Free Citizenship Classes: Preparing for the English and Civics Test

Becoming a US citizen requires passing a test with two parts: English and civics (US history and government). Both are very manageable with preparation, and you don’t need to pay for it. This guide explains how the test works, according to USCIS, and where to prepare for free.

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Always check the current rules on the USCIS website, since they change.

Which test will you take?

USCIS is implementing a 2025 version of the civics test. Which one you take depends on when you filed Form N-400 ^[1]:

You filed N-400…	Civics test	Questions asked	To pass
Before Oct. 20, 2025	2008 test	Up to 10 from a list of 100	6 correct
On or after Oct. 20, 2025	2025 test	Up to 20 from a list of 128	12 correct

The officer stops asking once you’ve reached the passing number of correct answers, or once you’ve given enough wrong answers to fail (5 wrong on the 2008 test, 9 wrong on the 2025 test) ^[1]. Both are oral: the officer asks, you answer out loud.

Some answers change with elections and appointments (for example, the names of current officials). USCIS publishes a test updates page with the current answers; check it before your interview.

The English test

USCIS evaluates three skills ^[1]:

• Speaking: there’s no separate speaking test. The officer evaluates your ability to speak and understand English during your eligibility interview, as you answer questions about your N-400 application.
• Reading: you must read aloud 1 of 3 sentences correctly.
• Writing: you must write 1 of 3 sentences correctly, usually dictated by the officer.

USCIS publishes official reading and writing vocabulary lists. The sentences on the test use those words, so studying the lists is the most efficient preparation for this part.

Speaking: the part people underestimate

The interview is the real speaking test. The officer will ask about your application: your address, work history, travel, family, and the yes/no questions on the form. Many of those questions use formal or legal words (Have you ever been a member of…? Have you ever claimed to be a US citizen?). Practice:

• Know your own N-400. Read your answers aloud in English until you can explain each one simply.
• Learn the key vocabulary of the form’s yes/no questions, so you understand what you’re answering.
• Practice asking for repetition: Sorry, could you repeat the question, please? It’s completely acceptable.
• Practice with a partner who plays the officer. Library conversation circles and citizenship classes often do mock interviews.

Free official study materials

The USCIS Citizenship Resource Center offers free materials for both tests ^[1], including:

• the full lists of civics questions and answers (2008 and 2025 versions),
• reading and writing vocabulary lists,
• flash cards, audio and video resources,
• interactive practice tests.

Start there: everything on the test comes from those lists.

A simple study method for the civics questions

1. Download the question list for your version of the test.
2. Put the questions into Anki or Quizlet and review them daily with spaced repetition.
3. Practice out loud, since the test is oral. Have someone read you random questions.
4. Learn short, clear answers; you don’t need long explanations.
5. In the final week, check the test updates page for answers that depend on current officials.

Where to find free citizenship classes

A class gives you structure, a teacher who knows the process, and mock interviews. Many are free:

• Public libraries. Many big-city libraries run citizenship classes or host partners who do. Search your library’s events calendar for “citizenship”.
• Adult schools and community colleges. Public adult education programs often include citizenship preparation alongside ESL. For example, Carlos Rosario in Washington, DC lists citizenship among its tuition-free classes ^[3].
• Nonprofits. Organizations serving immigrants often run free classes; for example, Clarkston Community Center near Atlanta offers free English and citizenship classes ^[2].

Browse our free ESL classes directory by city; many programs listed there also prepare students for citizenship.

If your English is still basic

If you’re a beginner, take a general English class first, then a citizenship class. USA Learns is a free online course for adults that covers everyday English, and our guide on how to learn English for free gives a complete plan.

Exceptions and accommodations

USCIS has special rules for some applicants ^[1]. For example, if you are 65 or older and have been a lawful permanent resident for 20 or more years, you study a smaller set of 20 marked questions and may take the civics test in the language of your choice. There are also accommodations for disabilities. Read the USCIS exceptions and accommodations page, or ask a qualified immigration legal service provider about your situation.

Checklist before your interview

• I know which civics test version applies to me.
• I’ve practiced all the civics questions out loud.
• I’ve checked the current answers on the USCIS test updates page.
• I’ve studied the reading and writing vocabulary lists.
• I can explain every answer on my N-400 in simple English.
• I’ve done at least one mock interview with another person.