Prepare for Civics

USCIS special consideration

20 civics questions for 65/20 special consideration

If you qualify for 65/20 special consideration and take the 2025 civics test, this is the complete designated study list. Learn these 20 questions, practice answering aloud, and verify answers that can change before your interview.

20questions to study
10questions asked at most
6correct answers to pass

Eligibility

What “65/20” means

You may qualify if, at the time you file Form N-400, you are at least 65 years old and have lived in the United States as a lawful permanent resident for at least 20 years. USCIS gives qualifying applicants a reduced civics study bank and allows them to take the civics test in the language of their choice.

Age-and-residency rules can affect the English and civics requirements differently. The 50/20 and 55/15 exceptions can permit testing in your language but do not use this reduced 20-question bank. Review the official USCIS exceptions and accommodations or ask USCIS about your specific eligibility.

How to prepare

Study for an oral test, not a worksheet.

  1. Read the question aloud.

    Hearing the words helps the practice feel closer to the interview.

  2. Answer before looking below.

    Recall is stronger practice than recognizing an answer after you see it.

  3. Use any one accepted answer.

    When several answers are listed and the question asks for one, you normally need to give only one accepted response.

  4. Check changing answers last.

    Current officials and your governor can change. Verify them with USCIS close to the interview.

Official question bank

American Government

12 questions
  1. Accepted answer
    • U.S. Constitution
  2. Accepted answer
    • Twenty-seven (27)
  3. Accepted answers
    • Capitalism
    • Free market economy
  4. Accepted answers
    • Writes laws
    • Declares war
    • Makes the federal budget
  5. Accepted answer
    • Mike Johnson
  6. Accepted answer
    • Four (4) years
  7. Accepted answer
    • Donald J. Trump
  8. Accepted answer
    • JD Vance
  9. Accepted answer
    • The President of the United States
  10. Accepted answer
    • Supreme Court
  11. 61
    Accepted answer
    • Answers will vary. District of Columbia residents should answer that D.C. does not have a governor.
  12. Accepted answers
    • The United States
    • The flag

Official question bank

American History

6 questions
  1. Accepted answers
    • American Indians
    • Native Americans
  2. Accepted answers
    • Thomas Jefferson
    • Jefferson
  3. Accepted answers
    • Father of Our Country
    • First president of the United States
    • General of the Continental Army
    • President of the Constitutional Convention
  4. Accepted answers
    • Freed the slaves through the Emancipation Proclamation
    • Saved or preserved the Union
    • Led the United States during the Civil War
    • 16th president of the United States
    • Delivered the Gettysburg Address
  5. Accepted answers
    • Fought for civil rights
    • Worked for equality for all Americans
    • Worked to ensure that people would not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character
  6. Accepted answers
    • Terrorists attacked the United States
    • Terrorists took over two planes and crashed them into the World Trade Center in New York City
    • Terrorists took over a plane and crashed into the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia
    • Terrorists took over a plane originally aimed at Washington, D.C., and crashed in a field in Pennsylvania

Official question bank

Symbols and Holidays

2 questions
  1. Accepted answers
    • Because there were 13 original colonies
    • Because the stripes represent the original colonies
  2. Accepted answers
    Give 3 answers.
    • New Year’s Day
    • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
    • Presidents Day (Washington’s Birthday)
    • Memorial Day
    • Juneteenth
    • Independence Day
    • Labor Day
    • Columbus Day
    • Veterans Day
    • Thanksgiving Day
    • Christmas Day

Quick answers

65/20 civics test questions

Who qualifies for 65/20 special consideration?

An applicant generally must be at least 65 years old and have been a lawful permanent resident for at least 20 years at the time of filing Form N-400.

How many questions do I study and answer?

You study the 20 specially designated questions for your test version. The officer asks up to 10, and you need 6 correct answers.

Can I take the 65/20 civics test in my language?

USCIS says qualifying applicants may take the civics test in the language of their choice. Confirm interpreter requirements before the appointment.

Are the 2008 and 2025 65/20 lists the same?

No. Use the specially designated list for the civics test version assigned from your N-400 filing date.

Keep studying

Review the complete USCIS test guide.

Understand the oral format, changing answers, test-day score, and a practical study routine.

Read the guide

Primary source: USCIS, 128 Civics Questions and Answers (2025 version). The questions marked for 65/20 special consideration in that publication form the list above. Prepare for Civics is independent educational practice and does not determine eligibility.