Senate + House)
- President
- Federal courts
- States and federation
C. Rights and Responsibilities (10 questions)
- Citizens' rights
- Citizens' duties
- Selective Service
- Taxes
D. American History – Colonial Period (8 questions)
- Pilgrims, colonizers
- 13 colonies
- Revolution
- Declaration of Independence
E. American History – 1800s (5 questions)
- Civil War
- Lincoln
- Industrial Revolution
F. Recent American History (13 questions)
- WW1, WW2
- Cold War
- Civil rights
- 9/11
G. Geography (5 questions)
- Rivers, oceans
- Borders
- Capitals
H. Symbols (2 questions)
- Flag, anthem
I. Holidays (3 questions)
- July 4th, Thanksgiving, Memorial Day
Questions with Variable Answers – NOTE
Some questions have answers that change over time. Always check for CURRENT information:
1. Who is the current president?
Update yourself. Check the day before the interview.
2. Who is the vice president?
Update.
3. Who is the Speaker of the House of Representatives?
May change mid-term, check.
4. Who is the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court?
Update (John Roberts since 2005, but verify).
5. How many Justices are on the Supreme Court?
9 (for decades, stable)
6. Who is your state's senator?
Check – varies by state, they have 6-year cycles.
7. Who is your state's governor?
Check.
8. Who is your U.S. Representative?
Check district + name.
9. Your state's capital
Stable, but learn it.
Frequently Asked Questions (Top 30)
USCIS officers often rotate 30-40 questions. These are the most common:
- What is the supreme law of the land? The Constitution
- What does the Constitution do? Sets up the government; protects basic rights
- What are the first three words of the Constitution? "We the People"
- What is an amendment? A change to the Constitution
- What do we call the first ten amendments? The Bill of Rights
- What is one right or freedom from the First Amendment? Speech, religion, assembly, press, petition
- How many amendments does the Constitution have? 27
- What did the Declaration of Independence do? Announced our independence from Great Britain
- What are two rights in the Declaration of Independence? Life, liberty, pursuit of happiness
- What is the economic system in the United States? Capitalist / market economy
- What is the "rule of law"? Everyone must follow the law; no one is above the law
- Name one branch or part of the government. Legislative, Executive, Judicial (any)
- What stops one branch of government from becoming too powerful? Checks and balances; separation of powers
- Who is in charge of the executive branch? The President
- Who makes federal laws? Congress (Senate + House)
- What are the two parts of the U.S. Congress? Senate and House of Representatives
- How many U.S. Senators are there? 100
- How long is a Senator's term? 6 years
- How many voting members in the House? 435
- How long is a Representative's term? 2 years
- How long is the President's term? 4 years
- In what month do we vote for President? November
- What is the name of the current President? (CHECK CURRENT)
- What is the name of the Vice President? (CHECK)
- If the President can no longer serve, who becomes President? The Vice President
- Who is the Commander in Chief of the military? The President
- Who signs bills to become laws? The President
- Who vetoes bills? The President
- What does the President's Cabinet do? Advises the President
- What does the judicial branch do? Reviews and explains laws; decides cases
Study Strategy – 30-Day Plan
Week 1: Familiarization
- Read all 100 questions in Polish
- Understand the meaning of each – do not memorize right away
- Listen to audio during daily activities
Week 2: Initial Learning
- Daily 15-20 questions in English
- Flashcards (Quizlet, Anki, USCIS app)
- Write answers on paper (enhances memory)
Week 3: Mock Test
- Simulate the test: someone reads 10 random questions, you answer aloud
- Record which ones you got wrong
- Repeat weak areas
Week 4: Refinement
- Update variable questions (president, senators, governor)
- Practice accent/pronunciation with a native speaker
- The night before the interview: quick review of top 30
Learning Apps and Websites
Official
- USCIS: Civics Test Study Tools (iOS/Android)
- USCIS Civics Practice Test (online): my.uscis.gov/prep
Unofficial but Useful
- Quizlet – flashcards (search for "USCIS 100 questions")
- Civics Coach (iOS)
- Voice of America Learning English – civics topics
- YouTube: "USCIS Civics Test 2026" – many channels
In Polish
- Polish Immigrant Centers – often organize courses
- Polish Churches – sometimes offer classes
- Polish Community Books: "U.S. Citizenship Exam" (various authors)
Mock Interview
The best practice – simulating a real interview:
With a Lawyer
- The lawyer conducts the mock
- Standard questions + personal (from the N-400 application)
- Cost: $200-500
With a Native English Speaker (family, friend)
- Give them the list of 100 questions
- Choose 10 randomly, let them ask
- Repeat 5-10 times on different days
With a Community Center
- Catholic Charities, Polish Center often organize study groups
- Free of charge
- Networking with other applicants
Tips from USCIS Officers
- Speak clearly and slowly – accent is OK, but pronunciation must be clear
- Short answers – do not elaborate, just provide the fact
- "I don't know" is better than making something up
- The officer can repeat the question if you do not understand
- Be confident – even if nervous
What If You Don't Pass the First Time
- Second chance in 60-90 days
- You only retake the section you did not pass (civics, if you passed English)
- USCIS sets the date
- Second fail = denial of N-400, but you can apply again
Special Situations
Disability (Form N-648)
- A doctor signs N-648 stating that you cannot take the test for medical reasons
- Acceptable disabilities: significant memory problems, severe dementia, stroke effects
- Requires: licensed doctor, official assessment, formal diagnosis
No English After Years as LPR
- Qualify through 50/20 or 55/15 if you can
- Invest in English – it’s your gateway not only to citizenship
Official Links
- USCIS – Citizenship Resource Center
- USCIS – Study Materials
- USCIS – Online Practice Test
- 100 Civics Questions (PDF, EN)
- 100 Questions in Polish (PDF)
- Form N-648 (Medical Disability)
Related: [[naturalizacja-usa-n400-test-obywatelski]] · [[interview-uscis-przygotowanie-ogolne-co-zabrac]] · [[konto-uscis-online-jak-zalozyc-krok-po-kroku]]
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