Murthy Snapshot: New 2025 Civics Test for Naturalization

On September 17, 2025, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced the implementation of the new 2025 Civics Test for naturalization, replacing the 2008 version of the test. Here are the key points you need to know about the new test:

• Approximately 75 percent of the content on the 2025 Civics Test is from the 2008 version of the test, either verbatim or in a revised form. The remaining 25 percent is new content.
• The 2025 Civics Test consists of a bank of 128 possible civics test questions from which 20 questions will be randomly selected for each individual test.
• An applicant for naturalization is only required to answer 12 out of the 20 questions correctly. When 12 questions are answered correctly, the officer will end the test.
• Notice of the 2025 Civics Test was published in the Federal Register on September 18, 2025. The new test will be administered to applicants who file for naturalization 30 days or more after the publication date. Individuals who have already filed for naturalization, or who file a naturalization application less than 30 days after the publication date, will take the 2008 test.

Your Takeaway

Studying for and taking the civics test has long been a critical part of applying for naturalization. The new 2025 Civics Test includes more questions and will be more rigorous. However, with proper preparation and studying, individuals will hopefully pass with flying colors.

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