What happens if you fail the citizenship test?
Short answer: failing once doesn't end your application. If you fail a part (civics, reading or writing), your case is continued and you get a second appointment 60 to 90 days later, where you retake only the part you failed. Fail it again and USCIS denies your N-400.
The result sheet
At the end of the interview you get Form N-652 with one of three results:
- Granted: you passed everything.
- Continued: something is pending, such as retaking part of the test or sending documents.
- Denied: the application is denied, and the notice explains why.
Failing the test the first time is normally Continued, not Denied.
The second chance
- It's 60 to 90 days after the first interview.
- You only retake what you failed.
- You get different questions or sentences.
- There's no new fee: it's part of the same application.
If you're denied
You can request a hearing with another officer using Form N-336 within 30 days (33 if the notice was mailed). There's a fee and the deadline is short, so get legal help quickly: free legal help. More in if your N-400 is denied.
How not to fail again
- Civics: study the 128 questions (or the 100 from 2008) and answer out loud.
- Reading and writing: use the official words and 60 sentences. Nobody fails for an accent.
- If you don't understand, ask the officer to repeat. See the lifeline phrases.
Good news: per USCIS, of applicants tested since October 1, 2023, 89.7% passed on the first try and 94.4% including the re-exam.
Official sources (checked Oct 16, 2026): USCIS Policy Manual, Vol. 12, Part E, Ch. 2 · USCIS · The Naturalization Interview and Test · USCIS · N-336 · USCIS · Naturalization Statistics
We are not USCIS or any government agency. This is an educational course built on the official USCIS lists; it is not legal advice. For your case, talk to an immigration attorney or a Department of Justice (DOJ) accredited representative.