How the citizenship test works
You’ve sent your application, and the test is next. Here’s how it goes, step by step, so nothing about it catches you off guard.
Checked against IRCC’s pages on .
Questions
Who takes the test?
Most people who are 18 to 54 on the day they sign their application.
How will I be invited?
By email to you or your representative, if you gave an email address in your application. Otherwise, IRCC mails the invitation, or may call you. Most people get it 1 to 3 months after IRCC acknowledges receiving their application. For the online test, you have a 30-day period, with its dates in your invitation.
Is it online?
For most people, yes, on a computer or tablet with a webcam. IRCC monitors you through the webcam while you take it. Some people are asked to take it in person or on Microsoft Teams. If you need an accommodation, such as a paper, oral or Braille test, you can ask for it in your application, or after you receive your invitation.
How many questions are there?
Twenty, each multiple choice or true or false, in 45 minutes.
What’s the pass mark?
15 of 20.
What does it cover?
Canada’s history, geography, economy, government, laws and symbols, and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. All the questions are based on the information in Discover Canada, IRCC’s free official study guide.
Does it test my English or French?
No. The test has no language questions. You send proof of your language skills with your application, and IRCC may also assess them when you deal with its officials.
Can I take it in French?
Yes. It’s in English or French, your choice.
What if I don’t pass?
You have up to three chances within your 30 days. If you don’t pass after three, IRCC invites you to a hearing with a citizenship official, which lasts 30 to 90 minutes. The official may ask about your knowledge of Canada, your residence in Canada, and your English or French.
When will I know?
Online, you see a temporary score right away, which isn’t your official result, and IRCC’s review of it can take a few days or weeks. In person or on Microsoft Teams, you get your official result right after the test. After that, you may be invited to a ceremony, an interview, another try at the test, or a hearing.
Is it hard?
It covers what’s in one free guide, so it rewards steady preparation. Practise until the format feels familiar, and the day itself holds fewer surprises.
Try it before the day
Twenty questions in 45 minutes, written from Discover Canada. See where you stand, and what to review.
Sources
- Citizenship test: How it works (checked )
- Canadian citizenship for adults and minor children: Who can apply (checked )
- Citizenship test: Wait for a test invitation (checked )
- Citizenship test: Take the online test (checked )
- Citizenship test: Study for the test (checked )
- Citizenship test: Test results and next steps (checked )
- Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship (checked )