Canadian citizenship test: frequently asked questions

Anyone who is between 18 and 54 years old on the day they sign their citizenship application. People under 18, 55 or older, or who have been granted a waiver don't have to take it.

Yes, if you are 18 to 54. It's a separate requirement from the test: with your citizenship application, you send proof that you can speak and listen in English or French at Canadian Language Benchmarks level 4 or higher (CLB 4, or NCLC 4 in French). This can be, for example, the results of an approved language test, or a diploma from secondary or post-secondary studies completed in English or French. The full list is on IRCC's language proof page.

The test has 20 questions, either multiple choice or true or false.

You need at least 15 correct answers out of 20, or 75%.

The online test lasts 45 minutes. Once the timer starts, it can't be stopped, and your answers are submitted automatically when time runs out.

Yes. You can take the test in English or French, whichever you choose.

No. The online test is taken on a computer or tablet with a webcam, in Chrome or Safari. Mobile phones and virtual private networks (VPNs) are not allowed.

Usually 1 to 3 months after the acknowledgment of receipt of your application, most often by email. It comes from an address ending in "@cic.gc.ca" or "@canada.ca", so check your junk or spam folder too.

The invitation sets a 30-day period. You can take the test whenever you like during that period, including weekends and holidays, but not before or after it.

The test covers the rights and responsibilities of Canadian citizens, as well as Canada's history, geography, economy, government, laws and symbols. The official study guide, Discover Canada, is free: you can read it online, download it, listen to the audio version or get a paper copy.

IRCC doesn't mention questions specific to your province: the test covers the topics of the guide. The guide does, however, include a section on Canada's regions (provinces, territories, capitals), which is worth knowing. Our practice test also offers, as an option, a few questions on your province or territory (premier, lieutenant governor or commissioner, governing party, capital): these are current facts that don't come from the guide.

You get up to 3 attempts within the 30-day period. After three failed attempts, you are invited to a hearing with a citizenship official, which lasts 30 to 90 minutes.

For the online test, if you miss the 30-day period once, a new invitation is sent to you automatically and you keep your 3 attempts. If you miss it a second time, you must write to IRCC to explain why; otherwise, your application stops being processed and you have to start over.

For a test in person or on Microsoft Teams, contact IRCC within 30 days to explain why you missed it. If you don't, a new test is scheduled automatically, but it will be your last chance.

For the online test, your score appears as soon as you submit, but it only becomes official once an officer has reviewed it, which can take from a few days to a few weeks. For a test in person or on Microsoft Teams, you get your official result right away.

The next step is to wait for your invitation to the citizenship ceremony.

Yes. If you have special needs, you can ask for accommodations once you receive your invitation. The test can also be taken in person, in writing or orally, or orally on Microsoft Teams.

No. GoCitizenCan! is an independent study tool, not affiliated with the Government of Canada. Our questions are written from the content of the Discover Canada guide: they are not the questions of the official test.

Yes, completely, with no sign-up. You'll find a practice test of 20 questions drawn from a bank of more than 500, under the same conditions as the real test, and study sheets to download.