Understanding the 2025 Changes to the U.S. Naturalization Test

A significant update to the naturalization process has occurred, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced the implementation of a revised civics test for 2025. This change marks the first major overhaul, in over a decade, and aims to better assess applicants' knowledge of U.S. history, government, and civic values.

What's New in the 2025 Naturalization Test?

1. The number of study questions has increased from 100 to 128. Applicants will be asked up to 20 questions during their interview and must answer at least 12 correctly to pass. This adjustment is designed to provide a more comprehensive evaluation of an applicant's civic knowledge.

2. Those who applied for Naturalization (Form N-400) PRIOR to October 20, 2025 will be using 2008 naturalization civics test. Those applicants who apply AFTER October 20, 2025 will be using the 2025 naturalization civics test

3. To enhance efficiency, USCIS officers will conclude the civics test once an applicant either passes (12 correct answers) or fails (9 incorrect answers). This change reduces unnecessary questioning and aligns with feedback received during the initial implementation of the 2020 test.

4. USCIS will provide updated study materials reflecting the new question pool. These resources will be available on the USCIS website and are designed to assist applicants in preparing for the revised test. You will find them here.

Why the Change Matters

The updated test aims to better evaluate applicants' understanding of the principles and form of government of the United States. By expanding the question pool and refining the interview process, USCIS seeks to ensure that new citizens have a well-rounded knowledge of American civics.

Tips for Preparing for the Revised Test

• Review the 128-Question Bank: Familiarize yourself with all 128 questions to ensure comprehensive preparation.

• Use Official Resources: Utilize the study materials provided by USCIS, including the mobile app and online resources.

• Practice Regularly: Consistent practice can help reinforce knowledge and improve recall during the interview.

• Stay Informed: Keep up to date with any further updates or changes to the test by regularly checking the USCIS website.

The 2025 changes to the naturalization test reflect USCIS's commitment to revising the naturalization process. There are new questions that will may require applicants to know who their particular U.S. Representative is at the time of their interview as well as who the Chief Justice is as of the date of their interview. See the Check for Test Updates page on the USCIS site for the upcoming changes

Please contact our office for more information about the recent changes as we can help guide you or your loved ones in the newly implemented prcocess. By understanding these updates and preparing accordingly, we can help the applicants approach the test with confidence.