Quick answer (verified 2026-07-06 by CivicFlare):
No. The only way to take the test in Arabic is if you qualify for the 50/20, 55/15, or 65/20 age and residency exemptions, or if you obtain a medical waiver (Form N-648) for a qualifying disability.
Last Updated: May 22, 2026
Preparing for the citizenship test in Arabic (اختبار الجنسية الأمريكية باللغة العربية) is a critical path for many native Arabic speakers seeking to become United States citizens. While the default naturalization process requires applicants to demonstrate basic proficiency in the English language (including speaking, reading, and writing), the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) provides special accommodations and exemptions for long-term permanent residents who meet specific age and residency criteria.
To prepare thoroughly for your naturalization interview, we recommend using our interactive online study tools. You can take a U.S. citizenship practice test, review key terms with digital citizenship flashcards, and practice listening to the questions using our citizenship test audio guides. Understanding the exemption rules, preparing with translations, and coordinating with an interpreter will help ensure your interview is a success.
In general, naturalization applicants must demonstrate that they can read, write, and speak basic English. However, USCIS recognizes that older immigrants who have resided in the U.S. for decades may face unique challenges in acquiring a new language. To accommodate these individuals, federal law provides exceptions to the English language requirement.
If you qualify for one of these exceptions, you do not have to take the English reading or writing test. Instead, you are allowed to take the civics exam in Arabic. During the interview, you will use a bilingual Arabic-English interpreter to translate the conversation. The questions asked during the civics test are the same 100 questions asked of all applicants, but they will be translated into Arabic for you to answer.
There are two primary age and residency rules that determine whether you qualify to take the citizenship test in Arabic:
These residency periods do not have to be continuous, but you must have accumulated the total number of years (15 or 20) as a lawful permanent resident before filing your application. You can review additional details on these rules on the official USCIS official website.
For elderly applicants, USCIS offers an even more simplified pathway to naturalization, known as the 65/20 exemption. If you are 65 years of age or older at the time of filing your Form N-400 and have been a permanent resident for at least 20 years, you receive two major benefits:
First, you can take the civics test in Arabic and are exempt from the English reading and writing tests. Second, instead of studying all 100 civics questions, you are only required to study a subset of 20 specific questions. During your interview, the USCIS officer will ask you up to 10 questions from this list of 20, and you must answer at least 6 correctly to pass. This simplified test significantly reduces the preparation workload for senior applicants.
If you qualify for a language exemption and choose to take the test in Arabic, you must bring a qualified interpreter to your interview. USCIS does not provide interpreters for naturalization interviews. Your interpreter must be fluent in both English and Arabic, be at least 18 years old, and be approved by the USCIS officer at the start of the session.
During the interview, the USCIS officer will read the civics questions or N-400 questions in English. The interpreter will translate them into Arabic. You will respond in Arabic, and the interpreter will translate your answer back to English for the officer. The interpreter must translate word-for-word and is strictly prohibited from helping you answer, explaining the questions, or providing hints. If the interpreter attempts to assist you, the officer may terminate the interview and reschedule it.
Even if you are taking the test in Arabic, you must study the concepts thoroughly. Understanding the structure of the U.S. government, the separation of powers, and key historical events is vital. Using a high-quality US citizenship test Arabic translation study guide will help you learn the Arabic terms for U.S. concepts (such as "Supreme Court" as "المحكمة العليا" or "Congress" as "الكونغرس").
We recommend practicing with multiple study formats. Take our interactive U.S. citizenship practice test to assess your knowledge, and study key definitions using our digital citizenship flashcards. You can also listen to the questions using our citizenship test audio player. By dedicating time to daily study, you will ensure that you are fully prepared to pass your naturalization exam with confidence.
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.
No. The only way to take the test in Arabic is if you qualify for the 50/20, 55/15, or 65/20 age and residency exemptions, or if you obtain a medical waiver (Form N-648) for a qualifying disability.
No, you do not need to hire a professional. You can bring a family member or friend, as long as they are at least 18 years old and fluent in both English and Arabic.
The passing score is the same as the English version: you must answer at least 6 out of 10 questions correctly (or 6 out of 10 from the simplified list of 20 if you qualify for the 65/20 rule).
Yes. If you qualify for the language exemption, the entire interview—including the review of your N-400 personal history application—will be translated into Arabic by your interpreter.
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.