If you do not pass the first time

Failing a part of the test at your first interview is not the end of your application. The USCIS Policy Manual gives every applicant two opportunities.

What the policy manual says

We read Volume 12, Part E, Chapter 2 of the USCIS Policy Manual on 12 November 2026. It states:

• An applicant has two opportunities to pass the English and civics tests: the initial examination and the re-examination interview.
• USCIS denies the naturalization application if the applicant fails to pass any portion of the tests after two attempts.
• Unless excused by USCIS, failing to appear at the re-examination, or failing to take the tests, counts as a failed attempt.

The manual also describes re-testing on "any portion of the test" that was not passed. In plain words: at the second interview you are tested again on the part or parts you failed, for example civics only, or writing only.

What to do between the two interviews

1. Find out exactly which part you did not pass. Ask the officer at the end of the interview, and keep every notice USCIS gives or sends you. That tells you what to study.
2. Do not miss the second appointment. An unexcused absence counts as a failed attempt. If you truly cannot attend, contact USCIS before the date, following the instructions on your notice.
3. Change how you study, not only how much. If you failed civics, the usual cause is not having practised aloud. Have someone ask you the questions in random order every day, or use our practice test.
4. Refresh the answers that change. If weeks have passed, check the office holders again.

If civics was the problem

Work through the list part by part. Mark each question as "know it" or "not yet" in our flashcards, which remember your marks in your browser, and spend your time on the "not yet" pile. Most people find that a small number of questions cause most of their mistakes: usually the ones with numbers and dates, and the ones that ask for two or three answers. We have a page for each: numbers and dates and questions that ask for more than one.

If English was the problem

Read how each part is judged on the English test page. The standard is basic, everyday English, and mistakes that do not change the meaning are allowed. Daily short practice, reading a sentence aloud and writing a dictated sentence, works better than long sessions.

If the application is denied

The policy manual mentions that an applicant can request a USCIS hearing on a denial, and that failed portions of the tests are given again at such a hearing. The steps and time limits for that request are on the denial notice and on uscis.gov. We have not set them out here; get advice from an accredited representative or an immigration attorney if you reach that stage.

This page explains the testing rules only. It is not legal advice about your case.

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Independent study site. Citizenship Test is not a government website and is not connected with USCIS or any agency. Questions and accepted answers are quoted from the official USCIS lists; the notes are ours. Rules were read on uscis.gov on 12 November 2026. Always confirm with uscis.gov/citizenship before your interview.