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Navigating Immigration Law · · 19 min read

What Happens If You Fail the American Citizenship Exam?

Descubre qué ocurre si no paso el examen de ciudadanía americana y conoce tus opciones para seguir adelante.

What Happens If You Fail the American Citizenship Exam?

Introduction

This is the scenario in which an immigrant standing at the threshold of his or her American dream stumbles at the citizenship test. In order to become a U.S. citizen through naturalization, immigrants must demonstrate a basic understanding of the history of the United States and the principles of the federal government. Immigrants must also be able to speak and write English well enough to understand important documents. If in their studies they fail the citizenship test given by the government, then what does fail the test mean for their residency status? Here we explain the implications of failing the citizenship test and offer some suggestions that would better prepare immigrants for the test in order to help them reach their American dream by crossing the threshold into the American mainstream.

Define the American Citizenship Exam

One of the biggest fears for new immigrants is the citizenship test for American citizenship. What does the test cover? For those trying to get citizenship for America, the test covers three main areas of knowledge:

  1. The history of the U.S.
  2. The structure and function of the U.S. government
  3. English language ability

The test for citizenship has two parts to it: civics and English. The candidate is required to answer 10 questions from the civics portion of the test. The candidate needs to get at least 6 out of 10 correct to pass the test. The English test has 3 components to it as well:

  1. Reading in English
  2. Writing in English
  3. Speaking in English

The candidate is able to demonstrate his or her ability to read, write and speak in simple terms in order to carry out basic conversations and deal with routine written correspondence in the everyday lives of the people of this country in order to become a citizen. This is an important right and responsibility of citizens.

As of 2026, the test for citizenship will include many more questions to determine whether or not an individual should be granted citizenship. For naturalization candidates, the civics test will consist of 128 questions, not 100, which candidates will be able to choose from in order to answer 10 of them correctly to pass the test. The test for citizenship has a very high pass rate for the civics portion of the test, averaging 92.2% over the test cycle for 2022 for a passing rate. However, because the rules for granting a disability exception have recently become more strict, it is predicted that the number of naturalization test takers who are able to pass the test for citizenship will significantly decrease. As a result, it is even more important for people considering naturalization to thoroughly study the test in order to prepare for their naturalization interview.

This mindmap shows the structure of the American Citizenship Exam. Start at the center with the exam title, then follow the branches to see the main areas of knowledge and the specific components of the civics and English tests. Each branch represents a key part of the exam, helping you understand what to study for citizenship.

Contextualize the Citizenship Exam in Immigration

What is the American Citizenship Exam? We test for American citizenship based on the tests for citizenship in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) for naturalization of immigrants to our society and community. Our goal is to help people attain citizenship so that they can be contributing members of our society and community.

For FY 2022, USCIS reports that 92.4% of candidates testing for citizenship in the civics portion of the test passed on their first attempt. We continue to update our study materials as the naturalization citizenship test transitions to a longer test with 20 questions to select 12 from a pool of 128 questions for new test dates of October 20, 2025 and later.

There is some good news for long-term residents. From October 15, 2015, onwards, the 65/20 rule will be applied to their citizenship assessment. Therefore, if you are an older individual who has lived in America for most of your life and held a green card for 20 years or more, you will only need to study 20 questions for your citizenship test instead of 128. We hope this helps you in your citizenship assessment and future in America.

This flowchart outlines the key aspects of the American Citizenship Exam. Start at the top with the exam's purpose, then follow the branches to see current statistics and upcoming changes. Each box provides important information about what candidates need to know.

Explore Consequences of Failing the Citizenship Exam

Just because someone is well educated does not mean that he or she will not feel anxious while sitting down for a test that will determine if he or she can continue living in the country and fulfill his or her dreams of becoming a citizen. If for some reason a test taker fails a section of the test on his or her first attempt at it, he or she will have 60 to 90 days to retake that same failed section of the test.

Importantly, failing a section of the test on the first attempt will not negatively affect his or her status as a permanent resident (i.e. “green card holder”). However, failing the same section on the second attempt at it can lead to the denial of citizenship for the test taker.

However, this does not necessarily mean the end of the road for someone’s application for citizenship, for that individual can reapply for citizenship by completing a brand new Form N-400 and paying the necessary fees for said application. Knowing what to expect when taking the test can certainly alleviate a lot of anxiety in a test taker as he or she prepares to take the test.

Furthermore, if for some reason his or her application for citizenship is denied by the officer who is responsible for said application, that individual has 30 days to request a hearing with that same officer. In said hearing, the test taker can share his or her story in an attempt to have his or her case for citizenship approved.

This flowchart illustrates what happens if you fail the citizenship exam. Start at the top with taking the exam, and follow the paths based on whether you pass or fail. Each step shows what you can do next, including retaking the test or reapplying for citizenship.

Provide Strategies for Successful Exam Preparation

This test preparation is meant to guide individuals in properly preparing for the U.S. Citizenship Exam. These useful tips to study for the test will familiarize applicants with the official U.S.C.I.S. citizenship study materials including the list of 100 civic questions and answers and all of the English language study materials.

Applicants must get 60% or higher on the civics section of the test made up of 10 randomly chosen questions from the list of 100 civic questions and answers for the civic section of the test. This section is divided into two sections: civics and English.

As was stated previously, “By practicing frequently, you can arrive at your US naturalization evaluation feeling assured and ready” (Pollack, 2015). More importantly, applicants must be able to score well on the English section of the test by practicing speaking and writing in English every day.

Also, organizing your study objectives will help you to better retain the study material that you have studied. With the recent changes to test applicants taking the test will need to better prepare themselves in order to maximize their score on the test.

Therefore, the helpful tips for studying will not only help you to retain the information you have studied but also to get the best possible score on the test. Thus, with proper study for the test the anxiety and confusion that applicants feel will be replaced by confidence and clarity.

This mindmap starts with the main idea of preparing for the U.S. Citizenship Exam. Each branch represents a key area of focus, and the sub-branches provide specific strategies or components related to that area. Follow the branches to see how each strategy contributes to overall exam success.

Conclusion

A lot of people applying for citizenship are worried that failing the citizenship test will put their permanent residency in jeopardy. While failing a section of the test may force you to retest that section of the test within a certain time frame, it will not jeopardize your permanent residency. Nor will it stop you from your dream of becoming a citizen.

We go into great detail to describe the overall structure and process of the Citizenship Test for American citizenship, the two tests (civics and English language) taken in the citizenship process, statistics showing the vast majority of citizenship test takers pass the civics portion of the test and last but not least, how to prepare for the citizenship test in full.

Remember, your journey to becoming a citizen of the United States is more than passing a test to earn citizenship. Join the community of citizens who welcome and celebrate with you. Utilize the many resources available to you to help you fill your dreams of becoming a citizen and strengthening our community. Our bilingual legal services and flexible payment plans are available to help along the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the American Citizenship Exam cover?

The American Citizenship Exam covers three main areas: the history of the U.S., the structure and function of the U.S. government, and English language ability.

What are the two parts of the citizenship test?

The citizenship test consists of two parts: the civics portion and the English portion.

How many questions must a candidate answer correctly in the civics portion to pass?

A candidate must answer at least 6 out of 10 questions correctly in the civics portion to pass.

What components are included in the English test?

The English test includes three components: reading in English, writing in English, and speaking in English.

What changes are expected for the citizenship test by 2026?

By 2026, the citizenship test will include 128 questions, from which candidates will need to answer 10 correctly to pass.

What was the average pass rate for the civics portion of the test in 2022?

The average pass rate for the civics portion of the test in 2022 was 92.2%.

Why is it important for candidates to study for the citizenship test?

It is important for candidates to study for the citizenship test due to stricter rules for granting disability exceptions, which may lead to a decrease in the number of test takers who can pass the test.

List of Sources

  1. Define the American Citizenship Exam
    • USCIS Unveils First Changes to Naturalization Test in Multi-Step Overhaul of American Citizenship Standards (https://uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/uscis-unveils-first-changes-to-naturalization-test-in-multi-step-overhaul-of-american-citizenship)
    • Naturalization Statistics | USCIS (https://uscis.gov/citizenship-resource-center/naturalization-statistics)
    • New Naturalization Civics Test, Effective 10/20/25 - New Americans Campaign (https://newamericanscampaign.org/new-naturalization-civics-test-effective-10-20-25)
    • Naturalization Test Performance | USCIS (https://uscis.gov/citizenship-resource-center/naturalization-related-data-and-statistics/naturalization-test-performance)
    • USCIS Announces Plans to Implement More Challenging Citizenship Exam | FAIRUS.org (https://fairus.org/news/executive/uscis-announces-plans-implement-more-challenging-citizenship-exam)
  2. Contextualize the Citizenship Exam in Immigration
    • USCIS Announces Major Changes to the Naturalization Process | Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC) (https://cliniclegal.org/resources/religious-immigration-law/uscis-announces-major-changes-naturalization-process)
    • New Naturalization Civics Test, Effective 10/20/25 - New Americans Campaign (https://newamericanscampaign.org/new-naturalization-civics-test-effective-10-20-25)
    • Naturalization Test Performance | USCIS (https://uscis.gov/citizenship-resource-center/naturalization-related-data-and-statistics/naturalization-test-performance)
    • USCIS Unveils Changes to Naturalization Test in Multi-Step Overhaul of American Citizenship Standards (https://eb5insights.com/2025/09/22/uscis-unveils-changes-to-naturalization-test-in-multi-step-overhaul-of-american-citizenship-standards)
  3. Explore Consequences of Failing the Citizenship Exam
    • What Happens If I Fail the Citizenship Test? (https://citizenryapp.com/blog/what-if-i-fail-citizenship-test.html)
    • Fail Citizenship Test? 2026 Guide to Retaking & Passing (https://herrerafirm.com/what-happens-if-you-fail-the-citizenship-test)
    • What Are Your Options If You Fail the U.S. Citizenship Test? | Sverdloff Law Group (https://sverdlofflaw.com/what-are-your-options-if-you-fail-the-u-s-citizenship-test)
    • Most of us would fail the U.S. citizenship test, survey finds (https://nbcnews.com/news/latino/most-us-would-fail-u-s-citizenship-test-survey-finds-n918961)
    • Naturalization Test Performance | USCIS (https://uscis.gov/citizenship-resource-center/naturalization-related-data-and-statistics/naturalization-test-performance)
  4. Provide Strategies for Successful Exam Preparation
    • How Can I Prepare for the U.S Citizenship Test? (https://ppid.com/blog/how-can-i-prepare-for-the-u-s-citizenship-test)
    • Citizenship Test 2026: How to Pass the Harder Naturalization Exam on Your First Try (https://dworskylaw.com/blog/citizenship-test-2026-how-to-pass-the-harder-naturalization-exam-on-your-first-try)
    • U.S. Announces Major Changes to Naturalization Civics Test (https://boundless.com/blog/us-announces-major-changes-to-naturalization-civics-test)
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