The N-400, Application for Naturalization to become a U.S. citizen includes an English exam and a civics exam. People are often nervous about this portion of the N-400 naturalization interview, but there is no need to be.

If an applicant fails either the English or the civics portion of the test they will scheduled for a second interview for re-examination.

When Can You Re-Take the N-400 Naturalization English/Civics Test?

A minimum of 60 days must elapse before being scheduled for a re-examination of the civics and/or English portions of the naturalization exam. See 8 CFR 335.3(b) .

Re-examination must take place no more than 90 days from the initial examination.

The second N-400 interview should be scheduled within 60-90 days.  See 8 CFR 312.5(a).

Re-Filing N-400 After Failing Examination Twice

The 90 days rule applies only to re-examinations, which are not treated the same as when filing a new N-400 after an application is denied for failing the test twice. 

You may refile after 60 days.

From USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 12, Chapter 2, Section F:

If an applicant fails any portion of the naturalization test a second time, the officer must deny the application based upon the applicant’s failure to meet the educational requirements for naturalization. USCIS Policy Manual 

RELEVANT REGULATIONS

 8 CFR 335.3(b) (re-examination no earlier than 60 days from initial examination).

 8 CFR 312.5(a) (re-examination no later than 90 days from initial examination).

USCIS POLICY MANUAL 

Volume 12, Chapter 2, Section F (link)

If an applicant fails any portion of the English test, the civics test, or all tests during the initial naturalization examination, USCIS reschedules the applicant to appear for a second examination between 60 and 90 days after the initial examination.Volume 12, Chapter 2, Section F (link)