How the Canadian citizenship test works

The citizenship test checks that you know the rights and responsibilities of Canadian citizens, as well as Canada's history, geography, economy, government, laws and symbols. Here is what you need to know before you take it.

Who has to take the test?

You have to take it if you are between 18 and 54 years old on the day you sign your citizenship application. If you are under 18, 55 or older, or have been granted a waiver, you don't have to take it.

Test format

  • 20 questions, either multiple choice or true or false.
  • In English or French, whichever you choose.
  • Most applicants take it online. It can also be taken in person, in writing or orally, or orally on Microsoft Teams.
  • If you have special needs, you can ask for accommodations once you receive your invitation.

The invitation and the 30-day window

The invitation usually arrives by email, generally 1 to 3 months after the acknowledgment of receipt of your application. It comes from an address ending in "@cic.gc.ca" or "@canada.ca", so check your junk or spam folder.

For the online test, 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.

On the day of the online test

  • The test lasts 45 minutes. Once the timer starts, it can't be stopped, and your answers are submitted automatically when time runs out.
  • You take it on a computer or tablet with a webcam, in Chrome or Safari. Mobile phones are not allowed, and neither are virtual private networks (VPNs).
  • Before you start, you show a photo ID and take a picture of yourself.
  • During the test, you must be alone, keep your face visible to the webcam and not look at any study material or use any other device.

The pass mark

You need at least 15 correct answers out of 20, or 75%. Online, your score appears as soon as you submit the test, but it only becomes official once an officer has reviewed it, which can take from a few days to a few weeks.

If you fail

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

Once you pass the test (or the hearing), the next step is to wait for your invitation to the citizenship ceremony.

How to prepare

The questions cover the content of the official study guide Discover Canada, available free on the Government of Canada website. The best practice is to answer questions under the same conditions as the real test: 20 questions, aiming for at least 15 correct answers.

That is exactly what our free practice test offers: 20 questions drawn from a bank of more than 500, corrected with the guide page where each answer is found. Our study sheets also sum up the main topics to know.

Official source

This information comes from the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website, checked in September 2026. Rules can change: always check the official citizenship test page before taking yours.