Archive · 26 Oct 2025
US Citizenship Test Changes: What to Know
The US citizenship test has gotten harder.
If you want to become a US citizen, you now have to answer more questions correctly to pass.
The test changed on October 20.
Instead of 10 questions, applicants now have 20, and they must get at least 12 right.
The government wants to make sure people understand what it means to be a US citizen.
If you applied for citizenship before this date, you will take the old test.
The US citizenship test has become more challenging.
The new rules affect applications submitted on or after October 20, 2025.
Applicants must answer 20 civics questions and get at least 12 correct.
The total question pool has increased from 100 to 128.
Those who filed before October 20 still take the older test version.
- Who
- Immigrants applying for US citizenship and USCIS.
- What
- The US citizenship test has been updated with more challenging requirements.
- When
- The changes went into effect on October 20, 2025.
- Where
- United States
- Why
- USCIS wants to ensure applicants have a thorough understanding of US civics, laws, history, and principles.
Immigration Advocates
USCIS
Test Difficulty
Immigration Advocates
Not available in article
USCIS
The older version was 'too easy'.
- Test Version
- 2020 Naturalization Civics Test
- Effective Date
- October 20, 2025
- Questions Asked
- 20
- Passing Score
- 12 correct answers
- Test Bank Size
- 128 questions
- Exemptions
- Applicants 65+ with 20 years residency
