Becoming a United States citizen is an important milestone, and preparing for the naturalization test can be stressful. After months or even years of working toward citizenship, failing part of the test can feel discouraging. Fortunately, an unsuccessful first attempt does not automatically mean your citizenship application will be denied.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) generally gives applicants a second opportunity to pass the portions of the naturalization test they failed. Understanding the retesting process, possible exemptions, and available legal options can help you prepare for your next steps.
Most applicants seeking U.S. citizenship must complete a naturalization interview and demonstrate their knowledge of English and U.S. civics.
The naturalization test generally includes two components.
The English portion evaluates an applicant's ability to speak, read, and write basic English.
During the naturalization interview, a USCIS officer evaluates speaking ability through questions about the applicant's background and citizenship application.
The reading and writing portions require applicants to:
Applicants who qualify for certain age-based, residency-based, or medical exemptions may not have to complete every English testing requirement.
The civics portion evaluates an applicant's knowledge of American history and government.
The testing requirements depend on when Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, was filed.
For applications filed before October 20, 2025, the 2008 civics test generally applies. Applicants must answer six out of ten questions correctly from a list of 100 possible questions.
For applications filed on or after October 20, 2025, the 2025 civics test generally applies. Applicants must answer 12 out of 20 questions correctly from a list of 128 possible questions.
Because the applicable test depends on the filing date, applicants should confirm which version USCIS will administer before preparing.
Yes. If you fail the English test, civics test, or both during your initial naturalization interview, USCIS generally provides another opportunity to complete the failed portions.
You do not ordinarily have to restart the entire citizenship application process after an unsuccessful first attempt.
Instead, USCIS schedules a second examination, typically between 60 and 90 days after the initial interview.
During this appointment, you generally only need to retake the portion you failed.
For example:
This second opportunity allows applicants to concentrate on the specific areas where they need improvement.
Our naturalization attorneys can help applicants understand USCIS testing requirements, review potential eligibility concerns, and prepare for issues that may arise during the citizenship process.
Failing the required naturalization examination a second time generally results in USCIS denying your current naturalization application.
This does not necessarily mean you can never become a U.S. citizen.
However, the denial means your existing application will not proceed to approval unless the decision is successfully challenged or otherwise reopened.
Depending on your circumstances, you may have two principal options.
If you believe USCIS incorrectly denied your naturalization application, you may request an administrative hearing by filing Form N-336, Request for a Hearing on a Decision in Naturalization Proceedings.
The deadline is generally 30 days after receiving the denial, with additional time potentially available when the decision was served by mail.
An N-336 hearing provides an opportunity for a different USCIS officer to review the naturalization decision. Depending on the circumstances, the review may include another examination.
However, a hearing is not an automatic approval or an unlimited opportunity to retake the test.
Applicants may also be eligible to file a new Form N-400 after a denial.
A new application generally requires paying the applicable filing fee unless a fee waiver or other exception applies.
Before reapplying, it is important to determine why the previous application was denied.
If the denial resulted solely from unsuccessful testing, additional preparation may improve the chances of passing. If USCIS identified other eligibility concerns, those issues may need to be addressed before submitting another application.
Some applicants qualify for exceptions or accommodations that modify the standard naturalization testing requirements.
These provisions can be especially important for older applicants, longtime permanent residents, and individuals with qualifying medical conditions.
USCIS provides certain English language exemptions based on an applicant's age and length of lawful permanent residence.
The principal exceptions include:
Applicants qualifying for the 50/20 or 55/15 exceptions must generally still complete the civics test, but they may take it in their native language with an appropriate interpreter.
Applicants qualifying for the 65/20 provision receive a specially designated civics test covering a reduced set of study questions.
Applicants with certain physical or developmental disabilities or mental impairments may qualify for exceptions to the English and civics requirements.
To request a medical exception, applicants generally must submit Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions, completed by an authorized medical professional.
A diagnosis alone does not automatically establish eligibility. The medical documentation must explain how the qualifying condition prevents the applicant from meeting the relevant testing requirements.
Applicants with disabilities who do not qualify for a medical exception may still be eligible for reasonable accommodations during testing.
After failing an initial examination, applicants should use the time before their second appointment to address the specific areas that caused difficulty.
Several preparation strategies may help.
USCIS generally provides information identifying whether you passed or failed the English and civics portions.
Understanding which requirements were not satisfied allows you to focus your preparation.
For example, someone who passed the civics test but struggled with spoken English may benefit more from conversational practice than from memorizing additional history questions.
USCIS provides naturalization study resources, including civics questions, vocabulary materials, and preparation exercises.
Use materials corresponding to the civics test version applicable to your application.
Applicants should also remember that certain civics answers, including the names of elected officials, can change over time.
Taking practice tests can help applicants become more comfortable answering questions aloud.
Useful preparation methods include:
Applicants who experience significant test anxiety may also benefit from becoming familiar with the interview format before returning to USCIS.
Generally, failing the naturalization test does not automatically cause someone to lose lawful permanent resident status.
Naturalization and permanent residency are separate immigration matters.
A lawful permanent resident whose citizenship application is denied solely because of unsuccessful testing ordinarily retains their green card status, provided they continue meeting the requirements for permanent residence.
However, the naturalization process can reveal other immigration concerns.
For example, USCIS may identify questions involving criminal history, extended absences from the United States, or previous immigration violations.
Certain underlying issues may affect an applicant's permanent resident status independently of the citizenship test result.
For this reason, applicants with complicated immigration histories should consider obtaining legal advice before requesting further review or submitting a new application.
Failing the U.S. citizenship test can delay your naturalization process, but it does not necessarily end your opportunity to become an American citizen. Whether you are preparing for a second examination, exploring a testing exemption, or considering an appeal after a denial, understanding your options can make a meaningful difference.
If you are dealing with an unsuccessful citizenship test or a denied naturalization application, our immigration attorneys are here to help. Call us today or connect with us online to schedule a consultation.
