2025 vs 2008 Civics Test: Which One Do You Take?
Applications filed on or after October 20, 2025 take the 2025 civics test: 128 questions, up to 20 asked, 12 to pass. Earlier applications take the 2008 test. See every difference.
Updated
Which test do you take?
Which civics test you take depends on when you filed your Form N-400, not on when your interview is:
- Filed on or after October 20, 2025: you take the 2025 civics test.
- Filed before October 20, 2025: you take the 2008 civics test.
Look for the "Received Date" on your Form I-797C receipt notice.
The two tests side by side
Both tests are oral: the officer asks the questions out loud and you answer out loud. The officer stops as soon as you reach the passing score, or as soon as you can no longer reach it.
| 2025 test | 2008 test | 65/20 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Questions to study | 128 | 100 | 20 marked questions |
| Asked at most | 20 | 10 | 10 |
| Correct to pass | 12 | 6 | 6 |
| Test ends after this many wrong | 9 | 5 | 5 |
What the questions cover
2025 test
- American Government72
- American History46
- Symbols and Holidays10
2008 test
- American Government57
- American History30
- Integrated Civics13
How much overlap is there?
38 of the 100 questions on the 2008 test appear word for word on the 2025 test. For 19 of them, the list of accepted answers is not the same on both tests, so study the answers for the test you’re taking. Every question page on this site shows whether the question is on both tests.
Questions about people in office
Some questions ask who holds an office right now, such as the President, the Vice President or the Speaker of the House, and others depend on where you live: your U.S. senators, representative, governor and state capital. Answer with the people in office on the day of your interview. USCIS posts changes on its test updates page.
If you’re 65 or older
With the 65/20 special consideration you study only 20 marked questions from your test. The officer asks 10 and you need 6 correct. See the 65/20 questions and who qualifies.
Practice for your test
- 2025 mock test (20 questions, 12 to pass) or 2008 mock test (10 questions, 6 to pass)
- All 128 questions for 2025 and all 100 questions for 2008, with answers and audio
Official sources
This guide is based on the official USCIS materials below. Always check them, and your appointment notice, for your own case.
- Check for test updates (uscis.gov)
- 2025 test: 128 questions (PDF) (uscis.gov)
- 2008 test: 100 questions (PDF) (uscis.gov)
Practice out loud with Officer Michael in the app
A Virtual Officer asks every civics question out loud, listens to your answer and grades it like a real interview. All 128 questions, answers for your state, and progress that tells you when you're ready.
Related guides
- How Many Questions Are on the Citizenship Test?How many questions you study, and how many the officer asks.
- Citizenship Test Passing Score: How Many Do You Need Right?How many correct answers you need, and when the officer stops asking.
- What Happens at the Naturalization InterviewThe interview step by step, and 27 N-400 questions with sample answers you can hear.