Explore Results for the 2022 NAEP Civics Assessment

In 2022, the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) civics assessment was administered to a nationally representative sample of eighth-grade students. The assessment measured students’ knowledge and skills in democratic citizenship, government, and American constitutional democracy. Students also answered survey questions about their opportunities to learn and their engagement with civics in and outside of school.

How Did Students Perform in Civics?

In 2022, the average civics score for eighth-grade students was 2 points lower compared to 2018. The 2022 average score was not significantly different compared to 1998, the first civics assessment year. Download a summary of the 2022 civics assessment results.

Read the Highlights

Figure Trend in eighth-grade civics average scores

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Scalescore0120130140150160170180300Assessment Year1998200620102014201820220
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NOTE: The NAEP civics assessments at grade 8 were administered in 1998, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022. The score-point difference cited in this report is based on the difference between unrounded scores as opposed to the rounded scores shown in the figure.

Detailed Civics Assessment Results

More detailed civics assessment results are available throughout this Report Card.

Assessment Results:

Average Scores

Student Group Scores and Score Gaps

NAEP Achievement-Level Results

Sample Questions

Survey Questionnaires

About the civics assessment

The NAEP civics assessment measures students’ knowledge and understanding of civics with three interrelated components: knowledge, intellectual and participatory skills, and civic dispositions. Taken together, these three elements are defined in the framework as the core elements of civics instruction in the United States. Learn more about the NAEP civics framework.

Assessment Design and Administration:

  • The National Center for Education Statistics administered the civics assessment between January and March of 2022.
  • A nationally representative sample of approximately 7,800 eighth-graders from about 410 schools across the nation participated in 2022.
  • The civics assessment was delivered on digital devices for the first time in 2018, as well as in a conventional paper-and-pencil format. In 2022, all students took the digitally based civics assessment.
  • Students answered questions related to civics for approximately 60 minutes.
  • Survey questionnaires were administered to students, teachers, and school administrators.

The Story of NAEP

The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) is a continuing and nationally representative measure of trends in academic achievement of U.S. elementary and secondary students in various subjects. It is the largest continuing and nationally representative assessment of what our nation's students know and can do in select subjects. It was first administered in 1969 to measure student achievement nationally. Teachers, principals, parents, policymakers, and researchers all use NAEP results to assess progress and develop ways to improve education in the United States.

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