By Angelica Rice, Esq. & Joseph Barnett, Esq.
On September 18, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will publish notice in the Federal Register that it will reimplement a revised civics test for naturalization applicants: the 2025 Naturalization Civics Test.
This test builds upon the 2020 version (not currently used), with slight modifications, and replaces the current 2008 test for most applicants. The 2025 naturalization civics test draws approximately 75% of its content from the 2008 test, with some questions carried over verbatim while others were revised or recontextualized to better align with current educational goals. About 25% of the test constitutes entirely new content, and some questions from the 2008 version were removed entirely during the revision process.
The civics test is a crucial part of the naturalization process, designed to ensure applicants understand U.S. history, government, and civic responsibilities. While the English language requirements of the test remain unchanged, USCIS has updated the civics portion to make it more standardized and comprehensive.
So what does this mean for applicants and practitioners? Here are the five most important things to know about the new test and its implementation:
Five Key Things to Know
What Is Changing:
The 2025 Civics Test uses the same 128-question bank introduced in 2020. Applicants will be asked up to 20 questions and must answer at least 12 correctly to pass. New procedural update: officers will stop asking questions once the applicant either passes (12 correct) or fails (9 incorrect), reducing unnecessary questioning.
When It Takes Effect:
The new test applies to applications filed 30 days or more after publication of the notice (September 18, 2025). Applications filed before that date plus 30 days will remain under the 2008 test.
Who Takes Which Test:
If you filed your naturalization application before October 18, 2025, then you will still take the 2008 Civics Test.
If you filed your naturalization application on or after October 18, 2025, then you will take the new 2025 Civics Test.
There are special consideration applicants (age 65+ with 20+ years of permanent residence) who will take a 10-question version, drawn from either the 2008 or 2025 test depending on filing date; passing score remains 6 correct answers.
Why the Change:
USCIS determined that the 2020 test was more comprehensive, standardized, and fair than the 2008 test. The 2025 reimplementation follows Executive Order 14161, which directs DHS to strengthen assimilation and civic preparedness among new citizens.
How to Prepare:
USCIS will publish updated study guides and practice materials for the 2025 test, while also keeping 2008 materials online during the transition. Applicants and educators should confirm filing dates and prepare with the appropriate study set.
Conclusion
The 2025 Naturalization Civics Test represents a return to the more rigorous, standardized format of the 2020 test, with a minor procedural adjustment to streamline interviews. For most applicants filing after October 18, 2025, this new test will apply. Those who have already filed (or who file within the 30-day window) will remain under the 2008 test.
USCIS’s implementation timeline and updated study materials are designed to give applicants clarity and time to prepare, but it is crucial for attorneys, applicants, and educators to track filing dates closely to know which test applies.
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