Your qualifications to be exempt are dependent upon your situation. If you are in good health, you cannot be exempt from the civics exam. However, you can be exempt from the English language exam if you are 50 or older and have been a permanent resident for 20 years, or if you are 55 or older and have been a permanent resident for 15 years. If this is the case, your civics exam will be given in your native language. Now, if you have a medical disability in addition to your elderly age, you may be exempt from both exams if you can prove you are unable to comply. To do so, you must submit Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions. This form is completed by a medical professional and USCIS will determine if you can be exempt.