If you're applying for U.S. citizenship on or after October 20, 2025, you'll be taking the new civics test. And yes, there are now 128 questions you need to study instead of the old 100.
But here's the good news: you don't need to memorize all 128. During your naturalization interview, the USCIS officer will ask you up to 20 questions from this pool. You need to answer 12 correctly to pass. If you get 9 wrong, the test ends and you fail.
The 2025 test is based on the 2020 version that briefly existed before being rolled back. USCIS brought it back with some modifications as part of Executive Order 14161 ("Restoring the 2020 Naturalization Civics Test"), signed January 24, 2025. The questions cover American government, history, and civics. They're designed to test whether you understand how the country works, not just whether you can memorize facts.
In this guide, I'll break down exactly how the new test works, what topics you'll be tested on, and the smartest way to prepare. Let's get into it.
How the 2025 Civics Test Works
The civics portion is an oral exam, as required by INA § 312(a). You won't fill out a written test or multiple choice answers. Instead, a USCIS officer will ask you questions out loud, and you'll answer verbally.
Here's the format:
- Total question pool: 128 civics questions
- Questions asked: Up to 20
- Correct answers needed to pass: 12
- Failing threshold: 9 wrong answers
This format is established by USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 12, Part E, Chapter 2, which governs the civics testing requirements for naturalization.
The officer will stop asking questions once you've either passed (12 correct) or failed (9 incorrect). So if you nail the first 12 questions, you're done. If you struggle and miss 9, the test ends there too.
This is different from the old 2008 test, which had 100 questions in the pool, asked 10 during the interview, and required only 6 correct answers. The 2008 test remained in effect until October 19, 2025, when the 2025 civics test took effect.
Who Takes Which Test?
This part confuses a lot of people, so let me make it simple:
N-400 filed before October 20, 2025: You take the 2008 test (100 questions, 10 asked, 6 to pass). See USCIS 2008 Civics Test for study materials.
The 65/20 designated questions are marked with an asterisk (*) on the official USCIS question list. You only need to study these 20 questions.
N-400 filed on or after October 20, 2025: You take the 2025 test (128 questions, 20 asked, 12 to pass). See USCIS 2025 Civics Test for study materials.
The filing date matters, not the interview date. So even if your interview happens in 2026, you'll take the 2008 test if you filed your application before the October cutoff.
USCIS confirmed this in their implementation guidance: applicants who filed before October 20, 2025 will continue to take the 2008 version regardless of when their interview is scheduled.
The 65/20 Exemption
If you're 65 years or older and have been a lawful permanent resident for at least 20 years, you qualify for a modified test under INA § 312(b)(2). This is commonly called the "65/20 exemption."
USCIS will give you a shorter version:
- Only 20 questions to study (marked with an asterisk on the official list)
- 10 questions asked
- 6 correct answers needed to pass
You can also take this version in your native language if you qualify for the language exemption under INA § 312(b)(2). The same age and residency requirements apply to both the civics and English exemptions.
Official Sources
This guide is based on official USCIS materials and federal law. All information was verified against these sources as of January 2026:
USCIS Civics Test Resources
- USCIS 2025 Civics Test (128 Questions) - Official question list, study materials, and answer key
- USCIS 2008 Civics Test (100 Questions) - For applicants who filed before October 20, 2025
- USCIS Naturalization Test Study Materials
- USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 12, Part E - English and Civics Testing
Federal Law and Executive Orders
Additional Study Resources
- USA.gov - Find Your Elected Officials - For questions about current government officials
- USCIS YouTube Channel - Civics Test Practice
Test content and requirements may change. Always verify current information on the official USCIS website before your interview.
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What Topics Are Covered
The 128 questions are organized into three main categories, as defined by USCIS:
American Government (72 questions)
This is the biggest section. It covers topics required by INA § 312(a)(2), which requires applicants to demonstrate "a knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of the history, and of the principles and form of government, of the United States."
This is the biggest section. It covers:
- Principles of American democracy: Constitution, Bill of Rights, rule of law, rights and freedoms
- System of government: The three branches, Congress, the President, the courts, federal vs. state powers
- Rights and responsibilities: Voting, jury duty, paying taxes, citizenship duties
Expect questions about what the Constitution does, how many senators there are, what the President's cabinet does, and similar topics.
American History (32 questions)
This section covers:
- Colonial period and independence: Why colonists came to America, the Revolutionary War, the founding fathers
- The 1800s: Westward expansion, the Civil War, abolition of slavery
- Recent American history: World Wars, Cold War, civil rights movement, September 11
Integrated Civics (24 questions)
This section tests your knowledge of American geography, symbols, and holidays:
- Geography: States, capitals, major rivers, borders
- Symbols: Flag, national anthem, Statue of Liberty
- Holidays: Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Memorial Day
Questions That Change Over Time
Some answers depend on who currently holds office. USCIS updates the official answer key when these positions change. Always check for the most current answers before your interview.
- Who is the President of the United States?
- Who is the Vice President?
- Who is the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court?
- Who is your U.S. Representative?
- Who are your state's two U.S. Senators?
- Who is the Governor of your state?
You need to know the correct answers at the time of your interview, not when you started studying. USCIS maintains an updated list of current officials on their website. Check it before your interview to make sure you have the latest names.