U.S. Citizenship Test 2025: Here are the 28 questions added to the exam

The new United States citizenship exam, which will take effect in 2025, expands the number of possible questions from 100 to 128, reintroducing the version implemented in 2020.

This update represents a strengthening of the civic and historical knowledge that applicants for naturalization must master.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) explained in a press release that the new format aims to more comprehensively assess applicants' knowledge of the country's history, government, and values.

The test remains an oral examination with 20 randomly selected questions, of which the applicant must answer at least 12 correctly. Previously, the person had to answer 6 questions correctly out of 10.

The officer can terminate the evaluation if 12 answers are correct or if 9 are incorrect.

But what are the new questions included in the 2025 study guide? After comparing the updated document with the previous version from 2008, 28 questions were identified that were not part of the prior exam.

These are the 28 new questions from the 2025 citizenship test:

1. What is the form of government in the United States?
2. What founding document declared that the American colonies were free from Great Britain?
3. Name two important ideas from the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States.
4. The words "Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" are in which founding document?
5. Many documents influenced the U.S. Constitution. Can you name one?
6. Why are there three branches of government?
7. Why do U.S. representatives have shorter terms than senators?
8. Why does each state have two senators?
9. Who do the members of the House of Representatives represent?
10. Who chooses the members of the House of Representatives?
11. Which amendment states that the President of the U.S. can only serve two terms?
12. Name one power of the president?
13. How many judges from the Supreme Court are typically needed to decide a case?
14. Why do Supreme Court justices serve for life?
15. What is Amendment 10?
16. Who can vote in federal elections, run for federal office, and serve on a jury in the United States?
17. What are three rights of everyone living in the United States?
18. What promises do new citizens make in the Oath of Allegiance?
19. How can people become United States citizens?
20. What is a way that Americans can serve their country?
21. Why is it important to pay federal taxes?
22. It is important for all men aged 18 to 25 to register for the Selective Service. Can you name a reason why?
23. What war did the Americans fight to gain their independence from Great Britain?
24. Name an important event of the American Revolution?
25. Why did the Americans declare their independence from Great Britain?
26. Why did the United States enter World War I?
27. Why did the United States enter World War II?
28. Who was the main rival of the United States during the Cold War?

These new questions reflect an intention to strengthen civic education with a broader and more demanding approach, covering everything from the foundational origins of the country to international conflicts of the twentieth century, as well as legal aspects and civic responsibilities.

USCIS also stated in an official announcement published in the Federal Register that the implementation of this exam is part of an effort to restore the integrity of the naturalization process and fulfill the intentions of Congress.

The agency emphasized that naturalization is a privilege, and that only those who meet all eligibility requirements, including proficiency in English, knowledge of the government system, and exemplary moral conduct, will be able to access citizenship.

USCIS also reminded that practices such as voting illegally, registering as a voter without the right to do so, or making false statements about citizenship automatically disqualify the applicant.

The evaluation of moral character will no longer be limited to the absence of offenses; it will now include a more comprehensive review of the applicant's social behavior and contributions to the community.

The agency will also resume field investigations in neighborhoods to verify that applicants meet the legal requirements and are worthy of obtaining citizenship. In the coming months, new measures will be announced to further strengthen this process.

Frequently Asked Questions about the New U.S. Citizenship Exam in 2025