Iowa HF165 requires students to pass the U.S. citizenship civics test to graduate high school or obtain a diploma.

Iowa HF165 mandates that students in grades 9 through 12 must pass the U.S. citizenship and immigration services naturalization civics test to graduate and receive a high school diploma. Students must answer at least 60% of the questions correctly on the multiple-choice assessment. Those who fail can retake the test as needed. The bill also requires individuals seeking a high school equivalency diploma to pass the civics test. The state board of education will adopt rules to administer this requirement, which begins in the 2026 school year. No fees can be imposed for administering the test.

Iowa HF165 requires students to pass the U.S. citizenship civics test to graduate high school or obtain a diploma.

Iowa HF165 mandates that students in grades 9 through 12 must pass the U.S. citizenship and immigration services naturalization civics test to graduate and receive a high school diploma. Students must answer at least 60% of the questions correctly on the multiple-choice assessment. Those who fail can retake the test as needed. The bill also requires individuals seeking a high school equivalency diploma to pass the civics test. The state board of education will adopt rules to administer this requirement, which begins in the 2026 school year. No fees can be imposed for administering the test.