Introduction
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is rolling out important changes to the civics portion of the naturalization test, effective October 20, 2025. These changes affect how many questions you will be asked, how many you must answer correctly, and which applicants are subject to the new test.
If you plan to file for naturalization (Form N-400), it’s crucial to know which version of the civics test you will take—and what to study.
What Is Changing
Test Versions & Effective Date
- If you file Form N-400 before October 20, 2025, you will take the 2008 version of the civics test.
- If you file on or after October 20, 2025, you will take the 2025 version of the civics test.
- The cutoff is based on the filing date of the N-400, not the interview date.
Feature | 2008 Version | 2025 Version |
Question pool size | 100 possible civics questions | 128 possible civics questions |
Questions asked (oral) | Up to 10 questions | Up to 20 questions |
Correct answers needed to pass | 6 correct answers out of 10 | 12 correct answers out of 20 |
Failure threshold | 5 incorrect answers → fail | 9 incorrect answers → fail |
Stopping rule | Officer stops when 6 correct or 5 incorrect | Officer stops when 12 correct or 9 incorrect |
English Test & Exceptions Stay the Same
- The English requirement (speaking, reading, writing) remains unchanged.
- The 65/20 special consideration rule still applies: applicants age 65 or older with at least 20 years as lawful permanent residents take a simplified 10-question version from a reserved subset.
Why These Changes?
USCIS states the new civics test is part of a multi-step overhaul to “restore integrity” to the naturalization process and ensure applicants demonstrate meaningful knowledge of U.S. history, government, and civic values.
The 2025 test is based on the previously piloted 2020 format but streamlined with updated stopping rules to balance rigor with fairness.
Who Is Affected
- Filed before October 20, 2025: You take the 2008 test (simpler, 10 questions, 6 correct required).
- Filed on or after October 20, 2025: You take the 2025 test (expanded, 20 questions, 12 correct required).
- Special cases (65/20 rule): You take 10 questions from a reserved set, regardless of version.
What Applicants Should Do
- Check your filing timeline
Filing before October 20, 2025 means you will take the 2008 test. Filing on or after that date means you will take the 2025 test.
- Study from the official question pool
USCIS provides the full list of questions for both the 2008 and 2025 versions.
- Stay updated
Some answers (like names of elected officials) change over time. Always check the USCIS “Test Updates” page for the most current information.
- Know the retest policy
If you fail the civics or English portion at your first interview, you can retake only the portion you failed between 60 and 90 days later.
- Use official materials
USCIS offers free study guides, flashcards, audio files, and practice tests in multiple languages.
For accurate and up-to-date information, always use these official government resources:
- USCIS – Civics Test Updates:
https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship/find-study-materials-and-resources/check-for-test-updates - USCIS – 2025 Civics Test Resources:
https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship-resource-center/naturalization-test-and-study-resources/2025-civics-test - USCIS – Study for the Test:
https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship/find-study-materials-and-resources/study-for-the-test - Federal Register – USCIS Notices:
https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/uscis
Conclusion
The 2025 civics test marks an important shift in the naturalization process. With more questions and higher passing requirements, preparation is essential. Applicants should plan their filing date carefully, study from the official USCIS resources, and stay alert to updates on test content and policy.