Can You Pass the New U.S. Citizenship Test? Here’s What Changed in 2025
Would you be able to pass a test about America’s history and government today? Many applicants are now finding that question harder to answer.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) introduced a revised civics test on October 20, 2025, for all new naturalization applicants. The updated exam includes 128 possible questions, from which 20 are selected at random. To pass, applicants must answer 12 correctly.
The new version places more weight on American history, and several questions now demand longer, more detailed responses. For many, especially those who speak English as a second language, the experience feels more challenging.
“It’s definitely more difficult,” said Jonathan Wong, an instructor at USCitizenshipTest, a tutoring service that prepares immigrants for the exam. He explained that the broader question pool and complex phrasing require deeper preparation.
These updates arrive as the Trump administration continues to tighten its review of citizenship applications and considers revoking some existing citizenships.
What Does the New Test Look Like?
The Washington Post recreated ten sample questions from the 2025 test. Two were from the older version, while eight are brand new. In the real exam, applicants speak their answers aloud, but here they appear in multiple-choice form for easier practice.
Sample Questions from the 2025 U.S. Citizenship Test
- Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?
A. Benjamin Franklin B. John Adams C. Thomas Jefferson D. George Washington - Which power belongs only to the federal government?
A. Print paper money B. Declare war C. Make treaties D. All of the above - Which amendment defines U.S. citizenship?
A. Second B. Sixth C. Twelfth D. Fourteenth - Name one event from the American Revolution.
A. Gettysburg B. Bulge C. Yorktown D. Plattsburgh - Why were the Federalist Papers important?
A. They supported passing the Constitution B. They caused the Civil War C. They broke from Britain D. They inspired the Declaration - James Madison is famous for what?
A. First secretary of state B. Drafted the Declaration C. Founded the University of Virginia D. President during the War of 1812 - When did all women get the right to vote?
A. 1919 B. 1920 C. 1925 D. 1931 - Why did the U.S. enter the Persian Gulf War?
A. To defend the U.S. B. To secure oil C. To drive Iraq from Kuwait D. To defeat Saddam Hussein - Name one American invention.
A. The lightbulb B. The stethoscope C. The computer D. The electromagnet - What is Memorial Day?
A. Honors military history B. Honors soldiers who died in service C. Marks summer’s start D. Honors veterans
For many immigrants, this test is more than an exam—it’s a milestone toward belonging. The questions test civic knowledge, but they also symbolize commitment to the country’s values.
The 2025 update aims to measure not just memorization but understanding. Critics argue it may discourage applicants with limited English skills, while supporters say it raises the standard for civic awareness.
Can you pass it? Take a few of these questions yourself and see how you score.
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