Which version of the U.S. citizenship test should I take?

Your version depends on your Form N-400 filing date. If you file on or after October 20, 2025, you take the 2020 civics test (128 questions). If you filed before that date, you take the 2008 civics test (100 questions). CivicFlare lets you practice both versions so you are fully prepared for either. Always confirm the current cutoff with USCIS before your interview.

What are the 128 civics questions for the 2026 test?

The 128 official USCIS civics questions cover American government (principles, systems, rights), American history (colonial era, 1800s, recent history), and integrated civics (geography, symbols, holidays). During the interview, you will be asked up to 20 questions and must answer at least 12 correctly to pass.

What is the passing score for the U.S. naturalization test?

For the 2020 civics test (128 questions), you must answer at least 12 out of 20 questions correctly (60%) to pass. For the 2008 civics test (100 questions), you must answer at least 6 out of 10 questions correctly (60%) to pass.

What documents do I need for my naturalization interview?

For your USCIS naturalization interview, you typically need: your Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), a government-issued photo ID, your appointment notice (Form I-797), any supporting documents requested in your interview notice, and evidence of continuous residence and good moral character if applicable.

What happens during the U.S. citizenship mock interview?

A U.S. citizenship mock interview simulates your real USCIS naturalization appointment. The interviewer (or AI coach) will ask you to confirm information from your N-400 application, test your English speaking ability, and ask civics questions from the official list. CivicFlare's AI mock interview provides realistic practice with instant feedback.

How can I check my USCIS case status online?

You can check your USCIS case status online at uscis.gov/case-status by entering your receipt number. Your receipt number is found on your Form I-797 Notice of Action sent after USCIS received your N-400 application. Allow several weeks for the status to update after submitting your application.

Civics Answers That Change 2026 | President, VP & Governor Questions

Published: June 12, 2026 • Author: Amira Khalil

Why Some Civics Answers Change

Most of the official USCIS civics questions have permanent answers — the number of U.S. Senators (100) never changes. But a small group of questions ask about current officeholders, and those answers change with every election. Memorizing an old answer is one of the most common avoidable mistakes applicants make.

During your naturalization interview, the USCIS officer expects the current, correct answer as of your interview date. Always verify these answers shortly before your appointment, because an answer that was correct last year may be wrong today.

The Civics Questions With Answers That Change

Watch carefully for these "current officials" questions on both the 2008 (100-question) and 2020 (128-question) tests:

Who is the President of the United States now?
Who is the Vice President of the United States now?
Who is the Speaker of the House of Representatives now?
Who is the Chief Justice of the United States now?
Who is one of your state's U.S. Senators now?
Who is your U.S. Representative?
Who is the Governor of your state now?
What is the political party of the President now?

How to Find the Correct Answer for Your State

Answers like your Governor, Senators, and Representative depend on where you live. CivicFlare maintains state-by-state pages with the current officials so you never study an outdated answer.

For federal positions (President, Vice President, Speaker, Chief Justice), the answer is the same nationwide, but still confirm it close to your interview date in case of a recent change.

Special Cases to Know

Washington, D.C. and U.S. territories: If you live in D.C. or a territory like Puerto Rico, you may not have a voting U.S. Representative. The acceptable answer reflects that — say that D.C. (or your territory) has no voting Representative in Congress.
"We don't have a Governor": Residents of D.C. and territories should answer accordingly rather than naming a state Governor.

Study the Current Answers the Right Way

Because these answers shift, don't rely on a printed study sheet from a year ago. Use a tool that updates current officials, and re-check the week of your interview.

Practice the current civics answers

CivicFlare keeps the "answers that change" current for your state and quizzes you on all 100 and 128 official questions.

Start a Free Practice Test

Continue Studying

Disclaimer: CivicFlare is an independent platform and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or associated with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or any government agency.