U.S. Citizenship • Naturalization Test

2025 U.S. Citizenship Civics Test Study Guide

If you filed Form N-400 on or after October 20, 2025, USCIS uses the 2025 civics test format. You study from 128 official questions, answer up to 20 at the interview, and need 12 correct answers to pass.

Personal guidance
Plain-English preparation
Study with confidence

Watch the Video

2025 U.S. Citizenship Civics Test

Fred Wahl, the VisaCoach, explains what changed, how the interview works, and how to study the official USCIS questions before your naturalization interview.

View Full Video Transcript

2025 U.S. Citizenship Civics Test

Thinking about becoming a U.S. citizen in 2025? Then this is the video you need to watch.

The civics test has changed, and it is going to be tougher than before.

In this video, I’ll walk you through what’s new, how many questions you’ll be asked, and how to study the questions and answers asked by USCIS so you pass with confidence.

This is Fred Wahl, the VisaCoach. I help couples and families navigate the U.S. immigration process with personalized coaching and document preparation, so they can reunite, stay together, and build a happy life in America without stress or confusion.

Make sure to like this video and subscribe to our channel. Stay until the end, and I’ll walk you through a few sample questions to test yourself!

What’s Changing in 2025

Starting on October 20, 2025, USCIS is updating the civics test for naturalization.

Here’s what’s new: the number of study questions is now 128. You’ll be asked up to 20 of them at your interview. And you’ll need to get at least 12 right to pass.

That’s a big change because before, it was just 10 questions, and you only needed to answer 6 correctly.

So let’s break down what’s actually on the test.

What’s on the 2025 Civics Test

The civics questions come from three categories: U.S. History, U.S. Government, and Civics and Geography.

You’ll need to know about the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, how elections work, important wars, and even state capitals and national holidays.

But the good news is that all of these questions are available. USCIS has published the full list of 128 questions and answers, so you can study in advance. I’ve linked that list for you in the video description.

How the Interview Works

At your interview, a USCIS officer will ask you up to 20 questions from the list.

You must answer 12 correctly to pass.

If you get 9 wrong before reaching 12 right, that’s it. You fail the civics portion.

It’s a verbal test, so you’ll need to speak your answers clearly in English unless you qualify for a language exemption.

How to Study the Smart Way

Step 1: Download the official list of 128 questions. A link is in the comments field below.

Step 2: Break it up into smaller sections: History, Government, Civics.

Step 3: Practice out loud with your partner, a friend, teacher, or online group.

Step 4: Check your answers often, and keep track of the ones you miss.

Step 5: Be sure to review any questions that ask about current leaders, because those answers can change.

If you’re 65 or older and have had a green card for 20 or more years, you only need to study 20 special questions and answer just 6 out of 10 to pass.

Sample Questions

Question 1: What is the supreme law of the land? The Constitution.

Question 2: Who is in charge of the executive branch? The President.

Question 3: Name one right only for U.S. citizens. Vote in a federal election.

Question 4: Why does the flag have 13 stripes? Because there were 13 original colonies.

Did you get all four right? Drop your score in the comments!

Where to Get Help

If you’re applying for U.S. citizenship, don’t leave this to chance.

I have prepared a study guide, and this is also linked below.

Practice often.

Thanks for watching. Good luck on your journey to becoming a U.S. citizen in 2025. You’ve got this.

Download the questions and free study guide linked below. Like the video if you found this helpful. And leave a comment with your biggest question about the new test.

This was Fred Wahl, the VisaCoach, here to personally guide you every step of the way on your journey to a happy life together in the USA.

What Changed

What Is the 2025 U.S. Citizenship Civics Test?

The civics test is one part of the naturalization interview. It checks whether you understand basic U.S. history, government, rights, responsibilities, and geography.

128 Study Questions

The 2025 test uses a larger official question bank. The best way to prepare is to study the USCIS questions in smaller groups instead of trying to memorize everything at once.

Up to 20 Asked

At the naturalization interview, the USCIS officer asks questions out loud. You answer verbally, in English, unless you qualify for an exception or accommodation.

12 Correct to Pass

You pass the civics portion by answering 12 questions correctly. If you answer 9 incorrectly before reaching 12 correct answers, you do not pass that portion.

Test Format

What You Need to Know Before the Interview

Feature 2025 Civics Test
Total questions in the study bank 128 official questions
Questions asked at the interview Up to 20 questions
Number needed to pass 12 correct answers
Test type Oral test answered out loud
Language English, unless you qualify for an exemption or accommodation
Who uses this version Applicants who filed Form N-400 on or after October 20, 2025

Important: Some civics answers can change, especially questions about current government leaders. Check USCIS updates and review those answers again shortly before your interview.

Study Topics

What Topics Are on the 2025 Civics Test?

The questions are grouped around the knowledge USCIS expects naturalization applicants to understand before becoming U.S. citizens.

U.S. Government

Study the Constitution, branches of government, checks and balances, rights, responsibilities, elections, Congress, the President, and the Supreme Court.

U.S. History

Review the founding of the country, the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, major wars, the Civil War, Reconstruction, and civil rights history.

Civics and Geography

Expect questions about U.S. symbols, national holidays, states, capitals, geography, the flag, and other facts connected to American civic life.

Smart Preparation

How to Study the Smart Way

1. Download the official questions

Start with the official 128 questions and answers. Print them, highlight the ones you miss, and keep your study materials organized.

2. Study in smaller groups

Break the questions into sections like government, history, and geography. Studying 10 to 15 questions at a time is easier than trying to learn everything at once.

3. Practice out loud

The test is spoken. Practice with your spouse, partner, friend, teacher, study group, or online practice group so your answers feel natural.

4. Track the answers you miss

Do not only review the questions you already know. Keep a short list of the ones you miss and review those more often.

5. Review changing answers

Before your interview, check answers involving current leaders. Those answers may change depending on when your interview is scheduled.

6. Prepare early

Do not wait until the last few days. Regular practice builds memory, confidence, and clearer spoken answers for interview day.

Practice Questions

Sample 2025 Citizenship Civics Test Questions

Try answering these out loud before looking at the answers.

What is the supreme law of the land?

Answer: The Constitution.

Who is in charge of the executive branch?

Answer: The President.

Name one right only for U.S. citizens.

Answer: Vote in a federal election.

Why does the flag have 13 stripes?

Answer: Because there were 13 original colonies.

Ready to study the full list?

Review the full 128-question study list and practice a little every day before your interview.

Special Rule

Age 65+ with 20+ Years as a Green Card Holder

If you are age 65 or older and have been a lawful permanent resident for at least 20 years, you may qualify for the 65/20 special consideration. That means you study only the special group of 20 marked questions, and you need 6 correct answers out of 10 questions to pass that version of the civics test.

This rule can make the civics portion much more manageable, but you still need to practice. Review the special questions out loud and confirm which study list applies to your interview.

Test Day

What to Expect at the Naturalization Interview

The officer asks the questions verbally

You do not choose the questions. The officer asks from the official list, and you answer out loud.

The questions stop when the result is clear

The officer stops once you answer enough questions correctly to pass, or once you miss enough questions that you cannot pass that portion.

English matters unless you qualify for an exception

Most applicants must answer in English. Some applicants may qualify for language exemptions or accommodations based on age, time as a permanent resident, disability, or other qualifying rules.

If you do not pass

If you do not pass the civics portion, USCIS generally gives another opportunity to retake the failed portion later. Do not treat the first interview casually.

Related Help

More Help for Your U.S. Citizenship Journey

VisaCoach Guidance

Do Not Leave Your Citizenship Preparation to Chance

The 2025 civics test is more demanding, but it is very manageable when you study the official questions, practice out loud, and prepare before interview day.

VisaCoach provides immigration coaching and document preparation support. VisaCoach is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice.