Taking the Civics Test in Spanish

If you qualify for an age and residency exemption, USCIS waives the English test, and you may take the civics test in Spanish — or in any language you choose — with an interpreter you bring to the interview.

Who can take the civics test in Spanish

Two rules waive the English test. USCIS measures both parts at the time you file:

• 50/20 — you are 50 or older and have lived in the United States as a lawful permanent resident for at least 20 years.
• 55/15 — you are 55 or older and have lived in the United States as a lawful permanent resident for at least 15 years.

A third rule, 65/20, also waives English and additionally narrows the civics test to 20 starred questions. It is worth checking if you are 65 or older. The civics test exemptions page compares all four, including the medical disability exception.

What the officer does

The civics test is the same test, in your language. The officer asks each question and your interpreter translates it, and your answer is translated back. The questions, the number asked, and the score you need do not change.

Because the English requirement is waived, the officer does not test your reading, writing, or speaking in English.

Your interpreter

You provide the interpreter. USCIS does not supply one, and the officer decides whether the person you bring is acceptable.

• They must be fluent in English and in the language you speak.
• They must be at least 18 years old, unless USCIS grants an exception for good cause.
• They must be impartial, and they cannot be a witness in your case.
• Your attorney or accredited representative cannot act as your interpreter at the same time.

The officer may decline your interpreter, either before the interview starts or later during it. If that happens, you may continue with another acceptable interpreter, reschedule so you can find one, or continue without one. Before the interview begins, the interpreter reads and signs Form G-1256, which records that you chose them and that they understand the role, and the officer confirms that you understand it too.

What does not change

• The civics test is still required, unless a medical disability waives it.
• You still have to pass it: 6 correct out of 10 on the 2008 test, or 12 correct out of 20 on the 2025 test.
• You get two attempts, the interview and a re-examination if you need one.
• Which test you are given is still decided by the date USCIS received your Form N-400. If you are not sure, start with which civics test you will take.

If a disability is the reason you need an interpreter

The age and residency rules are not the only way to be excused from these requirements. If a medical disability prevents you from meeting the English or civics requirement, you can request an exception with Form N-648. That form can waive English, civics, or both, and it is a separate process with its own medical evidence requirements. Confirm what applies to you with USCIS or an accredited representative.

Study in Spanish

The question lists are published in Spanish, and their numbering matches the English lists, so a question you mark in Spanish is the same question in the interview: the 128 questions for 2025 and the 100 questions for 2008.

The practice quizzes and the study guide are in English. Use the Spanish lists for the exact wording, and the quizzes to test yourself if studying in English works for you.

Summarized from the USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 12, Part E, Chapter 2, and the Form G-1256 instructions. Confirm the current wording before your interview.