USCIS Implements New Naturalization Civics Test

On September 18, 2025, the Federal Register published a Notice to implement a "2025 Naturalization Civics Test". U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will begin using the updated civics test and passing criteria for all naturalization applications filed after October 18, 2025.

Under the new testing format, USCIS will administer an oral exam in which applicants must answer 12 questions correctly out of a list of 20 questions.  USCIS will derive these questions from a list of 128 questions covering US history, government, and civic principles: Civic Questions and Answers for the Naturalization Test - 2025 Version.   This is an increase from the current test (2008 version) which requires 6 questions accurately answered out of 10.  Special consideration will continue to be given to applicants who are age 65 or older and have been lawful permanent residents for at least 20 years. 

Applicants who have already filed their Naturalization Petition or who plan to file before October 18, 2025, will continue to take the current (2008 version) of the Naturalization exam.  

For more information and to prepare for the civics test, applicants are encouraged to review the appropriate set of questions based on their filing date and eligibility.