Canadian Citizenship Test

About the exam

The Canadian citizenship test checks what you know about Canada: its history, geography, economy, government, laws and symbols, and the rights and responsibilities of citizens. Most adult applicants for citizenship take it, and a pass moves the application on to a possible interview and then the citizenship ceremony, where you take the oath.

Every question comes from the free official study guide, Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship. Most people now take the test online, from anywhere with a webcam, during a 30-day window set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Two things surprise candidates. The score you see at the end of an online test is only provisional until an officer reviews it, which can take days or weeks. And the test does not assess your English or French: language is proved separately, although an officer at an interview will notice how well you communicate.

Who has to sit it

Most applicants aged 18 to 54 on the day they sign their citizenship application must take the test; people under 18 or 55 and over do not, and IRCC can waive it in some situations. The test comes after the application: you must be a permanent resident, have been physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days in the 5 years before signing (with a partial credit for time as a temporary resident), have filed taxes for at least 3 of those years if required, and, if aged 18 to 54, show English or French speaking and listening at CLB/NCLC level 4.

What is on it

Rights and responsibilities of citizenship

The rights Canadians hold under the law and the duties that come with citizenship, such as obeying the law, voting and jury service.

Canada's history

The main periods and events that shaped the country, from Indigenous peoples and European settlement to Confederation and modern Canada.

Government, elections and the justice system

How Canadians govern themselves at federal, provincial and local level, how elections work, and how laws and the courts operate.

Symbols and identity

National symbols and what they stand for, and who Canadians are as a people.

Geography, regions and the economy

Canada's regions, provinces and territories, their features and the main sectors of the economy.

The paper

• 20 questions, each either multiple choice or true or false.
• 45 minutes; an online test is submitted automatically when time runs out, and the timer keeps running if you are disconnected.
• You pass with at least 15 correct answers out of 20 (75%).
• You can take it in English or French.
• You get 3 attempts within your 30-day test window.
• Online tests need a desktop, laptop or tablet with a webcam, Chrome or Safari, and no VPN; mobile phones are not allowed. The webcam takes random photos, and you must work alone without notes or other devices.
• Accommodations are available on request: a paper, oral or Braille test in person, or an oral test by Microsoft Teams video call.

How to book it

1. Apply for citizenship and pay the fee. You cannot book the test yourself or ask for an invitation; ask for any accommodation in the application or after you are invited.
2. Wait for your invitation, usually about 1 to 3 months after IRCC acknowledges receiving your application. It comes by email (from an address ending @cic.gc.ca or @canada.ca) with a 30-day window, your application number and your unique client identifier (UCI).
3. For the online test, sign in with your application number and UCI at any time during the window, including weekends, and request the test link by email. You do not need to be in Canada.
4. Have your ID ready for a photo: your permanent resident card (even if expired) or a valid photo ID that shows your signature, such as a driver's licence or health card. You also take a photo of yourself before starting.
5. If you fail, sign in again for another attempt within the window, up to 3 in all; for in-person and Teams tests IRCC sends a new invitation.
6. Track your result in the application status tracker; IRCC does not send email updates. After a pass you may be invited to an interview, then to the ceremony.

Fees and dates

Fee

No separate test fee; adult citizenship application fee CAD 653, including the CAD 123 right of citizenship fee (about EUR 440) (source 6)

When

Invitation usually 1 to 3 months after the acknowledgement of receipt; test any time in a 30-day window (source 4)

Attempts

3 attempts within the 30-day window (source 2)

Results

Online: provisional score at once, official after officer review in a few days to weeks; in person or Teams: official score straight after (source 3)

After failing all attempts

Invitation to a hearing of 30 to 90 minutes with an officer (source 3)

Fees and dates change: each is as its source stated it on 29 October 2026. Check it there before you book.

Questions people ask

How many questions are on the Canadian citizenship test?

There are 20 questions, multiple choice or true or false, and you have 45 minutes. All are based on the study guide Discover Canada.

What is the pass mark?

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

Can I take the citizenship test online?

Yes. Most applicants are invited to an online test, taken on a computer or tablet with a webcam during a 30-day window. IRCC may require some people to take it in person or by Microsoft Teams, and these formats are also used for accommodations.

Can I take the test in French?

Yes, the test is offered in English or French.

What happens if I fail?

You have 3 attempts within your 30-day window. If you fail all of them, you are invited to a hearing with an officer, who asks knowledge questions orally and may also check your residence and language; failing the hearing means the application is refused and you would have to apply and pay again.

Who does not have to take the test?

Applicants under 18 or aged 55 and over on the day they sign the application, and people who requested and were granted a waiver.

Does the test check my English or French?

No. Language ability is a separate requirement proved with your application, although an officer at an interview will note how well you communicate in English or French.

Why can't I see my result?

The score shown at the end of an online test is unofficial, and you cannot sign in again to view it, so save or print the results page. The official result appears in your application status after an officer's review.

Sources

1. How the citizenship test works — IRCC
2. Study for the citizenship test — IRCC
3. Citizenship test results and next steps — IRCC
4. Wait for a citizenship test invitation — IRCC
5. Take the online citizenship test — IRCC
6. Fee list — IRCC
7. Eligibility to apply for Canadian citizenship — IRCC
8. Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship — IRCC

Checked against these sources on 29 October 2026.