The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has released the official notice regarding the implementation of the 2025 Civics Test for Naturalization.

The new exam will apply to people who submit Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization) from 20th October 2025Those who submit their application before that date will continue to take the 2008 version of the exam.

Main changes

• Exam structure: The same bank of 128 questions developed in 2020 will be used. The questions can be seen here
  • During the interview, the USCIS officer will ask 20 oral questions.
  • The applicant must answer 12 of them correctly to pass.
• Early approval or failure: The test stops as soon as the person gets 12 correct answers (pass) or 9 incorrect answers (fail).
• special consideration: Those who are 65 or older and have been legal permanent residents (LPRs) for 20 or more years will continue to take a shorter, 10-question version, of which they must answer at least 6 correctly to pass.

What doesn't change

• The English requirement (reading, writing, and speaking) remains the same.
• The minimum passing score (12 out of 20, or 6 out of 10 on the reduced exam) has not changed.

Implementation and transition

• Effective date of the notice: 18th September 2025.
• Applicants filing Form N-400 as of October 20 from 2025 will have to take the new exam.
• USCIS will offer updated study materials, including the complete bank of 128 questions, answers, and guides. The 2008 exam materials will remain temporarily available for those who still need to take the exam.

Reason for change

USCIS notes that the 2025 exam seeks to more rigorously assess knowledge of U.S. history, government, and civics, in compliance with statutory requirements and the intent of Congress. The goal is to ensure that new citizens fully understand the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship.

Recommendations for applicants

• Check the date filing of Form N-400, as this determines whether the 2008 or 2025 version will apply.
• Prepare using the official USCIS resources with the updated bank of 128 questions.
• For those who qualify for special consideration (age 65+ and 20+ years as a permanent resident), please confirm that you will submit the reduced 10-question version.
• Continue strengthening English skills (reading, writing, and speaking), which remain mandatory.

With the implementation of the 2025 Civics Test for Naturalization, USCIS is returning to a more comprehensive and rigorous format, designed to ensure that those who become citizens are better prepared to participate in U.S. civic life.