Citizenship Test Language Rules: Spanish Tests & The English Waiver Explained

Published: May 22, 2026 • Author: Amira Khalil

The English Requirement for U.S. Citizenship

For the vast majority of applicants, the U.S. citizenship interview is conducted entirely in English. This means you must prove your ability to speak, read, and write basic English. However, USCIS recognizes that learning a new language becomes harder with age, which is why there are specific language accommodations and exemptions.

The English Reading and Writing Test

Before the officer asks you the civics questions, they will test your English reading and writing skills. This is often the part applicants stress about the most.

• Reading Test: You must read one out of three sentences aloud correctly. The sentences are usually questions like "Who was the first President?"
• Writing Test: You must write one out of three sentences dictated by the officer correctly. Usually, it's the answer to the reading question, like "Washington was the first President."

Pro Tip on Grading: The officer is not looking for perfect handwriting or flawless grammar. They are looking for legibility and basic comprehension. Minor spelling errors (like missing a double letter) are usually acceptable as long as the meaning is clear. However, completely misspelling a core civics word (like "Congress" or "Citizen") can lead to a failure.

The Age and Residency Exemptions (Taking the Test in Spanish)

If you meet certain age and residency requirements, you are exempt from the English language requirement entirely. This means you can take the civics test in your native language (e.g., Spanish) through an interpreter.

The 50/20 Rule

If you are 50 years old or older and have lived in the U.S. as a Green Card holder for at least 20 years, you do not have to take the English test. You must still take the standard 100-question civics test, but you can do it in your native language.

The 55/15 Rule

If you are 55 years old or older and have held your Green Card for at least 15 years, you are also exempt from English and can take the civics test in your native language.

The 65/20 Simplified Test Rule

This is the most generous exemption. If you are 65 years old or older and have been a permanent resident for at least 20 years, you get two massive benefits:

1. You take the test in your native language.
2. You only have to study a simplified list of 20 civics questions instead of the full 100. (You will be asked 10 and must answer 6 correctly).

The Medical Exception (N-648)

If you have a physical or developmental disability, or a mental impairment that prevents you from learning English or civics, you can apply for a medical waiver using Form N-648. This must be completed by a licensed medical professional.