Which naturalization civics test you take depends on when you filed Form N-400. USCIS says people who filed before October 20, 2025 take the 2008 civics test, and people who file on or after October 20, 2025 take the 2025 civics test. The two tests have different question banks, different numbers of questions and different pass marks. This is a rule that changed recently, so check the USCIS pages linked below before you study.
The filing date decides the version
USCIS states it plainly on its interview and test page: "Aliens who file Form N-400 to apply for naturalization before Oct. 20, 2025, will take the 2008 naturalization civics test," and "Aliens who file Form N-400 to apply for naturalization on or after Oct. 20, 2025, will take the 2025 naturalization civics test." The Policy Manual repeats this using the word "must." The date that counts is the date you filed your application, not the date of your interview.
USCIS also keeps a "Check for Test Updates" page. It describes the 2025 test as applying to applications filed on or after October 20, 2025, and says USCIS published a Federal Register notice of implementation. USCIS can update its test pages, so look at that page before you start studying. We found no later 2026 change to the test version rules on the USCIS pages we read, which were last reviewed between September and October 2025.
The two versions compared
| 2008 test | 2025 test | |
|---|---|---|
| Applies to | N-400 filed before October 20, 2025 | N-400 filed on or after October 20, 2025 |
| Question bank | 100 questions | 128 questions |
| Questions asked | Up to 10 | Up to 20 |
| To pass | 6 correct | 12 correct |
| You fail after | 5 incorrect | 9 incorrect |
| Format | Oral | Oral |
For the 2025 test, USCIS describes "an oral test consisting of 20 questions from the list of 128 civics test questions" and says "You must answer 12 questions correctly to pass the 2025 test." USCIS says officers stop asking questions once you answer 12 correctly or 9 incorrectly, which is why the table says "up to". For the 2008 test, USCIS says "You must answer 6 questions correctly to pass the 2008 test." USCIS says you will fail the 2008 test if you answer 5 of the 10 questions incorrectly, and the 2025 test if you answer 9 of the 20 incorrectly.
USCIS also notes on its updates page that for questions about officials, "You must answer the question with the name of the official serving at the time of your naturalization interview."
The English test
The English test is separate from the civics test and has three parts. According to USCIS:
- Speaking. Your ability to speak and understand English "will be determined by a USCIS officer during your eligibility interview."
- Reading. "You must read aloud one out of three sentences correctly."
- Writing. "You must write one out of three sentences correctly."
Exceptions for age and years as a permanent resident
The Form N-400 instructions list two exceptions, based on your age and years as a lawful permanent resident when you file. You do not have to take the English test, and you can take the civics test in a language of your choice, if at the time you file you are:
- 50 years of age or older and have been a lawful permanent resident for at least 20 years; or
- 55 years of age or older and have been a lawful permanent resident for at least 15 years.
If you are 65 or older and have been a permanent resident for at least 20 years, the instructions say you may take a simplified version of the civics test. The Policy Manual measures age and years "at the time of filing the application" and says this test has 10 questions drawn from 20 specially designated questions, with at least six correct answers needed to pass. Which list you get depends on your filing date too: the 2008 list if you filed before October 20, 2025, or the 2025 list if you filed on or after that date.
A separate exception exists for a physical or developmental disability or mental impairment that has lasted, or is expected to last, 12 months or more. The instructions say to answer "Yes" to the disability exception question and submit Form N-648 with the N-400. Questions about whether you qualify are best asked of a licensed immigration attorney.
If you do not pass at the interview
The Policy Manual says "USCIS reschedules the alien to appear for a second examination between 60 and 90 days after the initial examination," and that you have two opportunities to pass. Only the portion you failed is retested. Failing again leads to a denial. Our guides on interview preparation and what to bring to the citizenship interview cover the rest of the day.
Common questions
I filed in September 2025 but my interview is in 2026. Which test do I take?
The USCIS pages tie the version to the filing date. Filing before October 20, 2025 means the 2008 test, even if the interview comes later.
Where do I find the study materials?
The USCIS Form N-400 page links to "Study for the Test" and "Check for Test Updates" pages. Use the one for your filing date.
Can I take the civics test in my own language?
The N-400 instructions say you can take the civics test in a language of your choice if, when you file, you are 50 or older with at least 20 years as a permanent resident, or 55 or older with at least 15 years.
Where can I read more about the form?
See our Form N-400 guide.
Official sources
- USCIS: The Naturalization Interview and Test
- USCIS: Check for Test Updates
- USCIS: 2025 Civics Test
- USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 12, Part E, Chapter 2: English and Civics Testing
- USCIS: Form N-400 Instructions
GreenLight is not affiliated with USCIS or the U.S. government. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.