New U.S Citizenship Test: Would You Pass?

By Richard T. Herman, Esq., Immigration Lawyer with 30+ Years’ Experience

At a Glance: What’s New in the 2025 Citizenship Test

Fast Fact:

Beginning October 20, 2025, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will require applicants filing Form N-400 on or after that date to take the updated 2025 Naturalization Civics Test. (USCIS)

Need to Know:

Under the new format, the pool of possible questions has expanded from 100 to 128, applicants will be asked up to 20 questions, and must answer at least 12 correctly to pass. Green card holders and other aspiring citizens applying for naturalization will now face revised questions in the updated civics test, which reflect the increased difficulty and expanded content.

Important Note:

If you file your citizenship application before October 20, 2025, you may still be tested under the previous test (the older version used before the latest update). (Federal Register)

 

From 2008 to 2025: How the Citizenship Test Has Evolved

Key Insight:

The updated test reflects USCIS’s goal to “more comprehensively assess” an applicant’s knowledge of U.S. history and government. (Federal Register) The revised test aims to ensure applicants meet eligibility requirements, demonstrate civics knowledge, and become fully assimilated members of American society. Critics argue that the change raises the barrier for many applicants—especially those with limited resources.

Inside the New Exam: English, Civics & Real-World Scenario Tasks

English Speaking & Listening

Applicants will be evaluated on spoken responses to prompts, and in some cases listening comprehension. The new guidance indicates that USCIS will update study materials for English skills as part of the rollout. (USCIS)

Applicants whose first language is not English may find the speaking and listening tasks more challenging, as the ability to speak English is a key requirement for naturalization.

Expert Tip:

Practice describing real-life scenes (for example, a photo of a family going into a polling place) aloud; listen to short news clips and summarize in your own words.

Civics Questions: More Coverage, More Depth

The civics portion has been expanded. Applicants now face up to 20 oral questions and must achieve at least 12 correct answers to pass. The question-pool now includes more topics on U.S. history, governance, symbols, civic responsibilities, and even updated references. Additionally, the question bank for the civics test increased from 100 to 128 questions, requiring applicants to prepare more thoroughly. This larger pool of questions reflects the effort to ensure applicants have a deeper understanding of U.S. civics.

The expanded civics knowledge stack now covers important events in American history, the structure and powers of the federal government, the role of the Supreme Court, and the functions of America’s government, ensuring applicants build comprehensive civics knowledge for the test.

The American government section now requires a deeper understanding of the three branches of government and core constitutional principles. (Newsweek)

At a Glance:

While geography questions have reportedly been deemphasized, emphasis has shifted to deeper understanding of government and history.

Reading & Writing Tasks

While the civics portion draws much attention, applicants must also still complete the English reading and writing test elements. English Language Proficiency is demonstrated during the naturalization interview through questions and a separate reading and writing test. USCIS guidance for the 2025 version confirms updated study materials will include new phrasing and tasks. The English language portion of the naturalization test has not changed, maintaining its focus on assessing basic proficiency. USCIS provides a full list of possible questions on its website to help applicants prepare. (USCIS)

Important Note:

Familiarity with sentence structure, grammar, and legible handwriting remains crucial.

Why USCIS Is Changing the Test

The overhaul is part of a multi-step “modernization” of naturalization testing. According to USCIS, the updated format aims to:

• Ensure national consistency in evaluation. (USCIS) The agency acknowledges that some civics test questions may have multiple correct answers, providing transparency about the test content.
• Raise the standard to reflect deeper civic knowledge. (EB5 Insights)
• Update the materials and question bank to reflect current U.S. government and history. (USCIS) USCIS Director Joseph Edlow oversaw the implementation of the new test, and immigration services began using the revised format in 2025.

Important Note:

Many immigrant advocacy organizations express concern that the update may inadvertently raise barriers—especially for older immigrants, those with limited English, or without access to adequate study resources.

Can You Pass? Sample Questions to Try

Quiz: Try these 5 sample civics style questions drawn from media coverage of the 2025 test.

1. What is one responsibility that is only for U.S. citizens?
   A. Pay taxes B. Obey the law C. Serve on a jury D. Attend school
   Correct answer: C. Serve on a jury
2. What is the supreme law of the land?
   A. The Declaration of Independence B. The U.S. Constitution C. The Bill of Rights D. The Federal Register
   Correct answer: B. The U.S. Constitution
3. How many U.S. Senators are there?
   A. 50 B. 100 C. 435 D. 200
   Correct answer: B. 100
4. The “checks and balances” system in the U.S. government helps protect against what?
   A. Unemployment B. One branch of government becoming too powerful C. High taxes D. Foreign invasion
   Correct answer: B. One branch becoming too powerful
5. What movement tried to end racial discrimination in the U.S.?
   A. Labor Movement B. Green Movement C. Civil Rights Movement D. Temperance Movement
   Correct answer: C. Civil Rights Movement

Note: These are sample questions and answers for practice purposes. On the actual test, some questions may have other correct answers that are accepted, as long as they meet the guidelines provided by USCIS.

Fast Fact:

A recent interactive quiz from Washington Post shows that even native-born Americans struggle with the deeper civics questions in the 2025 test. (The Washington Post)

Would Most American-Born Citizens Pass This Test?

The Short Answer: Probably Not

It may be surprising—but surveys show many U.S. citizens would falter under the new rules. According to data cited by the Washington Post, fewer than 60% of U.S.-born adults answered all questions correctly in a mock civics quiz using 2025-style questions. A 2018 survey revealed that only one in three Americans could pass a multiple-choice version of the old test.

This underscores that most native-born Americans lack the foundational knowledge required to pass the citizenship exam without prior studying. The new test sets a high bar not only for immigrants but also for Americans’ citizenship knowledge, emphasizing the importance of shared civic understanding among fellow citizens. However, the average person can pass the civics test with sufficient preparation. (The Washington Post)

Expert Reflection:

“The irony is stark,” says Richard T. Herman, “Immigrants study diligently to meet the exacting standards of this exam—yet many native-born citizens would struggle to pass without preparation.”

Why This Matters

• It highlights how citizenship is not automatic knowledge of civics—even for Americans born here.
• It underscores the importance of preparation not just for immigrants, but for anyone who values civic literacy.
• It raises questions about fairness and expectations when requiring high civic knowledge of naturalizing applicants.

Key Insight:

While the test is designed for naturalizing immigrants, the fact that many native Americans would struggle suggests the bar being raised is significant.

Immigrant & Advocacy Group Responses

Supportive Views

Some community organizations commend the modernization effort, arguing that citizenship entails more than paperwork—it requires understanding, engagement, and awareness of civic duties. The test also highlights the positive contributions of immigrants and includes questions about holidays that honor soldiers and recognize military service. Future applicants will need to commit to a longer and more in-depth study process due to a larger question pool and more complex topics.

Integrated Civics includes questions that blend civics and history concepts, such as the significance of Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Over 92% of citizenship applicants pass the civics portion on their first attempt, highlighting their diligent preparation and the effectiveness of available study resources.

Critical Views

However, several major immigrant-rights organizations are pushing back. A coalition led by Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC) requested that USCIS delay or halt implementation of the 2025 test in order to allow more robust stakeholder input and preparation time. Additionally, USCIS is conducting stricter reviews of “good moral character“ for some applicants. (Catholic Legal Immigration Network)

Advocacy groups highlight the following concerns:

• Limited access to updated study materials in languages other than English.
• Older applicants or those with low formal education may find the increased question bank and deeper content especially challenging.
• The timing of the rollout may disadvantage applicants filing on or after the effective date who cannot adapt quickly.
• The standards for receiving a disability waiver from the civics and English tests are being made more rigorous.
• Individuals aged 65 or older who have been lawful permanent residents for at least 20 years can answer fewer questions to pass.

It is important to note that only those aliens who meet all eligibility requirements, such as being a lawful permanent resident, are permitted to submit citizenship applications and may qualify for certain test accommodations.

Legal & Policy Concerns

Legal experts warn of potential equity issues: if applicants don’t have equal access to preparatory resources, mandatory higher-level testing may raise due-process or equal-protection concerns. (Catholic Legal Immigration Network)

How to Prepare for the October 20, 2025 Naturalization Exam

Expert Tip:

Start early, study smartly, and build civic knowledge—not just rote memorization.

Preparation Checklist

• Download the official 128-question bank from USCIS study materials. (USCIS)
• Practice 20-question sets regularly, aiming for at least 80% correct.
• Join local civic study groups or ESL/citizenship classes (often offered at libraries/community colleges).
• Aspiring citizens should consider using an online tutoring firm to get extra instruction and practice for the updated citizenship test.
• Practice the English speaking and listening tasks: describe photos aloud, listen to short news stories, and summarise verbally.
• Consult an immigration lawyer early if you have complicating factors (language barrier, disability, older age, prior denials).
• If you’re eligible now and thinking about applying, weigh the timing: file before Oct 20 if possible to take the older exam version.

Timeline Tip

If you file on or after Oct 20 2025, you will be tested on the 2025 version. Applicants who filed earlier may still take the older test. (Federal Register)

Comparison: Law Firms Experienced in Naturalization & Citizenship

Key Insight:

For applicants facing the 2025 test changes—especially those with language, age, or educational challenges—a law firm like Herman Legal Group with individual focus and naturalization-specific expertise offers a strategic advantage.

Timeline: October 20 2025 Rollout & Implementation

• September 18, 2025: Federal Register notice published. (Federal Register)
• October 20, 2025: 2025 Naturalization Civics Test becomes effective for applications filed on or after this date. (USCIS)
• Applicants filing before this date may still be tested under the 2008 version. (Rozas Law Firm)
• Study materials updated and published by USCIS in advance of rollout. (USCIS)
• Note: The revised civics test Monday, October 20, 2025, marks the official start of the new, more challenging format. This follows significant changes to citizenship testing policy previously implemented by the Trump administration, which increased scrutiny and altered the naturalization process.

Key Takeaways: What Every Applicant Should Remember

• The new 2025 citizenship test takes effect October 20, 2025, for applicants filing then or later.
• The question bank expands to 128, you will face up to 20 questions and must answer 12 correctly to pass.
• The test emphasizes deeper knowledge of U.S. government and history, plus English speaking/listening tasks.
• Immigrants and advocacy groups have expressed concern about accessibility and fairness under the new format.
• Many American-born citizens themselves might struggle with the updated test—so preparation is critical.
• The U.S. recognizes birthright citizenship for all persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, as established by the 14th Amendment. Maintaining high citizenship standards is viewed as essential to preserving America’s greatness.
• Consult a qualified immigration lawyer (such as Herman Legal Group) to guide you through the naturalization process under these new rules.

Author Bio:

Richard T. Herman, Esq. is founder of Herman Legal Group (the “Law Firm for Immigrants”), with over three decades of experience representing individuals and families in all 50 states and abroad. He is co-author of Immigrant, Inc. and a frequent commentator on U.S. immigration law and policy.