US Citizenship Test 2025: Major Overhaul Introduces More Questions, Higher Passing Score

The United States has made its citizenship test significantly more difficult. New rules from US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) took effect on October 20, 2025. The changes impact all applicants who filed for naturalization on or after that date. This represents the first major revision to the test in over fifteen years.

The overhaul is designed to ensure a deeper understanding of American civics. Officials state the previous version was too easy to pass.

Key Changes to the 2025 US Citizenship Test

The revised test now includes 20 civics questions, doubling the previous requirement. Applicants must answer at least 12 questions correctly to pass. This raises the passing score from the old requirement of six correct answers out of ten.

According to USCIS, the changes aim to foster a unified American identity. The agency wants to ensure applicants grasp the nation’s founding principles. The entire question pool has also expanded from 100 to 128 items.

Test administrators now have instructions to end the exam early. This happens if an applicant correctly answers 12 questions. It also stops if they incorrectly answer nine questions.

Who is Affected by the New Citizenship Test Rules?

Not everyone will face the new, more challenging exam. Applicants who filed their paperwork before October 20, 2025, will take the older 2008 test version. This provides a clear cutoff date for the policy change.

Some older, long-term residents will receive special consideration. Applicants aged 65 or older who have been lawful permanent residents for at least 20 years may take a simpler, 10-question test. Their questions can be drawn from either the 2008 or 2025 question banks.

English language proficiency requirements remain unchanged. Candidates must still demonstrate skills in reading, writing, speaking, and understanding English. The civics test is just one part of the broader naturalization process.

A senior USCIS official previously told Reuters that the prior exam was “just too easy.” The goal is to ensure new citizens fully comprehend the responsibilities and meaning of US citizenship.

The revised US Citizenship Test marks a significant shift in immigration policy, placing a stronger emphasis on civic knowledge for those seeking to become Americans.

Thought you’d like to know

What is the new passing score for the US citizenship test?

Applicants must now answer 12 out of 20 civics questions correctly. This is a higher bar than the previous requirement of 6 out of 10 correct answers.

Who has to take the new 2025 citizenship test?

The new test applies to all applicants who filed for naturalization on or after October 20, 2025. Those who applied before this date will take the older version of the exam.

How many questions are in the new civics test?

The test now presents 20 questions to each applicant. The overall bank of potential questions has also grown from 100 to 128.

Are there any exceptions to the new test rules?

Yes. Applicants who are 65 or older and have been green card holders for 20+ years may qualify for a simpler, 10-question test based on a special question set.

Why was the US citizenship test changed?

USCIS officials stated the previous test was too easy. The changes aim to ensure a deeper understanding of US history, government, and civic principles.