How many questions are on the citizenship test in 2026?

In 2026, the officer asks either up to 10 or up to 20 civics questions, depending on your N-400 filing date. If you filed before October 20, 2025, you get 10 questions from a 100-question bank and need 6 correct. If you filed on or after that date, you get 20 questions from a 128-question bank and need 12 correct.

How many questions do I need to pass the citizenship test?

You need 6 correct out of 10 on the 2008 test, or 12 correct out of 20 on the 2025 test. Both require 60% correct answers to pass.

Is there a 2026 citizenship test?

No. There is no separate 2026 test. In 2026, you take either the 2008 or 2025 version based on when you filed your N-400 application.

How Many Questions for Citizenship 2026?

In 2026, the USCIS officer asks either up to 10 or up to 20 civics questions at your citizenship interview, depending on your N-400 filing date. According to USCIS, if you filed Form N-400 before October 20, 2025, you get the 2008 test (10 questions, need 6 correct). If you filed on or after that date, you get the 2025 test (20 questions, need 12 correct).

Which Test Applies in 2026?

Important: USCIS ties your civics test version to when you filed Form N-400, not the day you actually take the test:

Filed before Oct. 20, 2025: 2008 civics test (100-question bank, up to 10 asked, 6 correct to pass)
Filed on or after Oct. 20, 2025: 2025 civics test (128-question bank, up to 20 asked, 12 correct to pass)

This means some people taking the test in 2026 will be taking the 2008 civics test version, and others will be taking the 2025 version. It all depends on when you filed your Form N-400.

Side-by-Side: 2008 vs 2025 Civics Test

Here is the simplest comparison:

2008 test: 100 total study questions, up to 10 asked, pass with 6 correct
2025 test: 128 total study questions, up to 20 asked, pass with 12 correct
Both versions: Oral interview format with a USCIS officer

USCIS officers stop when you either reach the passing number of correct answers or reach the failing number of incorrect answers.

What Changed in Question Content?

The 2025 bank is not only larger, it also changes some questions and accepted answers. For example, the 2008 test asks you to name three of the 13 original states, while the 2025 test asks for five.

Best Way to Prepare for the Test

For the most accurate prep, make sure you are studying for the correct version of the test and practice in the same oral format USCIS uses. Citizenry lets you practice with mock interviews for both test versions, so you can get comfortable answering out loud and track whether you are consistently hitting the passing score.

About the Author

Dr. Jennifer Brisbane is a researcher and engineer focused on helping applicants navigate the U.S. citizenship and naturalization process. She previously served as an adjunct assistant professor at the City University of New York, where she taught courses and conducted research related to immigration and public policy.

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