USCIS Reverts to 2008 Version of Naturalization Civics Test

On February 22, 2021, USCIS announced that the revised naturalization civics test (2020 civics test), implemented by the previous administration in December 2020, has been rescinded and replaced with the previously used 2008 civics test.  USCIS has reviewed the 2020 civics test and found that the “…development process, content, testing procedures, and implementation schedule may inadvertently create potential barriers to the naturalization process.”  This decision is pursuant to President Biden’s Executive Order on Restoring Faith in Our Legal Immigration Systems, which calls for a “…comprehensive review of the naturalization process to eliminate barriers and make the process more accessible to all eligible individuals.” 

Applicants who filed their application for naturalization on or after Dec. 1, 2020, and before March 1, 2021, likely have been studying for the 2020 test; therefore, USCIS will give these applicants the option to take either the 2020 civics test or the 2008 civics test. There will be a transition period where both tests are being offered. The 2020 test will be phased out on April 19, 2021, for initial test takers. Applicants filing on or after March 1, 2021, will take the 2008 civics test.

The test items and study guides can be found on the Citizenship Resource Center on the USCIS website. USCIS has also updated the Policy Manual accordingly; see Volume 12, Part E, English and Civics Testing and Exceptions, Chapter 2, English and Civics Testing."