USCIS has announced changes to the naturalization test that will take effect in late 2025. These changes are being implemented under Executive Order 14161, “Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship.”
Which test applies to you depends on when you file Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization):
- If you file before October 20, 2025, you will take the 2008 civics test.
- If you file on or after October 20, 2025, you will take the 2025 civics test.
The English Test
All applicants, unless exempt, must pass an English test as part of the naturalization process. The test includes three parts:
- Speaking: Your speaking ability is determined during the N-400 interview.
- Reading: You must read aloud one out of three sentences correctly.
- Writing: You must write one out of three sentences correctly.
Study materials are available on USCIS’s official website: Study for the Test (2008 version).
The Civics Test
The civics test evaluates your knowledge of U.S. history and government.
- 2008 Civics Test: If you filed your N-400 before October 20, 2025, you will be asked up to 10 questions from a list of 100. You must answer 6 correctly to pass. The test stops once you have either passed or failed based on your answers.
- 2025 Civics Test: If you file your N-400 on or after October 20, 2025, you will take the updated civics test. It is based on the 2020 test but modified in how it is administered. You will be asked up to 20 questions from a bank of 128. You must answer 12 correctly to pass. As with the 2008 version, the officer will stop asking questions once you have either passed (12 correct) or failed (9 incorrect).
Study materials will be posted on USCIS’s official page: Check for Test Updates.
Exceptions and Accommodations
Certain applicants may qualify for exemptions or accommodations:
- Applicants who are age 50 or older and have lived in the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident for at least 20 years, or age 55 or older with at least 15 years of permanent residency, are exempt from the English requirement but must still take the civics test.
- Applicants age 65 or older with at least 20 years of permanent residency receive special consideration on the civics test.
- Applicants with qualifying physical, developmental, or mental impairments may request exemptions from both English and civics requirements by filing Form N-648 (Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions).
Full details are available at the USCIS Exceptions and Accommodations page.
If You Do Not Pass
Applicants are given two attempts to pass the English and civics tests. If you fail one or both at the initial interview, you will be retested only on the portion you failed. The retest is scheduled between 60 and 90 days after the first interview.
Important Notes
- The answers to some civics questions may change over time (for example, elected officials or officeholders). You must give the correct answer at the time of your interview.
- These changes align the naturalization process more closely with statutory requirements and aim to ensure that applicants demonstrate meaningful knowledge of U.S. history and government.
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