Will the New Citizenship Test Be Harder? We Answer Your Top 5 Questions About the 2025 Changes

Becoming a U.S. citizen is one of the most important steps in an immigrant’s journey. It gives the right to vote, serve on a jury, and hold certain jobs, while also carrying responsibilities such as defending the Constitution. The civics test is a key part of this process.

Starting October 20, 2025, USCIS will use a new version of the civics test. This test is based on the 2020 format, which was introduced for a short time and then stopped. The government says the change will create a fairer and more complete way to measure knowledge of U.S. history and government. (USCIS)

Many people now ask: Will the test be harder? Below we answer five important questions, and we also look at background, risks, and practical tips.

Question 1: What exactly changes in 2025?

The 2025 test makes several changes compared to the old 2008 test:

• Number of questions: You will be asked 20 questions, not 10. They will come from a bank of 128 possible questions. You must answer 12 correctly to pass. (USCIS)
• Stop-early rule: The officer can stop the test once you clearly pass (12 right) or clearly fail (9 wrong). In the 2020 version, officers had to ask all 20, even if the applicant already passed. (USCIS)
• Special rule for seniors: If you are 65 years or older and have lived in the U.S. as a permanent resident for at least 20 years, you get a shorter test. It includes 10 questions chosen from a reduced list of 20. You must answer 6 correctly. (USCIS)
• Overlap with 2008 version: This is not a completely new test. In fact, about 75% of the questions are the same as the 2008 version. The difference is in volume and structure. (Boundless)

Timeline: Who Takes Which Test

• Before October 20, 2025: Applicants take the 2008 civics test. This test has 10 questions, and you must get 6 right.
• On or after October 20, 2025: Applicants take the 2025 civics test. This test has 20 questions, and you must get 12 right.
• Age 65+ with 20 years of residency: You qualify for a shorter version with 10 questions (from a reduced list of 20). You need 6 correct answers.

Question 2: Why is USCIS making this change now?

The change is connected to government policy and a push for stronger standards:

• Executive Order 14161 (Jan. 2025): This order asked DHS to review how immigrants are integrated into American society. It called for programs that promote a “unified American identity” and stronger knowledge of U.S. history and government (USCIS)
• USCIS position: Officials say the 2025 version is more complete, fair, and standardized than the 2008 test. They believe it better checks whether applicants understand U.S. values, not just memorize facts.
• Part of a bigger plan: The civics test is one part of a larger change. USCIS is also:
  • Reviewing “good moral character” more carefully, including positive contributions such as work, family support, and community service
  • Restarting neighborhood checks, where officers may ask neighbors or co-workers about an applicant
  • Making disability waivers stricter, so fewer people are excused from the civics and English requirements (USCIS)

Some of these policies, such as limits on birthright citizenship, are already being challenged in court. The civics test itself is less likely to be blocked, but it is still part of this bigger political and legal debate. (National Law Review)

Question 3: Will the new test be harder?

The short answer is: yes, in some ways. But not in every way.

• Harder because:
  • The pool of questions is bigger (128 instead of 100)
  • The test is longer (20 questions instead of 10)
  • The passing bar is higher (12 correct instead of 6) (USCIS)
• Not harder because:
  • Most questions are the same as before (about 75%). (Boundless)
  • The stop-early rule means you may not need to answer all 20. (USCIS)
  • If you study early and use the official guides, you will not be surprised.

Erik Finch (Boundless, former USCIS officer) explains: “This 2025 version wears the major elements of the 2020 test… the key difference is that the officer can stop once the applicant passes or fails, rather than asking all 20 questions.” (Boundless)

Still, some experts warn the new test may create stress or cause backlogs in USCIS offices because interviews will take longer. USCIS says the stop-early rule should reduce this problem.

USCIS Director Joseph Edlow even called the current test “too easy” and suggested future changes may add essays. (Politico)

Question 4: What do the questions look like?

Examples from the 2008 version (still valid study material):

• “What is the supreme law of the land?” → The Constitution
• “Why do some states have more Representatives than other states?” → Because of population
• “Who signs bills to become law?” → The President (USCIS)

What is different now:

• The new list has 128 questions, including updates to reflect modern government and society. (USCIS)
• Some answers depend on who holds office (for example, the President, Vice President, or Speaker of the House). Since these positions change, applicants must check the USCIS “Test Updates” page. (USCIS)

Stop-early examples:

• If you answer the first 12 correctly, the officer can stop. You pass.
• If you miss 9 before reaching 12 correct, the officer can stop. You fail.

Question 5: When do the changes apply, and how should you prepare?

• Applications filed before October 20, 2025: You will take the 2008 test. (Federal Register)
• Applications filed on or after October 20, 2025: You will take the 2025 test. (USCIS)
• Seniors (65+ with 20 years of residency) keep their shorter version, no matter when they file.

Preparation tips:

• Start with the official 128-question list once it is published.
• Compare it with the 2008 list. You will see many familiar questions.
• Begin early. The test is longer, so give yourself months, not weeks, to study.
• Practice under interview conditions. Say your answers out loud, and try timed practice.
• Check updates. Some answers (like names of leaders) change often.

Moving Forward with Confidence

The 2025 civics test will change the way people prepare. It is longer and more detailed, but not completely new. Many questions are the same, and those who already studied are not starting from zero.

If you are planning to apply for citizenship, here are smart steps:

1. Check your filing date. File before October 20 for the old test, after October 20 for the new one.
2. Download the official questions. Focus on the 128 new ones once they are available.
3. Study early and cover all topics. Don’t just focus on what seems easy.
4. Stay updated. Rules and answers can change.
5. Practice often. Do mock interviews and answer questions aloud.

We understand how stressful these changes can feel. If you’re unsure whether to file before or after October 20, 2025, or simply want guidance preparing for the new test, schedule a consultation with Verdin Law today. We’ll walk you through the process, bring clarity to your options, and help you move confidently toward U.S. citizenship.