The short version
- The test has four parts: English speaking, reading, writing, and civics.
- If you fail any part at your first interview, USCIS schedules a second examination 60 to 90 days later.
- At the retest, you only take the part or parts you failed. Parts you passed count.
- If you fail the same part again, USCIS denies the application. You can ask for a hearing (Form N-336) or apply again with a new N-400.
What happens at the end of the first interview
The officer gives you Form N-652, Naturalization Interview Results. If you didn't pass a part of the test, the officer checks a box saying you'll be given another opportunity to be tested, and marks which part: speaking, reading or writing English, or knowledge of U.S. history and government (civics). The overall result is usually "a decision cannot yet be made." Our guide to Form N-652 explains every box.
Then you wait for an appointment notice for the second examination. Regulations say it must be no earlier than 60 days and no later than 90 days after your first interview.
How the retest works
Only the part you failed
The Policy Manual says the officer must only retest you in the areas you failed. Its own example: if you passed speaking, reading and civics but failed writing, the second examination is only the writing test.
Different questions and sentences
The officer can't use the same test forms you had the first time. Expect different civics questions and different reading or writing sentences, still from the same official lists.
Same test version and rules
Your test version depends on when you filed your N-400, so it doesn't change for the retest:
- Filed on or after October 20, 2025: civics is up to 20 questions from the list of 128, and you need 12 correct.
- Filed before October 20, 2025: civics is up to 10 questions from the list of 100, and you need 6 correct.
- 65/20 applicants: 10 questions from the 20 specially marked questions, and you need 6 correct.
- Reading: read 1 of up to 3 sentences correctly. Writing: write 1 of up to 3 dictated sentences so the officer can understand it.
If you failed speaking
Speaking is judged from the whole interview: whether you can understand and answer the officer's questions about your application. The officer repeats and rephrases questions before deciding. If you fail speaking, the officer still gives you the reading, writing and civics tests at the first interview, so you can pass those and only retake speaking.
Don't miss the retest
Go to your second examination. The Policy Manual says that if you don't show up and USCIS doesn't receive a timely, reasonable request to reschedule, the officer should deny your application for not meeting the educational requirements. If you truly can't attend, follow the rescheduling instructions on your notice as early as possible, in writing, with a copy of your N-652.
Refusing to take a test, or refusing to answer questions, is treated the same as failing it.
If you fail the same part a second time
The officer must deny the application. You'll get a written denial notice explaining why. You then have two main options:
1. Ask for a hearing: Form N-336
You can request a hearing with a USCIS officer by filing Form N-336, generally within 30 days of the denial (33 days if it was mailed). The fee is $830 on paper or $780 online, and fee waivers are available. The Policy Manual says that at the hearing, the officer must give you the failed part of the test again, with one more opportunity to pass it.
2. Apply again with a new N-400
You can file a new Form N-400 when you're ready and still eligible. It's a new application: you pay the filing fee again (see N-400 filing fee), go through biometrics and an interview again, and take the full test again. Your new filing date decides which test version you get.
Before you decide, it's worth talking to an immigration attorney or a DOJ-accredited representative, especially if anything else in your case was an issue.
Check whether you qualify for an exception
If English or memorizing was the problem, check whether you qualify for an exception. If you're 50 or older with 20 years as a permanent resident, or 55 or older with 15 years, you don't take the English test. If a medical condition makes learning the material impossible, you may be able to use Form N-648. See citizenship test exemptions and accommodations.
How to use the 60 to 90 days
- Failed civics? Use the practice test and choose "My missed questions" to review the ones you got wrong. Practice answering out loud, because the real test is oral. The audio practice reads questions to you hands-free.
- Failed reading or writing? Practice with the official vocabulary on our English reading and writing page. Remember: no abbreviations (write "United States," not "US"), but small spelling mistakes are OK if the meaning is clear.
- Failed speaking? Practice the N-400 questions in simple English on our interview practice page, and practice asking "Can you say that another way?" The officer is supposed to repeat and rephrase.
- Check your state's answers. Questions about your senators, representative, governor and capital depend on where you live: find your state's answers.
Sources: USCIS Policy Manual, Vol. 12, Part E, Chapter 2 (English and civics testing, failure to meet the requirements, re-examination); Part B, Chapter 4 (results, failure to appear for re-examination); Part B, Chapter 6 (N-336 hearings); 8 CFR 312.5 and 335.3(b) (re-examination within 60 to 90 days); USCIS: Form N-336; USCIS Form G-1055 (edition 10/01/26). This is general information, not legal advice.