The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has rolled out a revised civics test for naturalization, and it's longer than before. This updated version of the test, which assesses an applicant's knowledge of U.S. history and government, includes more questions and requires a deeper understanding of American civics.

The previous version of the test asked applicants 10 questions from a pool of 100, requiring 6 correct answers to pass. The new test, however, presents 20 questions from a pool of 128, and applicants must answer 12 correctly. The additional questions delve into more nuanced aspects of American government and history, such as the three branches of government, important amendments, and significant historical events.

USCIS states that the changes aim to create a more comprehensive and meaningful civics exam, ensuring that new citizens have a solid grasp of the principles that underpin American democracy. Critics, however, have expressed concerns that the increased length and complexity could create additional barriers for some applicants, particularly those with limited English proficiency or educational backgrounds.

Resources are available to help prospective citizens prepare for the new test, including study guides and flashcards from USCIS. The agency also encourages applicants to utilize educational programs offered by community organizations and libraries.