Heads up, future citizens! USCIS will start administering the 2025 Naturalization Civics Test on October 20, 2025. The new format is a 20‑question oral exam drawn from a 128‑question pool and aims to align testing with statutory standards and strengthen the integrity of the naturalization process.
If you plan to apply, consider filing within 30 days of the notice (published September 18) and consult an immigration attorney to confirm which test will apply to your interview. Applicants who submit their naturalization application 30 days or more after the notice’s Federal Register publication on September 18 will take the 2025 Naturalization Civics Test.Test.
Key details of the 2025 Civics Test
Effective date
USCIS will implement the 2025 Naturalization Civics Test on October 20, 2025. USCIS will apply the 2025 Naturalization Civics Test to applicants who file their naturalization applications on or after October 20, 2025.
Test format:
USCIS will administer the civics portion orally. Officers will select 20 questions from a published pool of 128 questions.
Passing standard:
Applicants must answer at least 12 of the 20 questions correctly to pass. USCIS will stop the test once an applicant answers 12 correctly or 9 incorrectly.
Question pool and study materials:
USCIS published the full 128‑question set and accompanying study materials in the Federal Register notice and on its website. Applicants should use those official materials to prepare.
Applicability and transitional guidance:
USCIS will notify applicants scheduled for interviews whether the 2025 test applies to their case. The agency also provided transitional guidance for officers to ensure consistent administration and scoring during the roll‑out.
Policy context and agency goals
USCIS framed this implementation as part of a multi‑phase effort to ensure naturalization applicants meet statutory requirements, including knowledge of U.S. government and history and basic English proficiency. The agency emphasized that the updated test complements other policy changes such as enhanced vetting, stricter review of disability exceptions to English and civics requirements, and clarified guidance on assessing good moral character.
What applicants should do
Check interview dates:
Applicants with interviews on or after October 20, 2025 should confirm with USCIS or their legal counsel which test will apply.
Use official study materials:
Study the 128‑question pool and any USCIS study resources published with the Federal Register notice to prepare for the new format and content.
Seek clarification if needed:
Applicants who rely on disability or age exceptions should review USCIS guidance on exceptions and submit necessary documentation in advance.
Next steps
USCIS indicated the 2025 test implementation marks an initial phase; the agency will monitor outcomes, train officers, and continue with further refinements. The Federal Register notice records the agency’s actions and provides official documentation of the question pool, scoring rules, and implementation timeline. USCIS invited public feedback and will publish additional updates and training materials as it phases in other changes.
For the full Federal Register notice, the official 128‑question pool, and implementation guidance, see the Federal Register entry (Docket No. 2025–18050) and the USCIS website. If you plan to file a naturalization application and have questions about the 2025 Naturalization Civics Test implementation, consult an immigration attorney.
