2025 U.S. Civics Test Reinstates 2020 Version with 128 Questions

(UNITED STATES) The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is rolling out a revised naturalization civics test in 2025, restoring the 2020 version while expanding the pool of study questions and keeping the same passing score. The change takes effect for applicants who file the naturalization application Form N-400, Application for Naturalization on or after October 20, 2025.

The updated test increases the question bank from 100 to 128 while maintaining the requirement to answer 12 out of 20 oral questions correctly — a 60% passing score. USCIS says the move aims to measure a fuller grasp of U.S. history, government, laws, and civic ideals, rather than simple memorization, and signals a broader shift in how the agency approaches citizenship standards.

How the test will be administered

• The civics test will still be delivered orally by a USCIS officer during the naturalization interview.
• As before, the test ends when the applicant earns 12 correct answers or reaches 9 incorrect answers.
• The English test (reading, writing, speaking) remains unchanged.
• Answers that name officeholders (for example, the Speaker of the House or state governors) must reflect facts on the day of the interview.
• USCIS will keep public answer keys updated online to reflect election results and appointments, so applicants can prepare with current information.

Background and policy rationale

• The 2025 shift reinstates the 2020 civics test, which had been replaced earlier by the 2008 version.
• USCIS officials argued the 2008 format encouraged memorization and short-term recall rather than broader civic knowledge.
• USCIS Director Joseph Edlow and spokesperson Matthew Tragesser said expanding the question bank and restoring the 2020 framework encourages applicants to demonstrate a wider grasp of civic knowledge and aligns the test with statutory expectations.

Special exceptions: the 65/20 rule

• Applicants who are 65 or older and have been lawful permanent residents for 20 years or more may:
  • Study a reduced set of 20 specially marked questions.
  • Need to answer 6 out of 10 correctly for that reduced set.
  • Take the civics test in their preferred language.
• This exception continues to recognize longtime residents’ needs and reduce pressure for those with limited English skills.

Retests, eligibility, and other requirements

• Applicants who fail the civics portion get a second chance — usually within 60 to 90 days.
• If an applicant fails the second attempt, the naturalization application will be denied.
• All other eligibility rules remain in force:
  • Continuous residence and physical presence requirements
  • Good moral character review
  • Oath of allegiance requirement

Official study materials and preparation resources

USCIS urges applicants to rely on official materials, including:
– The updated 128 questions and answers
– Lesson plans, audio files, and practice tools available at the agency’s Citizenship Resource Center: https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship
– A page to check for updates before the interview: check-for-test-updates

Important: Verify answers that depend on current officeholders shortly before your interview — USCIS updates answers to reflect election results and appointments.

Why the question pool expanded (policy context)

• The 2008 test required 6 correct answers out of 10 from a bank of 100 questions.
• Critics said the smaller bank made it easier to guess and pass with limited preparation.
• USCIS says expanding to 128 questions encourages broader study of:
  • The three branches of government
  • The Bill of Rights and constitutional principles
  • Landmark historical events
  • Civic duties tied to citizenship
• The agency emphasizes the pass rate (60%) is unchanged; the largest shift is more content to study, not a harder scoring threshold.

What applicants should expect at the interview

• The USCIS officer will:
  1. Conduct the full naturalization interview and review Form N-400.
  2. Administer English reading and writing prompts.
  3. Deliver civics questions orally from the 128-item bank.
• Officers stop the civics portion once an applicant reaches 12 correct answers.
• Because some answers change over time (e.g., the name of a senator), applicants should check the updates page before the interview: check-for-test-updates

Community response and concerns

• Advocacy groups, community teachers, and adult education providers have raised fairness concerns:
  • Expanding from 100 to 128 questions may make preparation harder for those with limited time, non-native English speakers, or people working multiple jobs.
  • Longer study lists could increase costs for tutoring or extra class sessions.
• Supporters say the unchanged 12-of-20 passing score is stabilizing: a well-prepared student can still miss several questions and pass.
• USCIS officials say the goal is to improve study content, not reduce approval rates.

Practical preparation advice

Short-term plan:
1. Confirm your filing date and whether the 2025 test will apply.
2. If filing on or after October 20, 2025, download the official 128-question set.
3. Create a study schedule that spreads topics across several weeks and uses short, frequent sessions.
4. Practice aloud — the test is oral.
5. For the 65/20 exception, focus on the 20 designated questions and practice in your preferred language.

Weekly routine suggestions:
– Review 15–20 civics questions per week from the 128-item set.
– Practice saying answers aloud in clear, short phrases.
– Use the official audio to learn pronunciation of names and terms.
– Make flashcards for facts that mix names and numbers (e.g., terms of office, amendment counts).
– Schedule a mock interview and practice the civics section under timed, oral conditions.
– Check for updates to answers near the interview date: check-for-test-updates

Quick checklist of actions:
– File Form N-400 online or by mail: Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.
– If filing on or after October 20, 2025, prepare for the 128-question civics test and 12-of-20 scoring rule.
– Use USCIS study resources: Citizenship Resource Center
– If eligible for 65/20, focus on the 20 special questions and the 6-of-10 passing rule.
– Plan for a second attempt if needed, typically within a few weeks of failing the first civics test.

English test and interview tips

• The English portion is unchanged; practice basic reading, writing, and speaking on civic topics.
• Officers use simple prompts and everyday vocabulary; practice talking about your Form N-400, travel history, and reasons for applying.
• Local adult education centers often offer short English-for-citizenship classes that target these exact skills.

Impact on teachers, schools, and community groups

• Adult schools, nonprofit legal clinics, libraries, and volunteers are updating materials:
  • New flashcards, audio practice, mock interviews, and slide decks for 128 questions.
  • Extended class cycles and more oral drills.
• Community groups stress steady, bite-sized study rather than last-minute cramming.
• Libraries and faith groups can support by hosting study sessions and providing quiet space.

Timeline and filing strategy

• USCIS public announcements occurred over September 16–17, 2025, with the final rule scheduled for publication on September 18, 2025.
• The effective date for the new test is October 20, 2025, based on the filing date of Form N-400.
• Filing before October 20, 2025 means the prior testing scheme applies; filing on or after that date means the 128-question bank and 12-of-20 model apply.
• Some applicants may rush to file before the change; others will take time to prepare for the new scope.

Oversight, accommodations, and continuing updates

• USCIS continues to offer accommodations and medical exception processes for applicants with disabilities.
• The agency will keep updating study materials and answer keys as needed and posts all materials at the Citizenship Resource Center: Citizenship Resource Center
• For changes to answers that name public officials, check the updates page: check-for-test-updates

Final takeaways

• The civics test in 2025 is broader (128 questions) but not tougher on score: 12 correct out of 20 remains the passing rule (60%).
• The test is still oral and officer-led; the English test is unchanged.
• The 65/20 exception remains for older, long-term residents (study 20 questions; pass 6 of 10).
• Start early, study consistently, use official USCIS tools, and confirm filing timing to know which test version applies.

For official materials and to begin preparing, visit the USCIS Citizenship Resource Center: Citizenship Resource Center

Bottom line: More questions to study, same bar to pass. With steady preparation and official resources, applicants can meet the standard and complete the naturalization process.