How USCIS decides which civics test you take
It depends on the date USCIS received your N-400
Only the date USCIS received your Form N-400 counts, not your interview date. If USCIS received it on or after October 20, 2025, you take the 2025 civics test. If it was received before that, you take the 2008 test.
You’ll find the date on your receipt notice, Form I-797C, where it says “Received date”.
The 2025 civics test
The officer asks up to 20 questions from a list of 128, out loud. You pass with 12 correct answers. The officer stops as soon as you have 12 right or 9 wrong.
The 2008 civics test
The officer asks up to 10 questions from a list of 100. You need 6 correct answers, and the officer stops at 6 right or 5 wrong.
The 65/20 rule
If you were 65 or older when you filed and have been a permanent resident for 20 years or more, you only study the questions marked with an asterisk. The officer asks 10 of them and you need 6 right. You can take the civics test in the language of your choice.
If you don’t pass the first time
You get two attempts. If you fail the civics test at your interview, USCIS tests you again on that part between 60 and 90 days later.