Civics Exam Changes Beginning October 2025
Starting October 20, 2025, USCIS is upgrading the civics exam for citizenship applicants (Form N-400). The question pool increases from 100 to 128 questions, and applicants must answer at least 12 out of 20 questions correctly (previously 6 out of 10).
What does this mean? It's not just about having more questions. The new exam doesn't just test memorization—it evaluates deeper understanding of how American democracy works, including the structure of federal government, the roles of state and local authorities, democratic participation in the digital age, and broader American history.
Who Is Most Affected?
Applicants age 65 and older who have been permanent residents for at least 20 years are tested on only 20 designated questions and may take the exam in their native language. This group experiences minimal impact.
However, applicants under 65 or who haven't been permanent residents for 20 years will face a significantly more challenging exam. In 2026, the naturalization process has undergone substantial changes—including a more difficult civics exam, heightened good moral character review, higher application fees, and more thorough vetting during interviews.
What Should You Prepare?
Some questions have answers that change based on current events—such as the names of the current President, Vice President, Speaker of the House, and your state's governor and U.S. senators. Make sure you learn the current answers, not from outdated study guides. Starting early 2026, verify the names of officials currently in office before your interview.
A challenge of the new exam is that it requires broader knowledge, not just memorization. Applicants cannot simply study the old 100 questions and hope to pass. They need to genuinely understand American history, government, and the legal system.
Are More Changes Coming?
USCIS has indicated that another redesigned exam is planned for October 2026. The exact content and format have not yet been announced. This means the exam could change again in the coming months.
Those who are currently eligible for naturalization may benefit from taking the current version of the exam before the next round of changes.
Important Note
If you do not pass the exam on your first attempt, USCIS will schedule a second interview within 60 to 90 days. You will only be retested on the section you did not pass.