2
What is the supreme law of the land?
65/20(U.S.) Constitution
65/20 Citizenship Test Exemption — Study Guide for Seniors (2025)
If you are 65 years or older and have been a lawful permanent resident of the United States for at least 20 years, you qualify for the 65/20 exemption. This means you only need to study 20 simplified civics questions instead of the full 128, and you may take the civics test in your native language. You are also exempt from the English reading and writing test.
20Questions OnlyNative LanguageOKNo English Test
Who Qualifies for the 65/20 Exemption?
You qualify if you meet BOTH of these requirements:
- 1You are 65 years of age or older at the time of filing your N-400
- 2You have been a lawful permanent resident for at least 20 years
Benefits of the 65/20 Exemption
Only 20 Questions to Study
Instead of 128, you only need to learn 20 designated questions. All 20 are listed below.
Test in Your Native Language
You may take the civics test in your language. You can bring an interpreter to the interview.
Exempt from English Test
You do not need to take the English reading or writing test.
All 20 Questions for the 65/20 Exemption
7
How many amendments does the U.S. Constitution have?
65/20Twenty-seven (27)
12
What is the economic system of the United States?
65/20- Capitalism
- Free market economy
20
Name one power of the U.S. Congress.
65/20- Writes laws
- Declares war
- Makes the federal budget
30
What is the name of the Speaker of the House of Representatives now?
65/20Mike Johnson
36
The President of the United States is elected for how many years?
65/20Four (4) years
38
What is the name of the President of the United States now?
65/20- Donald Trump
- Donald J. Trump
39
What is the name of the Vice President of the United States now?
65/20- JD Vance
- J.D. Vance
44
Who vetoes bills?
65/20The President (of the United States)
52
What is the highest court in the United States?
65/20Supreme Court
61
Who is the governor of your state now?
65/20- Answers will vary.
- For California: Gavin Newsom
66
What do we show loyalty to when we say the Pledge of Allegiance?
65/20- The United States
- The flag
74
Who lived in America before the Europeans arrived?
65/20- American Indians
- Native Americans
78
Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?
65/20(Thomas) Jefferson
86
George Washington is famous for many things. Name one.
65/20- "Father of Our Country"
- First president of the United States
- General of the Continental Army
- President of the Constitutional Convention
94
Abraham Lincoln is famous for many things. Name one.
65/20- Freed the slaves (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
113
Martin Luther King, Jr. is famous for many things. Name one.
65/20- 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"
115
What major event happened on September 11, 2001 in the United States?
65/20- 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
121
Why does the flag have 13 stripes?
65/20- (Because there were) 13 original colonies
- (Because the stripes) represent the original colonies
126
Name three national U.S. holidays.
65/20- 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
Start studying only the 20 questions you need
Use our interactive study tools to master the 20 designated 65/20 questions and feel confident for your naturalization interview.
How to Apply for the Exemption
- The exemption is part of the N-400 application
- Check the appropriate box on the N-400 form indicating you qualify
- Bring proof of your age (birth certificate, passport) and your Green Card showing 20+ years of permanent residence
- You do not need to apply separately — USCIS will verify your eligibility
Can I Take the Test in My Language?
- Yes, 65/20 applicants may take the civics test in their native language
- You may bring your own interpreter to the interview
- The interpreter must be fluent in both English and your language
- USCIS does not provide interpreters
- The interpreter will translate the civics questions for you and translate your answers for the officer
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I qualify for the 65/20 exemption?
You qualify if you are 65 or older AND have been a lawful permanent resident for at least 20 years at the time you file your N-400 application.
Do I still need to take the civics test with the exemption?
Yes, you still take a civics test, but it covers only 20 designated questions instead of the full 128. The officer asks questions from this reduced set.
Can my family member interpret for me?
Yes, your interpreter can be a family member or friend, as long as they are fluent in both English and your language and can accurately translate questions and answers.
What if I fail the 65/20 civics test?
You will be scheduled for a retest in 60-90 days, just like the standard test. You only retake the portion you failed.
Are the 65/20 questions easier than the regular questions?
The 65/20 questions are drawn from the same pool but focus on the most fundamental civics concepts. Many applicants find them more straightforward than the full 128-question set.
More ways to prepare for your citizenship test
Explore all our free study tools and resources to help you pass your naturalization interview.