In November 2020 the USCIS has released the 2020 version of the Naturalization test that contains 128 questions as opposed to the 2008 version of the Naturalization Test that contains only 100 questions. USCIS will administer the 2020 version of the civics test and 2008 version of the civics test at the same time for a certain time period. You will take one version or the other, depending on when you filed your Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.

The naturalization test has two components: an English and civics test. The English portion has not changed. You still must demonstrate an understanding of the English language, including the ability to read, write, and speak basic English.

What is the difference between 2008 test and 2020 test?

In the 2008 version of the civics test, there are 100 questions. The USCIS officer will ask you up to 10 questions. You must answer at least 6 questions correctly to pass.

With the 2020 version of the civics test, the USCIS officer will ask you to answer 20 out of the 128 civics test questions. You must answer at least 12 questions correctly to pass the 2020 version of the civics test.

Which civics test will I take?

If your Naturalization Application Filing Date (also known as a Received Date) is before Dec 1, 2020, you will need to take the 2008 version of the test (100 questions). If your Naturalization Application Filing Date is on or after Dec 1, 2020, you will need to take the 2020 version of the test (128 questions).

What if I fail the civics test?

If you fail the 2020 version of the civics test at your initial interview appointment, you will take the same test (2020) again at your second appointment. If you fail the 2008 version of the civics test at your initial appointment, you will take the same test (2008) again at your second appointment.

What if I qualify for the 65 / 20 Special Consideration?

Certain applicants, because of age and time as a lawful permanent resident, are exempt from the English requirements for naturalization and may take the civics test in the language of their choice. Further, these applicants only have to study 20 designated test questions.

If you qualify for the 65 / 20 special consideration and are required to take the 2020 version of the civics test based on your application filing or received date on or after Dec. 1, 2020, you will only need to study the civics questions that are marked with an asterisk found at the end of each question. From the list of 128 civics test questions, there are 20 questions that you will need to study under this special consideration. To pass the 2020 version of the civics test as someone who qualifies for the 65 / 20 special consideration, the USCIS officer will ask you to answer 10 out of the 20 civics test questions. You must answer at least 6 out of 10 correctly to pass the 2020 version of the civics test.