On September 18, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) published a Federal Register Notice announcing implementation of the 2025 Naturalization Civics Test. Starting on October 20, 2025, the test will consist of 20 questions chosen from a pool of 128 rather than 10 questions from a pool of 100 in the 2008 version. Passing the exam requires 12 correct answers out of 20 questions asked (up from 6 out of 10). Clients applying before October 20, 2025, will receive the current version of the exam. The updated test is a return to the length and format of the 2020 version.
What’s Changing?
More Questions, Higher Score Required to Pass
The updated test increases the question bank from 100 to 128 questions. Over 75% of the questions in the 2025 test are identical to those in the 2020 version.
A handful of questions were revised in wording or factual detail, like questions about the 14th Amendment and language about birthright and parentage, including specific clauses. Parts of the test were reworded to clarify that senators represent their entire state’s population, representatives represent people in their specific district, presidential powers explicitly include appointing federal judges, and applicants may now name additional cabinet-level positions as correct answers.
The test remains focused on U.S. history, government, constitutional principles, and civic responsibilities. There are new questions about Dwight Eisenhower, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, the Federalist Papers, and the 10th Amendment.
Streamlined Testing Process
Unlike the previous version, where officers asked all 20 questions regardless of performance, officers will now stop asking questions once an applicant either passes (12 correct) or fails (9 incorrect).
No Change to English Requirements
The English language parts of the naturalization test (reading, writing, speaking, and understanding) remain the same.
Filing Deadlines: Which Test Will Your Clients Take?
To Take the Current Test (2008 Version):
- Clients who have already filed their N-400 application (application for naturalization)
- Clients who file before October 20, 2025
New Test (2025 Version):
- Clients who file Form N-400 on or after October 20, 2025
Important Note: Since October 20 falls on a Monday, advise clients to file by Friday, October 17, to ensure their applications are processed under the current system if they prefer the current test with fewer questions.
The 65/20 Rule Continues
Clients who are 65 years old or older and have been lawful permanent residents for 20 or more years will continue to take a shorter version with 10 questions from a specially selected bank of 20 test questions. They must answer 6 correctly to pass, and the questions will come from either the 2008 or 2025 test, depending on when they file.
Study Materials and Preparation
USCIS released updated study materials, including:
- One Nation, One People: The USCIS 2025 Civics Test Study Guide
- The complete list of 128 civics questions and answers
Key Recommendations for Service Providers
For clients considering naturalization:
- Inform clients that they have to file before October 20, 2025 if they prefer the current test
- Verify application filing dates with clients, as this determines which test they’ll take—applications are processed based on when USCIS receives them
- Ensure clients use the correct study materials based on their filing date
- Provide extra preparation time and support if filing on or after October 20, as the new test covers more material and has a higher passing threshold
For legal practitioners and community organizations:
- Update client guidance immediately about the filing deadline
- Ensure clients understand which test version applies to them
- Begin using updated study materials for clients filing on or after October 20
- Consider hosting information sessions to explain these changes to your client community
Additional Resources About the Changes
The New Americans Campaign has shared a document created by citizenship educator Bill Bliss showing side-by-side comparisons of the questions on the current and new versions of the test. Access it here:
The IRC received competitive funding through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Grant #90RB0053. The project is 100% financed by federal funds. The contents of this document are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families.
