Failed the civics or English test? How the re-exam works

If you fail the civics test or any part of the English test (speaking, reading or writing), the officer gives you Form N-652 showing your case is continued. USCIS schedules a second examination between 60 and 90 days after the first.

You are retested only on the part you failed. If you passed civics but failed writing, for example, you only take the writing test again. The officer must use different test forms from the first time, so do not memorize only the questions or sentences you saw.

The format is the same as the first time:

• Civics (2025 test): up to 20 questions, 12 correct to pass; the officer stops at 12 correct or 9 wrong. If you filed before October 20, 2025, the 2008 test applies: up to 10 questions, 6 correct to pass.
• Reading: read 1 of up to 3 sentences correctly.
• Writing: write 1 of up to 3 dictated sentences so the officer understands it, with no abbreviations.
• Speaking: judged during the interview conversation.

Failing to appear for the re-examination counts as a failed attempt unless USCIS excuses it. If you truly cannot attend, contact USCIS as early as possible and follow the instructions on your notice.

• Keep your address current with USCIS; notices go by mail.
• Avoid trips abroad that could overlap the 60-90 day window.
• Bring your appointment notice, green card and photo ID.

• Civics: study the full official list (128 questions for the 2025 test), not only the questions you missed. Say answers out loud every day.
• Reading and writing: practice with the official USCIS Reading and Writing Vocabulary lists. Have someone dictate sentences and write them by hand.
• Speaking: practice answering your own N-400 questions out loud in English.
• Officeholders: check uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates the week before the retest.

If a physical or developmental disability or mental impairment prevents you from learning English or civics, ask about Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions, which a licensed medical professional completes.

USCIS denies the application. You then have two main options:

• Request a hearing with Form N-336 within 30 days of receiving the denial (33 days if it was mailed). The fee is $830 on paper or $780 online as of October 2026 (fee waivers currently possible). A different officer reviews your case and gives you one more chance to pass the parts you failed. USCIS schedules the hearing within 180 days of a timely request.
• File a new N-400 and pay the fee again. You keep your green card; failing the test does not by itself end your permanent residence.

After an N-336 decision you can ask a federal district court to review the case. Talk to an immigration attorney or DOJ-accredited representative before choosing; this is not legal advice.