The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) has released an updated memorandum outlining revised requirements for the 2025–2026 Naturalization Examination. All Indiana public high schools must administer this exam as part of U.S. Government courses. Below is a summary of the key updates and requirements relevant to educators and administrators.
WHAT’S NEW FOR 2025–2026
Updated Exam Version
For the 2025–2026 school year, students will take the 2025 Naturalization Examination. This version includes a question bank of 128 items. During the exam, each student will answer 20 orally presented questions selected by the U.S. Government instructor. A passing score is 60 percent (12 correct answers out of 20) on the first attempt.
Who Must Participate
All students enrolled in a public school U.S. Government course that counts toward a General, Core 40, Core 40 with Academic Honors, or Core 40 with Technical Honors diploma must take the Naturalization Examination. This requirement applies to all course formats, including traditional U.S. Government, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, dual credit, and Cambridge International courses.
Passing Is Not Required for Course Credit
While participation in the exam is required, passing the exam is not a requirement for earning course credit or graduating. Students who do not pass still receive credit for the U.S. Government course. Retesting is not required by statute.
REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
Indiana law (IC 20-30-5-7(d)) requires school corporations to report Naturalization Examination data to the IDOE each semester or trimester using JotForm. All data must be submitted by June 30 each year. Required reporting includes:
– The number of students who took the Naturalization Examination
– The number of students who passed on their first attempt with a score of at least 60 percent
– The resulting pass rate Non-public schools are not required to administer the exam, but they may choose to do so and report results voluntarily.
