If you filed the N-400 on or after October 20, 2025, USCIS will ask you up to 20 questions from a list of 128, and you must answer 12 correctly. If it was before then, use the 2008 exam.
The civics test administered by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for naturalization depends on the date the applicant filed Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. Those who filed on or after October 20, 2025, take the 2025 test: the officer asks up to 20 questions from a list of 128, and they must answer 12 correctly. Those who filed before that date take the 2008 test: up to 10 questions from a list of 100, with 6 correct answers required to pass.
USCIS announced the change on September 17, 2025 in a press release. The notification It was published in the Federal Register on September 18, 2025, and links the change to Executive Order 14161. The 2025 exam is based on the 2020 exam, with changes to how it is administered. As of October 19, 2026, USCIS maintains these rules.
How does the 2025 exam work?
It's oral. A USCIS system randomly selects questions from a list of 128, and the officer asks them during the interview. It stops after 12 correct answers or 9 incorrect answers. Both versions require 60% of correct answers, according to the USCIS Policy Manual.
Some answers change due to elections or appointments, such as the names of certain officials. You must answer with the name of the person holding the position on the day of the interview. USCIS publishes these answers on its website. exam updates.
The English test remains the same: the officer assesses how the applicant speaks and understands during the interview, and the applicant must correctly read aloud one out of three sentences and correctly write one out of three. If they fail any part, they have a second attempt: USCIS re-evaluates only the failed part between 60 and 90 days after the first interview, according to [source missing]. USCIS.
What age exceptions are there?
There are three exceptions; age and years are counted as of the N-400 filing date, according to the page of exceptions and adjustments:
- 50/20: 50 years or older and 20 years as a permanent resident (with green card, (the permanent residence card). It does not take the English test, but it does take the civics test, which can be taken in your own language.
- 55/15: 55 years of age or older and 15 years as a permanent resident. The same rules apply.
- 65/20: 65 years of age or older and 20 years as a permanent resident. In addition to being exempt from the English test, you receive special consideration: the officer asks 10 questions from a list of 20 marked with an asterisk (*), and you must answer 6 correctly. These 20 questions are taken from the 2008 or 2025 version, depending on the date of the N-400.
Those taking the civics exam in their native language must bring an interpreter to the interview who is fluent in both English and their native language. Individuals with a physical or developmental disability, or a mental impairment, that prevents them from meeting these requirements may request an exception using Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exception. According to USCIS, this form must be completed by a licensed physician, a certified osteopathic physician, or a certified clinical psychologist.
Where can I study for free in Spanish?
USCIS compiles its free materials on the page Study for the Exam. As of October 19, 2026, this is what we have:
- The official list of 128 questions and answers from the 2025 exam (M-1778) is published in English, as is the study guide "One Nation, One People." We did not find a Spanish version of the list of 128 on uscis.gov.
- The 100 questions from the 2008 exam in Spanish, The MP3 audio files are still available. They are for anyone who registered their N-400 before October 20, 2025.
- There is a Spanish practice exam of the 2008 version.
What does it mean to you?
- Look for the filing date of your N-400 on your USCIS receipt notice (Form I-797), in the "Received Date" box. That date determines which exam you are scheduled to take.
- If you submitted it on or after October 20, 2025, study the list of 128 questions: they will ask you up to 20 and you need 12 correct.
- If you took it before, study the 100 questions from 2008: they will ask you up to 10 and you need 6.
- If you were 65 years of age or older and had been a permanent resident for 20 years when you took the exam, you can study only the 20 questions marked with an asterisk in your version and take the exam in Spanish.
What can you do?
- Download the official list that applies to you for free from uscis.gov.
- If you qualify for an age exception and will be using Spanish, get an interpreter who is fluent in both English and Spanish.
- If you need a disability accommodation for your appointment, request it at uscis.gov/accommodations as soon as you receive the notice.
- Be wary of anyone who charges for materials that USCIS offers for free or promises that you will pass.
Frequently Asked Questions
The bank has 128 questions. The USCIS officer asks up to 20, and you have to answer 12 correctly; he stops asking questions after you get 12 correct answers or 9 incorrect answers.
You have the 2008 exam: up to 10 questions from a list of 100, and you need 6 correct answers.
Yes, if when presenting the N-400 you meet an age exception: 50 years old and 20 years of permanent resident status, 55 and 15, or 65 and 20. You must bring an interpreter; the civics exam is still mandatory.
If you are 65 years of age or older and have been a permanent resident for 20 years, you only study the 20 questions marked with an asterisk; they ask you 10 and you must get 6 right.
You have a second attempt. USCIS will re-evaluate the failed portion between 60 and 90 days after your first interview.
This information is general and does not replace the advice of a licensed immigration attorney or a representative accredited by the Department of Justice. The Latin Americans does not offer legal services.
