What changed in the 2025 civics test?

USCIS rolled out a new naturalization civics test starting October 20, 2025 — the biggest update since 2008.

Which version do I take?

It depends on your N-400 filing date: filed on/after Oct 20, 2025 → 2025 version (128); filed before → 2008 version (100).

The changes, question by question

17 questions in the 2025 test ask “why”, against 4 in 2008. The new test checks that you understand the answer, not only that you memorized it.

Same question, more answers

If you studied the 2008 list, these are the easiest points to lose: the question looks the same, but you must now name more.

• 2008 #13Name one branch or part of the government.
  2025 #16Name the three branches of government.
• 2008 #51What are two rights of everyone living in the United States?
  2025 #65What are three rights of everyone living in the United States?
• 2008 #53What is one promise you make when you become a United States citizen?
  2025 #67Name two promises that new citizens make in the Oath of Allegiance.
• 2008 #64There were 13 original states. Name three.
  2025 #81There were 13 original states. Name five.
• 2008 #100Name two national U.S. holidays.
  2025 #126Name three national U.S. holidays.

Familiar topic, new question

The same idea is tested, but the question is asked differently, so a memorized 2008 answer may not fit.

• 2008 #3The idea of self-government is in the first three words of the Constitution. What are these words?
  2025 #4The U.S. Constitution starts with the words “We the People.” What does “We the People” mean?
• 2008 #4What is an amendment?
  2025 #5How are changes made to the U.S. Constitution?
• 2008 #5What do we call the first ten amendments to the Constitution?
  2025 #6What does the Bill of Rights protect?
• 2008 #8What did the Declaration of Independence do?
  2025 #9What founding document said the American colonies were free from Britain?
• 2008 #9What are two rights in the Declaration of Independence?
  2025 #11The words “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness” are in what founding document?
• 2008 #14What stops one branch of government from becoming too powerful?
  2025 #15There are three branches of government. Why?
• 2008 #49What is one responsibility that is only for United States citizens?
  2008 #50Name one right only for United States citizens.
  2025 #64Who can vote in federal elections, run for federal office, and serve on a jury in the United States?
• 2008 #57When must all men register for the Selective Service?
  2025 #72It is important for all men age 18 through 25 to register for the Selective Service. Name one reason why.
• 2008 #65What happened at the Constitutional Convention?
  2008 #66When was the Constitution written?
  2025 #82What founding document was written in 1787?
• 2008 #69Who is the “Father of Our Country”?
  2008 #70Who was the first President?
  2025 #86George Washington is famous for many things. Name one.
• 2008 #77What did Susan B. Anthony do?
  2025 #99Name one leader of the women’s rights movement in the 1800s.
• 2008 #82Before he was President, Eisenhower was a general. What war was he in?
  2025 #107Dwight Eisenhower is famous for many things. Name one.
• 2008 #84What movement tried to end racial discrimination?
  2025 #112What did the civil rights movement do?
• 2008 #99When do we celebrate Independence Day?
  2025 #125What is Independence Day?

Gone from the 2025 test

These 2008 questions have nothing on the same point in 2025, including most geography questions (rivers, oceans, territories, and the states on the Canadian and Mexican borders); the capital and Statue of Liberty questions stay.

• 2008 #6What is one right or freedom from the First Amendment?
• 2008 #10What is freedom of religion?
• 2008 #27In what month do we vote for President?
• 2008 #31If both the President and the Vice President can no longer serve, who becomes President?
• 2008 #45What are the two major political parties in the United States?
• 2008 #46What is the political party of the President now?
• 2008 #54How old do citizens have to be to vote for President?
• 2008 #56When is the last day you can send in federal income tax forms?
• 2008 #74Name one problem that led to the Civil War.
• 2008 #79Who was President during World War I?
• 2008 #81Who did the United States fight in World War II?
• 2008 #88Name one of the two longest rivers in the United States.
• 2008 #89What ocean is on the West Coast of the United States?
• 2008 #90What ocean is on the East Coast of the United States?
• 2008 #91Name one U.S. territory.
• 2008 #92Name one state that borders Canada.
• 2008 #93Name one state that borders Mexico.

New in the 2025 test

These questions have no 2008 counterpart. Grouped by topic; tap a number for the answer and an explanation.

65/20 special consideration

If you're 65+ and have had a green card for 20+ years, study just the 20 starred questions, take the test in a language of your choice, and answer 6 of 10 to pass. The 2025 starred questions:

USCIS publishes no mapping between the two lists. This comparison is our own reading of the two official question sheets, question by question. Chinese and Spanish are study translations, not official ones; the test is given in English unless you qualify for a language exemption (50/20, 55/15, or 65/20).