The US citizenship test changed on October 20, 2025. Under the new 2025 version, the civics test pool has expanded from 100 to 128 questions. During the interview, applicants are now asked 20 questions and must answer 12 correctly to pass.
These change sapply to green card holders who submitted Form N-400 on or after October 20, 2025. Those who applied before that date will continue to take the 2008 version of the test.
Comparison: 2008 version vs. 2025 new test
| Features | 2008 Version (Old) | 2025 Version (New) |
|---|---|---|
| Filing Date | Before Oct 20, 2025 | On or After Oct 20, 2025 |
| Study Pool | 100 questions | 128 questions |
| Questions asked during interview | 10 | 20 |
| Passing Score | 6 correct (60%) | 12 correct (60%) |
| Failure Limit | 5 incorrect | 9 incorrect |
What are the new changes to the citizenship test?
The current administration has reinstated several immigration policies, including the 2020 version of the civics test. The 2025 civics exam is essentially an updated version of that format with a few minor adjustments.
Following Executive Order 14161, the test now requires applicants to answer 20 questions from a pool of 128—which is 28 more questions to study than the previous 2008 version.
To pass, you must correctly answer at least 12 questions. If you answer 9 questions incorrectly, the test ends there and is marked as failed. However, as soon as you reach 12 correct answers, you pass that portion of the interview!
However, the shift is not just about studying more material. The revised test is also more demanding than the 2008 version.
Some of the simpler questions about holidays and geography, as well as short-answer questions based on specific facts, have been reduced or eliminated. Now, the focus is on questions that require a deeper understanding of historical events and government functions.
For example:
- 2008 Version: “How many U.S. Senators are there?” -> Answer: One hundred (100).
- 2025 Version: “Why do U.S. representatives serve shorter terms than U.S. senators?” -> Answer: To more closely follow public opinion.
These changes only apply to the civics portion of the citizenship exam. For now, the English reading and writing tests remain exactly the same.
Who has to take the new version of the test?
Not all applicants will be affected by the new citizenship test changes. It all depends on when they file Form N-400.
- Applicants who filed before October 20, 2025, will take the 2008 version of the test.
- Applicants who filed on or after October 20, 2025, will take the 2025 version of the test.
USCIS established this transition period to allow the public to become familiar with the revised content and to enable applicants to prepare for the 2025 civics test.
What about the special rule for seniors? (65/20 exception).
Special considerations remain in place for applicants who qualify for the 65/20 exception.
Under this rule, individuals who are 65 years old or older and have been lawful permanent residents for at least 20 years receive different treatment during the citizenship exam.
In these cases:
- They take a simplified version of the test based on a special list of 20 questions.
- On the day of the interview, USCIS officials will ask 10 questions, and applicants must answer at least 6 correctly to pass.
- The questions focus on basic civics knowledge.
- Senior applicants may take the exam in their native language with the help of an interpreter.
Applicants who qualify for this exception continue to take a 10-question test selected from a list of 20.
The only change for this group relates to the citizenship test study material. The 20 special questions vary depending on the version of the civics test that applies:
- The 2008 version applies if the applicant files the N-400 form before October 20, 2025.
- The 2025 version applies to applications filed on or after October 20, 2025.
These specially selected questions are marked with an asterisk (*) in the official USCIS study materials.
Why were these changes implemented for the citizenship test?
According to USCIS, the modifications are part of a “multi-stage, comprehensive reform” aimed at increasing civic knowledge among new citizens.
A notice published in the Federal Register explains that the revised exam aims to promote a shared American identity and reinforce attachment to the Constitution, U.S. laws, and the country’s founding principles.
The 2025 version of the civics test is designed to:
- Make the exam more standardized and methodical.
- Improve fairness and clarity in its administration.
- Strengthen civic knowledge among naturalized citizens.
Clearly, the current administration is seeking to raise the requirements for individuals pursuing U.S. citizenship.
This tightening aligns with broader immigration policies focused on increased screening and stricter enforcement. Those policies affect how immigrants and permanent residents enter, remain in, or establish themselves in the United States.
The changes to the civics test may not be the last. According to USCIS spokesperson Matthew Tragesser:
These changes represent only the first of several adjustments intended to strengthen the “integrity” of the naturalization process.
Some changes have already taken effect, and more may follow in the near future.
What other changes has USCIS introduced to the naturalization process?
- Reinstating more rigorous screening procedures with expanded background checks for all applicants.
- Stricter reviews of disability-based exemptions to ensure they are used appropriately.
- Broader evaluations of “good moral character.” A clean criminal record alone may no longer be sufficient. Officers may also consider positive contributions to U.S. society, such as stable employment, financial responsibility (including tax payments), and family caregiving.
- The return of the neighborhood checker under Section 335(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). This authorizes USCIS officers to conduct community inquiries to confirm that applicants meet the legal requirements and standards of good moral character.
- Clearer disqualification rules, including conduct such as illegal voting, false claims to U.S. citizenship, or improper voter registration.
Summing up:
The main changes to the 2025 citizenship test include:
- More questions to study: The pool has increased from 100 to 128.
- On test day, the officer will ask 20 questions, and you must answer at least 12 correctly to pass.
- The study material has been updated with more in-depth questions about U.S. history and government.
We understand that these changes may feel stressful or overwhelming. This reaction is completely normal. However, with steady preparation and the right tools, passing the exam is absolutely achievable.
Especially if you use Citizen Now, our app designed to help you prepare for either the 2008 or 2025 version of the test.
With Citizen Now, you can study with practice exams based on real naturalization questions and dynamic resources like flashcards and audiobooks.
Download Citizen Now today and start preparing for your citizenship interview!
What about in 2026?