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USCIS Introduces New 2025 Naturalization Civics Test: What You Need to Know

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On September 18, 2025, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) published a notice in the Federal Register announcing the implementation of a newly revised civics test for naturalization applicants, known as the 2025 Naturalization Civics Test.

This updated version builds on the 2020 test—and will replace the existing 2008 civics examination for most applicants.

The civics test remains a key component of the naturalization process, intended to evaluate an applicant’s knowledge of U.S. history, government, and civic responsibilities. While the English language portion of the test remains unchanged, the civics section has been updated to improve clarity and educational relevance.

What’s New & What’s the Same

  • The 2025 Civics Test builds off the 2020 version (which had been previously introduced by the Trump administration but not widely used), making modifications in content and procedure.
  • About 75% of the questions come from the 2008 test—some carried over exactly, others reworded or updated to reflect current educational goals. The rest (~25%) are entirely new content. Some 2008 questions were removed altogether.
  • English‑language requirements remain the same. The focus is on updating the civics portion only.

Key Changes in Test Procedure

  • The question bank used is the same 128‑question bank that had been introduced in 2020.
  • Applicants will be asked up to 20 questions and must answer at least 12 correctly to pass.
  • A procedural change: the USCIS officer can stop asking additional questions once the applicant either passes (i.e. reaches 12 correct answers) or fails (i.e. accumulates 9 incorrect answers). This reduces extra, unnecessary questions for both parties.

When It Takes Effect / Which Version You’ll Take

  • The new 2025 civics test applies to applications filed on or after October 20, 2025, which is 30 days after the notice’s publication date.
  • If you filed before October 20, 2025, you will use the 2008 civics test.
  • There’s a special rule for applicants aged 65 or older who have had at least 20 years of permanent resident status: they may take a shorter, 10‑question version. Which version (2008 or 2025) depends on their filing date. Passing score remains 6 correct out of 10.

Why the Change?

  • USCIS found that the 2020 version was more comprehensive, standardized, and fair compared to the 2008 test.
  • The change follows an Executive Order (14161) Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats, directing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to strengthen assimilation and civic preparedness among new citizens.

How to Prepare

  • USCIS is publishing updated study guides and practice materials for the 2025 test. At the same time, the 2008 materials will remain available during the transition period.
  • It’s important for applicants and educators to check which filing date applies in each case, to prepare with the correct question set

Conclusion

For most applicants filing naturalization applications on or after October 20, 2025, the 2025 Civics Test will be required. If you filed before that date, you’ll use the 2008 version. The newer test aims to be fairer, more aligned with educational goals, and more efficient during interviews. Anyone preparing should confirm which civics test applies and use the correct study materials well ahead of time.

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