The 2025 civics test, one year later: what applicants should know

The 2025 civics test has applied to new citizenship applications since October 20, 2025. Which test you take still depends on one date: the day you filed Form N-400. Applications filed before that date use the 2008 test, so both versions are still in use.

Our civics test guide explains the test in full. This article is a short recap of where things stand.

Which test do I take?

It depends only on your filing date:

If you aren't sure which test is yours, start with the date you filed.

What's different about the 2025 test?

The officer picks questions from a list of 128, up from 100 on the 2008 test. You're asked up to 20 questions, and you pass once you get 12 right. The officer stops early when you reach that number, or once you've missed 9.

The passing share is the same as before: 60%.

What if I'm 65 or older?

If you're 65 or older and have been a permanent resident for at least 20 years when you file, you get special consideration. You study a shorter list of 20 questions, are asked 10, and need 6 correct. This applies whichever test version you take. Our exemptions guide explains who qualifies.

Which answers can change?

Some answers depend on who holds office on the day of your interview, such as your state's U.S. senators, your representative, your governor, the President, and the Speaker of the House. USCIS says to answer with the official serving at the time of your interview, not when you filed or started studying.

Our free local answers tool finds the current answers for your address.

How should I study now?

Make sure you study the right version. USCIS has kept the 2008 study materials online for people who still take that test, so it's easy to end up with the wrong list.

• Filed on or after October 20, 2025: study the 128 questions of the 2025 test. Our free civics practice test uses that list.
• Filed before that date: study the 2008 list on USCIS's website.