Citizenship Interview and Test Day is one of the most important steps in the naturalization process. It’s the moment that determines whether or not you officially become a US citizen.
The US Citizenship Test evaluates your ability to speak and understand English and your knowledge of the history and government of the United States. But it also reflects your commitment to the country and whether you’re ready to be a part of it. So yes, you have to pass it.
Over the years, the test has undergone several changes. Some updates have made things easier for applicants, while others have made the process more difficult—like the 2020 version. That’s why everyone was on edge when USCIS announced changes to the citizenship test in 2025.
But how true is that?
Well, let’s get some context first.
What is the current version of the US citizenship test?
Currently, USCIS is using the 2008 test version, which is based on 100 possible questions about US history and government. On the day of your interview, the officer will randomly select ten questions from this list. You must answer at least six correctly to pass.
This part of the test is oral and in English. So, while you answer questions, the officer also tests your ability to communicate in English.
And what about the English section?
You must demonstrate that you can read, write, and understand simple English. Here’s how this part works:
- Reading test: You’ll see three sentences on a tablet. If you read at least one of them correctly, you pass.
- Writing test: The officer will read you three sentences. You’ll have to write them down on a board. Again, if you write one correctly, you pass.
- Speaking test: This section will be checked throughout the interview – especially when you answer questions from the civics section, and the officer asks about your N-400 form.
But remember: from the moment you walk into the room, the officer is already paying attention to how you understand and speak English.
Kepp reading: How to pass the US citizenship test.
This format hasn’t always been the standard. At the end of 2021, USCIS brought back the 2008 version.
Before that, there was the 2020 version, which was harder. It had 125 questions about the US government and history. During the interview, an officer asked 20 of them, and you had to answer at least 12 of them correctly to pass.
So, if you thought today’s test was hard, you might feel better now.
But back to the big question…
Will the US citizenship test change in 2025?
I understand why you are worried about this topic – you’ve probably heard a lot of comments and rumors. And it’s true: USCIS itself confirmed that they were testing a trial version of the citizenship test, which could be implemented in 2025.
In December 2022, USCIS announced they planned to change the citizenship test to modernize it and make it more consistent. That’s why, in 2023, they launched a pilot program with a group of volunteer applicants to test out the proposed changes. The proposal was to update the format of the exam’s English and civics portions. Here’s what they had in mind:
For the English test:
The USCIS officer would show three pictures of everyday situations, such as food, people celebrating, or nature. You would then have to describe these pictures in fluent English.
The civics test:
Instead of open-ended questions like now, you’d see 10 multiple-choice questions on a tablet. Each question would have four possible answers, and you’d choose the correct one.
As soon as USCIS announced these changes, several immigrant rights organizations spoke out. They argued that the new format would only make the naturalization process more difficult.
USCIS received over 1,500 public comments, and the majority opposed the changes. As a result, the agency announced in December 2024 that it would not proceed with a pilot test of the new version.
So, the big answer is…
No, the citizenship test will not change in 2025. Unless there’s a new announcement and if there is, they will probably have to conduct another pilot program, so it could extend to 2026. You can breathe easily!
But does that mean nothing will change about the citizenship test?
Well, not exactly. While the citizenship test format will remain the same, there will be changes to the content you must study. Or, to be more precise, updates to some of the answers.
As you may already know, the civics test includes questions that depend on current political figures. For example:
Who is the President of the United States?
- You would now answer: Donald Trump.
What is the name of the Vice President of the United States now?
- JD Vance
These questions change and update over time, depending on changes in administration, judicial appointments, or due to changes or updates in the law.
But don’t worry.
Here at Citizen Now, we ensure that all the answers are up to date, including the correct names of current officials. Plus, we use your zip code to personalize your practice tests so you see only the names and answers that actually apply to your area.
No stress. No guessing. Just real answers. Download Citizen Now and start practicing smarter today.
Summing up…
Despite all the buzz, there will be no changes to the citizenship test format in 2025.
Everything will stay the same – At least for now.
But one super important thing is to ensure your answers are current. That means knowing the names of both national and local officials. On the day of your interview, you’ll be expected to give the correct name of whoever is in the office.
Download Citizen Now and get everything you need – up-to-date questions and smart study tools.