U.S. Citizenship Test 2025: What Really Changed & How to Prepare
The official civics exam remains the 2008 version (oral, 100 questions; the officer asks up to 10; pass with at least 6 correct). USCIS increasingly uses tablets for the English reading and writing portions, but civics is still oral. Policy guidance in 2025 emphasized a more holistic review of Good Moral Character (GMC). Verify changing answers (like current officeholders) right before your interview.
Executive Summary
In 2025, USCIS did not replace the 2008 civics test. The civics portion remains an oral interview. USCIS uses digital tablets in many offices for English reading and writing prompts, but not as a multiple-choice civics test. Separately, a 2025 policy memo on GMC may influence eligibility assessments and interview outcomes. Prepare accordingly.
- No new civics format launched in 2025.
- Tablets support English testing logistics.
- Verify officials’ names near interview day.
Fast Facts
- Civics: oral; 100 Qs; up to 10 asked; pass with ≥6.
- English: speaking (during N-400), read 1 of 3, write 1 of 3.
- Special rules: 65/20 set; medical disability (N-648) accommodations.
What Actually Changed in 2025
| Topic | Rumor/Expectation | 2025 Reality | What You Should Do |
|---|---|---|---|
| Civics format | Multiple-choice on tablets | No change Oral 2008 civics test: 100 Qs; up to 10 asked; pass ≥6 | Drill all 100 Q&As aloud; practice concise, accurate answers |
| Question bank size | Expanded to 128 questions | No change Official bank remains 100 | Use current USCIS 100-question materials only |
| English assessment | Only real-world forms & prompts | Core criteria unchanged; tablets may be used for reading/writing delivery | Daily reading/writing practice; rehearse N-400 vocabulary |
| Policy environment | New civics test already in force | GMC guidance emphasizes holistic evaluation; no new civics format | Bring proof of taxes, community contributions, rehabilitation if relevant |
Test Structure & Passing Rules
Civics (2008)
- Officer asks up to 10 from the official list of 100.
- Pass with ≥6 correct (60%).
- Some answers change (e.g., officeholders); verify before interview.
English
- Speaking: evaluated during the N-400 interview.
- Reading: read 1 of 3 sentences correctly.
- Writing: write 1 of 3 sentences correctly (often on a tablet).
Special Considerations
- 65/20: study the special 20 civics questions; take civics in your language.
- N-648 disability accommodations where applicable.
- Interpreter policies per current USCIS guidance.
8-Week Study Plan
Target ~6–8 hours per week. Use short, frequent sessions; weekly mock interviews; and verify changing answers close to interview day.
Common Challenges & Fixes
Oral civics answers
- Practice answering in one sentence; record yourself and refine.
- Shuffle topics (branches, rights, history) to simulate interview flow.
- Weekly mock: 10 rapid-fire questions with a partner or tutor.
English skills
- Daily 10-minute reading aloud (USCIS sentence lists).
- Writing dictation: 3 short sentences; focus on capitals and spelling.
- Learn N-400 vocabulary; answer in simple present/past.
Keeping names current
- Check USCIS “test updates” the day before and the morning of your interview.
- Create flash cards for current officials; replace as needed.
Test anxiety
- Simulate the interview setting (ID check, oath, small talk).
- Use box breathing (4-4-4-4) and rehearse first few answers to build momentum.
Preparation Workflow
Digital Tools & Tablet Tips
Official prep
- USCIS civics app (Android/iOS): practice the official 100 questions.
- USCIS flash cards, audio, printable booklets.
- Avoid outdated 128-question materials.
Tablet on interview day
- Reading/writing may be shown on a USCIS tablet; follow on-screen steps.
- Practice basic stylus/keyboard use at the library if needed.
- Ask the officer to repeat or re-display a sentence if unclear.
FAQ
Is the civics test multiple-choice in 2025?
What score do I need to pass?
Do I need to memorize current officeholders?
How do 2025 policy updates affect me?
Sample Practice
Civics (answer aloud)
- What is the supreme law of the land?
- How many U.S. Senators are there?
- Name one branch or part of the government.
- Who is the Commander in Chief of the military?
- What do we show loyalty to when we say the Pledge of Allegiance?
English (reading & writing)
Reading: “Citizens can vote.” — “The flag is red, white, and blue.”
Writing (dictation): “The President lives in the White House.” — “Congress makes laws.”
Where to Get Help
| Resource | What You Get | How to Use It |
|---|---|---|
| USCIS Citizenship Resource Center | Official 100 civics Qs, flash cards, audio, videos, booklets | Download updated materials; schedule daily practice |
| Libraries & Community Centers | Free ESL & citizenship classes; digital literacy workshops | Ask for tablet/keyboard practice and mock interviews |
| Nonprofits (e.g., IRC, Catholic Charities) | Low-cost prep classes; legal screening | Enroll early; bring N-400 and ID for review |
| Accredited Representatives / Attorneys | Eligibility review; GMC risk mitigation; interview prep | Fix issues (taxes, court records) well before interview |
Official Sources
Use these official pages for the latest materials and policy clarifications. Open each to confirm the current details before your interview.
Official 100-question civics materials, flash cards, audio, and guides.
uscis.gov/citizenship/find-study-materials-and-resources/study-for-the-testNames and answers that can change (e.g., elected officials), updated by USCIS.
uscis.gov/citizenship/.../check-for-test-updatesAuthoritative policy on testing procedures, exceptions, and scoring.
uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-12-part-eExplains interview flow; many offices use tablets for English reading/writing logistics.
uscis.gov/.../M-1122.pdfUSCIS formally discontinued the trial naturalization test redesign.
federalregister.gov/.../2024-30213Restores a holistic standard for evaluating GMC in naturalization cases.
uscis.gov/.../GMC-Policy-Memorandum_FINAL.pdfOfficial apps and self-study tools linked from USCIS.
uscis.gov/tools/uscis-tools-and-resources