Citizenship News: New Civics Test Starting October 20, 2025
Beginning October 20, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will start using a new naturalization civics test.
The new test will include 128 questions about U.S. history and government. According to USCIS: “The 2025 naturalization civics test is an oral test consisting of 20 questions from the list of 128 civics test questions. You must answer 12 questions correctly to pass the 2025 test. You will fail the test if you answer 9 of the 20 questions incorrectly.”
Note: The reading, writing, and speaking tests remain the same.
Which civics test will you take?
- If you file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, on or after October 20, 2025, you will take the 2025 civics test (128 test questions).
- If you filed Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, before October 20, 2025, you will take the 2008 civics test (100 test questions).
For general questions about the naturalization process or for information on upcoming citizenship preparation classes, please email Gail at gforman@lowell.k12.ma.us. You may also call or text Gail at 978-918-3519.
Below are official USCIS links to help you apply, study, and prepare for the naturalization process.
Learn About Citizenship: https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship/learn-about-citizenship
Apply for Citizenship: https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship/apply-for-citizenship
Topics include:
- Check Eligibility for a Fee Waiver
- Learn How to Create a USCIS Online Account
- Form N-400, Application for Naturalization
- Study for the Test
- Free Naturalization Information Sessions
Exceptions and Accommodations to the Naturalization Requirements: https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship/exceptions-and-accommodations
Information on Filing a Reduced Fee: https://www.uscis.gov/forms/filing-fees/additional-information-on-filing-a-reduced-fee-request
Naturalization Test and Study Resources
Reading Test Vocabulary List for the Naturalization Test: https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/guides/reading_vocab.pdf
Writing Test Vocabulary List for the Naturalization Test: https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/guides/writing_vocab.pdf
2025 Naturalization Civics Test
- 128 Civics Questions and Answers (2025 version): https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/questions-and-answers/2025-Civics-Test-128-Questions-and-Answers.pdf
- One Nation, One People: The USCIS 2025 Civics Test Study Guide: https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/brochures/USCIS-2025-Civics-Test-Study-Guide.pdf
- Additional study materials and resources — from USCIS and other trusted organizations — will be added as they become available.
2008 Naturalization Civics Test
- 100 Civics Questions and Answers: https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/questions-and-answers/OoC_100_Questions_2008_Civics_Test_V1.pdf
- One Nation, One People: The USCIS Civics Test Textbook (100 Civics Questions): https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/brochures/OOC_M-1175_CivicsTextbook_8.5x11_V7_RGB_English_508.pdf
- Preparing for the Oath: U.S. History and Civics for Citizenship (Smithsonian National Museum of American History/USCIS): https://americanhistory.si.edu/citizenship/learn
- Welcome to the 2008 Civics Practice Test! https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship/civics-practice-test-2008
Other Helpful Resources:
US Citizenship Podcast hosted by Jennifer Gagliardi: Includes N-400 practice scripts and U.S. citizenship lessons. https://www.uscitizenpod.com/
USA Hello: Offers translations of the 2025 civics test (128 questions and answers) in many languages, as well as the 2008 civics test (100 questions and answers). https://usahello.org/citizenship/prepare/citizenship-test-questions/
Ben’s Guide to the U.S. Government: https://bensguide.gpo.gov/