if you are applying for citizenship, the question on the n400 form

Part 3. Information About You

H. Are you requesting a waiver of the English and/or U.S. History and Government requirements based on a disability or impairment and attaching form N-648 with your application?

ok, so what does this question on the application mean? well, as it is written, they want to know if you dont want to take the History and Government test during the interview.

there are circumstances where you can qualify not to take the test during the interview, but its not automatic, they have to grant you the OK to skip the test. in most cases you must have a good reason. and example would be you have been a permanent resident for 20 years and you are 60 years old. you dont have to take the English test, but you do have to take the civic test.

also there are some people who can take a shorter version of the test, currently, instead of 10 questions, they can take 3, for example, if you have been a permanent resident for 20 years and is older than 55 years old. this is the what the guide says:
What if I cannot meet the English or civics requirements? Certain applicants, because of age and time as a permanent resident; or others because of a disability, have different English and civics requirements.

Age — There are three important exemptions for English testing based on an applicant's age and time as a Permanent Resident:

(a) If you are over 50 years old and have lived in the United States as a Permanent Resident for periods totaling at least 20 years, you do not have to take the English test. You do have to take the civics test in the language of your choice.

(b) If you are over 55 years old and have lived in the United States as a Permanent Resident for periods totaling at least 15 years, you do not have to take the English test. You do have to take the civics test in the language of your choice.

(c) If you are over 65 years old and have lived in the United States as a Permanent Resident for periods totaling at least 20 years, you do not have to take the English test. You do have to take the civics test in the language of your choice. Designated test questions have been selected for you to study and are identified within the list of 100 civics test questions, which can be found at www.uscis.gov under Education and Resources.

To qualify for one of these exceptions, your time as a Permanent Resident does not have to be continuous. You are eligible for the exemption as long as your total time residing in the United States (as a Permanent Resident) is at least 15 or 20 years. You may not count time when you were not a Permanent Resident.

IMPORTANT


You must meet these requirements for age and time as a Permanent Resident at the time you file your application to qualify for an exemption.

If you qualify for an exemption of English testing based on age and time as a Permanent Resident, an interpreter, who is proficient in English and the language of your choice, must accompany you to the interview.


to view the latest guide, you should visit www.uscis.gov

this information is only for informational purposes, if you have a complicated case or reason why you think you shouldn't take the test, you HAVE to speak to an immigration lawyer, dont take chances on important steps as applying for citizenship.