Naturalization Civics Test Reverted to the 2008 Version
USCIS implemented a revised civics test on December 1, 2020 as part of a routine decennial review — expanding the question bank from 100 to 128 questions, the number asked during the interview from 10 to 20, and the number of correct answers needed to pass from 6 to 12.
Published
2021-03-01
Summary
USCIS implemented a revised civics test on December 1, 2020 as part of a routine decennial review — expanding the question bank from 100 to 128 questions, the number asked during the interview from 10 to 20, and the number of correct answers needed to pass from 6 to 12. After finding the new test's development process, content, and rollout schedule may have created unintended barriers to naturalization, USCIS reverted to the longer-standing 2008 version (100 questions, 10 asked, 6 correct to pass) for any applicant filing on or after March 1, 2021. Applicants who filed between December 1, 2020 and February 28, 2021 and hadn't yet had their initial interview by mid-April 2021 could choose either version.
Current status
Superseded — see the 2025 Naturalization Civics Test entry below. The 2008-version test governed from March 1, 2021 until it was itself replaced for applicants filing on or after October 20, 2025.
Source: USCIS: USCIS Reverts to the 2008 Version of the Naturalization Civics Test
CaseWhy Plus
If you're tracking a case, get an answer grounded in this specific policy and your case's own facts.
General policy background, not a diagnosis of any specific case — CaseWhy's own case status API never confirms why a case is delayed. For guidance specific to your case, talk to a licensed immigration attorney.