The oath is ordered by the United States Constitution (Article II, Section One, Clause 8), and is given before the president begins his term of office.
This is what the oath says:
“I, (name), do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.”
It is unknown how many presidents used a Bible or added the words "So help me God" at the end of the oath, or in their acceptance of the oath, as neither is required by law.[1]