Basic Civics for U.S. Citizenship - Dual Test Practice - The 2008 and 2025 Civics Tests

Sep 18, 2026

Uploaded by Mali

Basic Civics for U.S. Citizenship - Dual Test Practice prepares students for a USCIS transition between the 2008 and 2025 civics tests. It explains when the 2025 version applies based on a citizenship application receipt date and when the 2008 version applies for earlier filings. Guidance details question numbers, passing requirements, age- and residency-based study options, and language choice. The document then lists civics questions and accepted answers by unit for both tests during the transition period.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages24

Reading Time1 h 0 min

AccessFree to download

Transition Rules and Test Requirements

2025 Test Overview

2008 Test Overview

Dual Test Practice by Unit

Unit 1

Unit 2

Unit 3

Basic Civics for U.S. Citizenship Dual Test Practice: The 2008 and 2025 Civics Tests During 2025 and 2026 , students in citizenship classes may need to prepare for different versions of the USCIS civics test. The revised 2025 version will be required for all students who have a citizenship application receipt date on or after October 20, 2025. The previous 2008 version will be required for all applicants who filed before that date. (The reading, writing, and speaking tests remain the same.) This document lists the civics questions and answers covered in each unit of Basic Civics for U.S. Citizenship during this transition period when classes might include students preparing for either test. (The number in parentheses indicates the question number on the official USCIS lists of test questions.) USCIS guidance to applicants: 2025 Test: The USCIS Officer will ask up to 20 of the 128 civics test questions in English. You must answer 12 correctly (60%) to pass the 2025 Civics Test. If you are age 65 or older and a lawful permanent resident of the United States for 20 or more years, you may study just the 20 questions marked with an asterisk (*) . The officer will ask up to 10 of these questions. You must answer six out of 10 correctly (60%) . Or you may take the test in the language of your choice. 2008 Test: The USCIS Officer will ask up to ten of the 100 civics test questions in English. You must answer six correctly to pass the 2008 Civics Test. If you are age 65 or older and a lawful permanent resident of the United States for 20 or more years, you may study just the 20 questions marked with an asterisk (*) . The officer will ask up to 10 of these questions. You must answer six out of 10 correctly (60%) . Or you may take the test in the language of your choice. Note: Instructors should periodically check for test updates on the USCIS website: [https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship/find-study-materials-and-resources/check-for-test](https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship/find-study-materials-and-resources/check-for-test) updates Basic Civics – Dual Test Practice: The 2008 and 2025 Civics Tests Copyright © 2026 by Pearson Education, Inc. Page 1 of 24 Permission granted for use with Basic Civics for U. S. Citizenship. | UNIT 1 | | | --- | --- | | New 2025 Test | 2008 Test | | What is the capital of the United States? (119)
• Washington, D.C. | What is the capital of the United States?* (94)
• Washington, D.C. | | Where is the Statue of Liberty? (120)
• New York (Harbor)
• Liberty Island
[Also acceptable are New Jersey, near New York City, and on the Hudson (River).] | Where is the Statue of Liberty?* (95)
• New York (Harbor)
• Liberty Island
[Also acceptable are New Jersey, near New York City, and on the Hudson (River).] | | | What ocean is on the West Coast of the United States? (89)
• Pacific (Ocean) | | | What ocean is on the East Coast of the United States? (90)
• Atlantic (Ocean) | | | Name one state that borders Canada. (92)
• Maine
• New Hampshire
• Vermont
• New York
• Pennsylvania
• Ohio
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• North Dakota
• Montana
• Idaho
• Washington
• Alaska | | | Name one state that borders Mexico. (93)
• California
• Arizona
• New Mexico
• Texas | | | Name one of the two longest rivers in the United States. (88)
• Missouri (River)
• Mississippi (River) | | | Name one U.S. territory. (91)
• Puerto Rico
• U.S. Virgin Islands
• American Samoa
• Northern Mariana Islands • Guam | Basic Civics – Dual Test Practice: The 2008 and 2025 Civics Tests Copyright © 2026 by Pearson Education, Inc. Page 2 of 24 Permission granted for use with Basic Civics for U. S. Citizenship. | UNIT 2 | | | --- | --- | | New 2025 Test | 2008 Test | | Why does the flag have 13 stripes?* (121)
• (Because there were) 13 original colonies
• (Because the stripes) represent the origina

FAQs

When is the 2025 Civics Test required instead of the 2008 version?

The 2025 version is required for students whose citizenship application receipt date is on or after October 20, 2025.

How many questions must you answer correctly to pass the 2025 Civics Test?

You must answer 12 of up to 20 questions correctly (60%) to pass the 2025 test.

What study option is available for applicants age 65+ who are lawful permanent residents for 20+ years?

They may study just the 20 questions marked with an asterisk, and the officer will ask up to 10 of those; they must answer six out of 10 correctly (60%).

Sep 18, 2026

Uploaded by Mali