Can You Retake the U.S. Citizenship Test?
USCIS generally gives two opportunities to pass English and civics within a naturalization application. After failing a required portion at the first interview, the re-examination is generally scheduled 60–90 days later and covers the failed portion. Failing after two attempts can lead to denial.
Published by CitizenshipShortcut · Founder: Marcus G. Bastawros, MBA · Updated
What happens after the first failed attempt?
Read the written notice to identify which part was not satisfied and what USCIS asks you to do next. Civics, reading, writing and speaking should not be treated as interchangeable; focus your preparation on the actual issue.
The 60–90-day interval comes from the testing policy. Scheduling and the details of your notice still matter. Do not assume you can choose your own test date or that a general study page overrides a notice.
Sources: USCIS Policy Manual — English and Civics Testing; USCIS — 10 Steps to Naturalization
What should you practice before re-examination?
Return to the official study materials for the applicable version. For civics, practice oral recall and uncertain topics. For reading/writing, use the appropriate USCIS vocabulary. If speaking was the issue, practice understanding and responding to ordinary application questions.
A denial after two attempts raises procedural and eligibility questions beyond an educational tool. Read the decision and seek qualified advice about options and deadlines; a retake guide cannot advise whether to appeal or refile.
Sources: USCIS Policy Manual — English and Civics Testing; USCIS — Naturalization Test and Study Resources
Related guides and tools
Frequently asked questions
Do I retake portions I already passed?
USCIS generally retests only the required portion you failed at the first examination. Review your notice for the details of your case.
How soon is the second interview?
The USCIS testing policy generally places the re-examination between 60 and 90 days after the initial examination.
What if I fail a second time?
USCIS can deny the application if required testing is not passed after two opportunities. Consult the decision notice and qualified advice for case-specific next steps.
Your next practice step
Tito can explain study topics. Sign-in is required and both free and paid accounts have one conversation per day.
Put your learning into practice
Sources and references · Editorial standards and corrections
Educational preparation only. Not affiliated with USCIS or the U.S. government; not legal or immigration advice.