SF 369 Civics Test Requirement for High School Equivalency Diplomas

Sep 14, 2026

SF 369 requires the Iowa Department of Education to develop and distribute a civics multiple-choice test covering the most recent USCIS civics questions. The test begins with the 2026–27 school year and must be administered annually to grades 9–12, with graduation requiring at least one passing score (60% correct). Districts, nonpublic schools, and adult programs must report results by June 30, and students may retake as needed, including accommodations and alternate assessments.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages3

Reading Time8 min

AccessFree to download

Senate File 369 (SF 369) Overview

Effective Dates and Implementation

Student Testing for Grades 9–12

Passing Score, Retakes, and Graduation

Reporting Requirements

High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED) Requirements

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Preparing for Success

Test Administration and Reporting

Accommodations and Alternative Test

SF 369 Civics Test Requirement for High School Equivalency Diplomas Senate File 369 (SF 369) became effective on July 1, 2025. The civics test is to be administered beginning with the 2026–27 school year and program year. 2025 Iowa Acts, Senate File 369 directs the Iowa Department of Education to develop a multiple-choice test comprised of all questions from the most recent version of the civics test issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services and distribute the test to school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and adult education and literacy programs. The Department must update the test on or before Jan. 31 following a general election inclusive of a presidential election and may revise the test as needed. Beginning July 1, 2026, school districts and accredited nonpublic schools must administer the civics test to students in grades 9–12. The test shall be offered annually at each grade level to provide multiple opportunities to achieve a passing score. Each student must attain at least one passing score as a condition of graduation. A passing score is defined as correctly answering at least 60 percent of the test questions. Students may retake the test as many times as necessary. School districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and adult education and literacy programs may modify the civics test for students with an individualized education program (IEP), a Section 504 plan, or who are English learners. For students with significant cognitive disabilities, an alternate assessment may be developed and administered. All entities must report results annually to the Department by June 30. SF 369 also establishes requirements for individuals seeking a high school equivalency diploma (HSED) . Adult education and literacy programs must administer the civics test to all students earning an HSED prior to issuing a diploma and ensure each student attains at least one passing score. The legislation also directs the Department to study the relationship between high school graduation ratesand the number of students attaining a passing score on the civics test, with findings reported to the General Assembly by June 30, 2029. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Preparing for Success 1. What resources are available to support students in taking the test? U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has several resources that may be helpful to students. Students can utilize this test study guide. Test Administration and Reporting 2. How should the test be delivered? The test is available as a Google Form and PDF on the Department’s Social Studies Instruction webpage. SF 369 requires school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools toadminister the multiple-choice test developed by the Iowa Department of Education. To support local implementation, the Department has provided the civics test in multiple formats. School districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools may determine the method of delivery, including use of a local platform (e.g. , Microsoft Forms, Canvas), provided the Department-developed test content is used. 3. Does the test need to be timed? No. The civics test is not required to be timed. 4. Does the civics test have to be proctored? Yes. Regardless of the delivery format, the test should be proctored to ensure test security and appropriate administration practices, similar to the HiSET tests. 5. In what grades can students take the test? For students in grades 9 through 12, the test must be offered annually at each grade level, and students may take it at any time during those years. Individuals pursuing a high school equivalency diploma (HSED) may take the test at any time, provided they achieve a passing score prior to the awarding of the diploma. 6. Can students retake the test if they don’t pass the first time? Yes. Students may retake the test as many times as needed to achieve a passing score. 7. C

FAQs

What resources support students taking the civics test?

USCIS provides resources that may be helpful, including a civics test study guide.

How is the civics test delivered and what formats are allowed?

The test is available as a Google Form and PDF. Districts and eligible schools administer the multiple-choice test developed by the Iowa Department of Education and may choose delivery methods (including local platforms) as long as the Department-developed content is used.

Who can modify or take an alternate civics assessment?

Programs may modify the test or develop an alternate assessment for students with an IEP, a Section 504 plan, significant cognitive disabilities, or who are English learners, and these results still must be reported as a percentage.

Sep 14, 2026

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