If you are considering applying for U.S. citizenship, it is important to act quickly. Starting October 20, 2025, USCIS will implement a new version of the naturalization civics test. This change will make the test more challenging for future applicants.
What Is Changing
Under the current version of the exam, applicants are asked up to ten questions drawn from a pool of 100. You must answer at least six correctly to pass.
Beginning October 20, 2025, the revised test will double the number of questions. Applicants will be asked up to twenty questions drawn from a larger pool of 128. To pass, you must answer at least twelve correctly. Officers will stop asking questions once you have either reached twelve correct answers or nine incorrect answers.
Who Will Be Affected
The changes only apply to applicants who file their Form N-400 on or after October 20, 2025. If you file before that date, or if your application is already pending, you will continue under the current, simpler version of the exam.
There will still be a special accommodation known as the 65/20 rule. Applicants who are age 65 or older and who have held permanent resident status for at least 20 years will continue to take a simplified version of the test, with fewer questions drawn from a smaller pool.
Why USCIS Is Updating the Test
USCIS has explained that the 2025 civics test revision is intended to more thoroughly measure applicants’ knowledge of U.S. history, government, and civics, in line with congressional requirements. The new test is part of a broader effort to update and strengthen the naturalization process.
What You Should Do Now
If you are eligible to apply for citizenship, the safest approach is to file your N-400 before October 20, 2025. Doing so ensures that you will take the current version of the exam. Waiting until after the deadline will mean preparing for a larger question pool and a more difficult passing standard.
It is also important to begin studying early, especially if you think you may not file until after October. USCIS will be publishing updated study materials for the new test. Make sure you are using the correct version so you are not caught off guard.
Bottom Line
This is the first major update to the naturalization exam in many years. For applicants who want to take advantage of the current, easier test, the time to act is now. Filing before October 20, 2025, will lock you into the existing rules and help you avoid unnecessary obstacles on your path to citizenship.
