The Canadian citizenship test, explained
Facts checked against IRCC: September 15, 2026
Who takes the test, how it works, what it takes to pass and what happens next — in short answers, each linked to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) page it comes from.
Who has to take the Canadian citizenship test?
In most cases, you have to take the citizenship test if you are between 18 and 54 years old on the day you sign your citizenship application. IRCC explains the exceptions, including when the test can be waived, on its page about how the test works.
How many questions are on the citizenship test?
The citizenship test has 20 questions, each either multiple choice or true or false, and you can take it in English or French. The questions cover the rights and responsibilities of citizens and Canada's history, geography, economy, government, laws and symbols. The test does not assess your language skills.
What is the pass mark for the citizenship test?
You need at least 15 correct answers out of 20 to pass the citizenship test, a score of 75%. If you take the test online, IRCC says your official result can take a few days or a few weeks to arrive.
Source: Citizenship test results (IRCC)
How long is the citizenship test?
The citizenship test is 45 minutes long. Online, once the timer starts you won't be able to stop it, so set aside the full 45 minutes before you begin. IRCC asks you to take it alone, in good lighting, without looking at any study materials, and with no other tabs, windows or programs open.
Source: Prepare for the online test (IRCC) · What not to do during the test (IRCC)
Is the citizenship test online or in person?
Most applicants are invited to take the citizenship test online, unless they need an accommodation. In some cases, IRCC may ask you to take it in person or on Microsoft Teams, and it offers other formats, such as an oral test or Braille, when you need one. Once invited to the online test, you have 30 days to take it.
When do you get invited to the citizenship test?
If you gave an email address in your application, IRCC sends the invitation by email. Otherwise, it mails it to you or may call you. Most people get it 1 to 3 months after receiving the acknowledgment of receipt (AOR) for their application. You can't book the test yourself or ask IRCC for an invitation. Once invited, you can make up to 3 attempts within the 30 days, on any day, including weekends and holidays.
Source: When you'll get a test invitation (IRCC) · How you'll get the invitation (IRCC) · When you can take the test (IRCC)
What do you need for the online citizenship test?
You need your permanent resident card, even an expired one, or valid photo ID with your signature. Use a desktop, laptop or tablet with a webcam and the Chrome or Safari browser — not a mobile phone, Chrome on an iPad, a Microsoft Surface Pro or a VPN. You sign in with your application number and UCI.
Source: Prepare for the online test (IRCC) · How to start the test (IRCC)
What happens if you fail the citizenship test?
If you fail the online test, you can try again within your 30 days, up to 3 attempts in all. If you fail all 3 times, IRCC invites you to a hearing with a citizenship official, which lasts 30 to 90 minutes and may include an oral knowledge test. If you don't pass the hearing, your application is refused and you would need to reapply and pay the fees again.
Source: Citizenship test results (IRCC) · Your test invitation (IRCC)
What happens if you miss your online citizenship test?
If you miss your first invitation to the online test, IRCC automatically sends you a new one. If you miss the second invitation and don't contact IRCC, it will abandon your application, which means it stops processing it. Tests held in person or over Microsoft Teams have their own rules for rescheduling.
Source: If you miss your test (IRCC)
What happens after you pass the citizenship test?
After you pass, IRCC may invite you to an interview with a citizenship official, depending on your case. IRCC then invites you to the citizenship ceremony, where you swear or affirm the oath of citizenship and sing the national anthem. IRCC sends the ceremony invitation at least 1 week before the date.
Source: Citizenship test results (IRCC) · At the ceremony (IRCC) · Ceremony timing (IRCC)
What should you study for the citizenship test?
The only official study guide for the citizenship test is Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship, published by IRCC. It covers the rights and responsibilities of citizens and Canada's history, geography, economy, government, laws and symbols — the same topics the test asks about.
Practice for the test
Study one topic at a time in the 11 practice categories, or try a 20-question mock exam that samples every topic in proportion to its share of our question bank.
True North Prep is not a government website and is not affiliated with IRCC. Rules can change, so always confirm the current details on canada.ca and in your own invitation from IRCC.