2025 Naturalization Civics Test What You Need to Know

What’s Changing & When It Takes Effect

Starting October 20, 2025, USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) will begin using the 2025 Naturalization Civics Test. This is based on the 2020 version of the civics test, with some procedural updates.

If you file Form N‑400 (Application for Naturalization) on or after that date, you’ll take the 2025 civics test. If you filed before that date (or less than 30 days after the Federal Register notice), you’ll still use the older 2008 version.

Key Differences: 2008 vs 2025 Test

Feature 2008 Civics Test 2025 Civics Test
Number of questions in the study bank 100 questions 128 questions
Number of questions asked in the test Up to 10 questions Up to 20 questions orally asked from the 128 bank
Number correct needed to pass 6 out of 10 correct answers Must answer 12 correctly out of 20 to pass
Failure condition** If you get more than 4 wrong (i.e. fewer than 6 correct) If you answer 9 questions incorrectly before you’ve got 12 correct, test ends in a fail.
Special provision for applicants age 65+ with 20+ years permanent residence Yes:  fewer questions needed Similar: will study 20 specially marked questions, asked 10, need to answer 6 correctly.

Note: Officers will stop asking questions once the applicant has either passed or failed under the new test rules.

What Remains the Same

  • It’s still an oral civics test where USCIS officers ask questions verbally.

  • The English requirement (reading, writing, speaking) remains part of the naturalization process.

  • The special accommodations for older applicants with long-term residence (65+ & 20 years) remain in place.

Why These Changes Matter

  • Greater preparation needed: More questions in the bank + more questions asked during interview = larger scope of study required. Applicants will need to be familiar with more topics of U.S. history, government, and civics.

  • Higher passing threshold: Under the new test, missing 9 questions leads to failure before even completing all 20; passing requires 12 correct. There’s less room for error.

  • Fairness & clarity: By publishing the full 128‑questions (with answers) ahead of time, USCIS gives applicants official study materials.

How to Prepare for the 2025 Civics Test

  1. Get the official 128‑Question Bank
    USCIS has published all 128 questions and answers for the 2025 version: you can and should study them.

  2. Schedule study time covering U.S. Government, History, Integrated Civics
    Topics include constitutional principles, branches of government, famous historical figures, major wars, civil rights, geography, symbols, etc. The new questions are more varied and some are more in depth.

  3. Focus on accuracy under pressure
    Since you’ll be asked up to 20 questions (or fewer, if you pass/fail early), practicing orally is useful. Practice with friends, in language classes, or with community groups.

  4. Special prep if 65+ with 20+ years permanent residence
    Use the special 20‑question (starred) subset. Practice with those questions, know them well. Since they’ll ask only 10 in the interview and require 6 correct, that’s still 60 %.

  5. Check for updates around elections or appointments
    Some answers depend on current officeholders. Always verify that your study material reflects the officials who will be in office during your test

    Go here to review Samples of the 2025 Civics Questions.

    🧾 Quick Links

    ✅ Full list of the 128 2025 US Civics Test Questions) with answers
    ✅ 2025 US Civics Test Study Guide