The naturalization interview
The civics test is one part of your naturalization interview. An officer from USCIS will ask you up to 10 questions from the official list of 100. You need to answer 6 correctly to pass. The questions are asked out loud. You answer out loud. There is no paper, no multiple choice, no screen. The officer picks the questions and you answer one at a time. As soon as you hit 6 correct answers, the civics portion is done.
What happens on the day
You will receive an interview notice telling you when and where to go. Bring your Green Card, your passport, and any other documents listed on the notice. The interview covers more than just the civics test. The officer will also check your English and review your N-400 application. The civics questions usually come toward the end. Most interviews take between 15 and 30 minutes in total.
If you are 65 or older
If you are 65 or older and have been a permanent resident for at least 20 years, you only need to study 20 questions instead of 100. The officer will still ask up to 10 of them, and you still need 6 correct to pass.
If you don't pass
If you answer fewer than 6 correctly, you will get a second interview, usually within 90 days. At that interview you only retake the portions you did not pass. There is no waiting period and no penalty for needing a second attempt.
What to study
The 100 questions cover three topics: American Government, American History, and Integrated Civics. Some answers change over time, like the name of the current President or your state's senators. Make sure you know the current answers to those questions before your interview.