Naturalization Exam 2025: Key Changes, Tips, and What Applicants Should Know

Author: Grace Remington, Esq.

 

General Overview

In September 2025, USCIS announced a major update to the naturalization civics test that’s going to affect how future citizens are evaluated. Under the new policy, applicants who file their N-400 (Application for Naturalization) on or after October 20, 2025, will take the updated “2025 Civics Test.” Those who filed before that date will still take the 2008 version. The English-language part of the naturalization interview remains unchanged-reading, writing, and speaking proficiency are still required for most applicants. USCIS describes the changes as part of a broader effort to “restore integrity to the naturalization process” and better ensure that applicants demonstrate a genuine understanding of U.S. history, government, and civic responsibilities.

What’s Changing and When

Starting October 20, 2025, all N-400 applications filed on or after that date will be evaluated under the new 2025 test.  The changes are as follows.

The pool of civics questions has expanded from 100 possible questions to 128, giving applicants more material to master. During the actual interview, officers will now ask up to 20 questions instead of 10, making the test significantly longer.

The passing score threshold is higher. Applicants must now correctly answer at least 12 out of 20 questions to pass the civics test, compared to the prior requirement of 6 out of 10 under the 2008 test. The good news? The test will end early if you reach 12 correct answers or 9 wrong answers, so strong performers won’t have to sit through all 20 questions.

What’s Not Changing

The English Test. USCIS has indicated that the updates focus on the civics portion, so the English proficiency requirement remains unchanged. Applicants still must demonstrate basic reading, writing, and speaking skills during the interview. Even though the English test stays the same, applicants may benefit from refreshing their reading, writing, and speaking practice. Improved English will inevitably help with navigating the changes in the civics portion.

The Waivers and Exceptions. For applicants with certain age and residency exceptions, such as those 65 or older with 20+ years of permanent residence, previously allowed test waivers or simplified civics tests remain available under either version (2008 or 2025), based on when you filed.

Impact on the Civics Test 

Feature Old 2008 Test 2025 Civics Test
Question pool 100 questions 128 questions
Questions asked during interview Up to 10 Up to 20
Correct answers needed to pass 6 out of 10 12 out of 20
Early finish rule No. All 10 asked Yes. Stops after 12 correct or 9 wrong

Content and Focus

The updated 128-question bank retains much of the prior material, but practitioners indicate it rephrases many questions. For example, instead of questions beginning with “why” or “how,” rephrased questions begin with “what” or “when,” which may require deeper thinking and understanding as opposed to simply memorizing facts.

Other practitioners indicate there may be less of a focus on geography-related questions in favor of more questions related to history, governmental structure, the country’s founding principles, civic responsibilities, and current institutions. Examples of new institutions include the Department of War and the Department of Government Efficiency.

Interview and Practical Considerations

The interview structure remains familiar-it still combines English and civics testing. After reviewing your N-400 application in English, the officer will continue to assess English proficiency by administering the civics test under the new format.

Applicants should prepare using updated study materials. The new civics question list with all 128 questions is available on the USCIS website. Don’t risk studying outdated materials from the 2008 version.

For older applicants, the special 10-question simplified civics test remains. These applicants will receive any of the asterisk-marked questions, with passing scores remaining unchanged at 6 correct out of 10.

Transitional Rules and Applicants in Progress

The filing date is everything. If you filed your N-400 before October 20, 2025, you will take the 2008 version of the civics test. If you file on or after October 20, 2025, you must take the 2025 version, unless you’re a qualifying older applicant.  There is no option to choose which version you want once your application is filed. The filing date controls the version you must take.

Potential Benefits

The updated test may better reflect a deeper understanding of U.S. civics, perhaps raising the quality of citizenship candidates. USCIS framed it as restoring “integrity” to naturalization standards. For applicants who truly understand U.S. history and government, the early-stop rule may allow them to finish quickly once 12 correct answers are reached.

Challenges and Risks

The larger study scope of 128 questions and increased number of interview questions make preparation more demanding, especially for non-native English speakers. More questions combined with a stricter passing score threshold means that the risk of failing increases. Some practitioners worry that applicants with few or limited resources will be unfairly disadvantaged.

There’s also the risk of inadvertently using outdated 2008-version study materials. Applicants must ensure they’re practicing with the new materials to avoid being blindsided during their interview.

Preparation Tips for Applicants

  • Check your filing date carefully. If you filed before October 20, 2025, you have avoided the new test.
  • Start early. Begin studying the full 128-question list as soon as you file or plan to file your N-400 application.
  • Use official USCIS materials. Download the updated 2025 civics question set (M-1778), and practice oral answers, not just multiple-choice. The interview is oral, so your preparation should be too.
  • Focus on comprehension, not memorization. With reworded and deeper questions, aim to understand U.S. government principles and historical context, not just memorized facts. If you understand the “why” behind the answers, you’ll be better equipped to handle questions phrased in different ways.
  • Maintain or improve English skills. Even though the English test hasn’t changed, fluency will be more important given the increased civics complexity. Strong English skills will help you understand questions better and articulate your answers clearly.
  • Consider practice interviews. Mock oral exams mimic real conditions and help with confidence, pacing, and clarity. Having someone quiz you out loud is one of the most effective ways to prepare.

Documentation Checklist

Make sure you have everything in order:

  • Copy of Form N-400 and confirmation of filing date
  • Updated 128-question civics study guide (M-1778) and practice answers
  • Evidence of English-language proficiency
  • Original and certified translations of foreign records
  • Proof of residency timeline, tax compliance, and moral character documentation
  • A study plan that includes English, civics, and mock interviews
  • For qualifying older applicants, documentation verifying age, residency, and physical address history

Common FAQs

Q: Who exactly must take the new test?
A: Applicants whose N-400 is filed on or after October 20, 2025.
 
Q: Can I choose to take the old (2008) test?
A: No-your filing date determines the version; there’s no opt-out or choice.
 
Q: Are English requirements tougher now too?
A: No. The English test remains the same. However, a higher proficiency in English can lend a hand in enabling you to pass the higher threshold for the civics test.
 
Q: What about older applicants (65+ and 20 years of LPR status)?
A: They still qualify for a simplified 10-question civics test (from the 2025 bank, if filed after the cutoff).
 
Q: Is there more stress on good moral character or background checks now?
A: USCIS has signaled renewed focus on overall eligibility including residency, tax history, and criminal history. Some reporting suggests stricter application of “good moral character” standards, but the core statutory requirements remain the same.
 
Q: What happens if I fail the new test? Can I retake it?
A: Yes. If you fail the civics or English test, you’ll get a second opportunity to take the portion you failed within 60 to 90 days of your initial interview. You won’t have to retake the entire naturalization process-just the test component you didn’t pass.
 
Q: Will the interview take longer now with 20 questions instead of 10?
A: Potentially, yes. However, remember that the test ends early once you’ve either answered 12 questions correctly or gotten 9 wrong. If you’re well-prepared and answering correctly, your civics portion could finish after just 12 questions. The total interview time will also depend on the English test and review of your application.
 
Q: Can I bring notes or reference materials to my interview?
A: No. The civics test is administered orally during your interview, and you cannot bring any study materials, notes, or reference guides into the interview room. All answers must come from your memory and understanding. This is why thorough preparation beforehand is so crucial.

Conclusion

The 2025 overhaul of the U.S. naturalization civics test represents a significant shift in how citizenship applicants will be evaluated. With a larger question pool, more questions per interview, and a higher threshold for passage, the bar has definitively been raised. For applicants with strong English and civics backgrounds, the changes will demand more thorough preparation. For others, particularly non-native speakers, under-resourced individuals, or those less familiar with U.S. history, the changes pose real challenges that shouldn’t be underestimated.

If you plan to naturalize, the path forward is clear: check your filing date carefully, begin studying with the new materials now, and consider mock interviews to build confidence. The road to citizenship remains open, but the test just got more serious.

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