The citizenship test is a crucial step in your journey to becoming a Canadian citizen.
This test assesses your understanding of Canada’s history, geography, economy, government, laws, and national symbols.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- How the citizenship test is conducted
- Eligibility criteria for taking the test
- Tips and resources to help you prepare
- What happens on test day
- What follows after you complete the test
How is the Canadian citizenship test administered?
The Canadian citizenship test can be taken in either English or French and lasts 45 minutes.
Most applicants complete the test online. However, if you face challenges such as accessibility issues, lack of internet access, or wearing a face covering, you can request to take the test in an alternative format, such as in person or via Microsoft Teams.
The test consists of 20 questions, which include multiple-choice and true-or-false formats. To pass, you need to answer at least 15 out of 20 questions correctly.
If you do not pass on your first attempt, you have two more chances within 30 days. Should you fail all three attempts, you will be required to attend a hearing with a citizenship official.
According to data released through an Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) request, the citizenship test had a pass rate of 92% between January 1, 2022, and June 14, 2024. On average, most participants completed the test in just 12 minutes.
Who qualifies to take the Canadian citizenship test?
To take the Canadian citizenship test, you must first meet all the requirements for Canadian citizenship. These include:
- Being a permanent resident of Canada
- Having lived in Canada for at least three out of the last five years
- Filing your taxes
- Demonstrating your language proficiency
For temporary residents or protected persons, each day spent in Canada counts as a half-day toward the physical presence requirement, up to a maximum of 365 days.
Eligibility for the test also depends on your age. If you are between 18 and 54 years old on the date you sign your application, you are required to take the citizenship test. Those under 18 or over 54 are exempt but may still be asked to attend an interview in certain situations.
Once your application for citizenship is submitted, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will review it for completeness and send you an acknowledgment of receipt (AOR) by letter or email.
Approximately a week after receiving your acknowledgment of receipt (AOR), you should receive an invitation to schedule your citizenship test.
If you provided an email address with your application, the invitation will typically be sent to you via email.
How can I get ready for the Canadian citizenship test?
To prepare for the Canadian citizenship test, start by studying the official guide, Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship. This guide is available in various formats:
- Read it online
- Listen to the MP3 version
- Download the PDF or ebook
- Order a printed copy
The time required to study depends on your learning style, prior knowledge, and study habits.
Once familiar with the content, practice with sample questions available online. Although the Government of Canada doesn’t offer official practice tests, platforms like Citizenship Counts and the Richmond Public Library provide tests that simulate the actual format, helping you build confidence and understanding of the material.
What happens on the day of the citizenship test?
Before for the Test
Choose a date and time for your test within the 30-day window in your invitation. During this period, you have up to three attempts to pass the online test.
Ensure you have the following ready:
- Valid identification
- A compatible device and browser
- A stable internet connection
- A functioning webcam
- A quiet, well-lit location free from distractions
During the Test
- Keep your webcam on with your face clearly visible at all times.
- Remove any items displaying personal information from the camera’s view to protect your privacy.
- Close all other tabs, programs, or windows, and disable any VPNs.
- Set aside any other internet-enabled devices.
- Do not consult notes, online resources, or other people for assistance during the test.
After the test
Once you’ve submitted your online test, your results will be generated automatically.
Your official test results will be reviewed and confirmed over the next few months, with instructions on the next steps provided.
If you pass, you will be contacted with details on the following steps, which may include:
- A potential interview with a citizenship official
- The Canadian citizenship ceremony
Whether an interview is required depends on your case and is determined by IRCC.
You will sing the Canadian national anthem at the citizenship ceremony and take the Oath of Citizenship. Once you take the Oath, you will officially become a Canadian citizen.
