Do I Need to Take the Canadian Citizenship Test, and What's on It?
You need to take the citizenship test if you're 18 to 54 years old on the day you sign your application. Most people take it online, in English or French. It has 20 questions, takes 45 minutes, and you need 15 correct (75%) to pass. Questions come from the official study guide, Discover Canada. You get 3 chances within a 30-day window.
Who has to take it?
Applicants aged 18 to 54 on the date they sign their citizenship application. If you're under 18 or 55 or older, you generally don't take the test.
How the test works
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Format | Usually online; some people are asked to take it in person or by video |
| Questions | 20, multiple-choice or true/false |
| Time | 45 minutes |
| Pass mark | 15 out of 20 (75%) |
| Language | English or French |
| Window | 30 days from the invitation |
| Attempts | Up to 3 within your test period |
What's on it?
Questions are based on Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship. Topics include:
- Canadian history and geography
- The economy
- Government and how it works
- Laws, rights and responsibilities
- National symbols
Also learn facts about your own province or territory, such as its capital and government.
What if I don't pass?
- You have up to 3 chances to pass within your 30-day test period.
- If you don't pass after all attempts, you'll be invited to a hearing with a citizenship official.
- Even if you pass, IRCC may invite you to an interview, depending on your case.
How to prepare
- Read Discover Canada fully, more than once.
- Use IRCC's practice questions on its study page.
- Learn your province's details.
- Be careful with third-party practice tests: they aren't official.
- Check your email for your invitation so you don't miss your 30-day window.
Accommodations, such as paper, oral or Braille formats, are available if you need them.
Common mistakes we see
- Missing the invitation email. Watch your inbox and spam folder.
- Studying unofficial guides only. The test is based on Discover Canada.
- Forgetting provincial content.
- Waiting until the last day of the 30-day window.
Every situation is different. GLC Immigration Consulting can help in three ways:
- Consultation: a one-on-one session with Osaro Ezomo, RCIC, to review your situation and your options.
- Full representation: we prepare and submit your application and act as your authorized representative with IRCC, from start to finish.
- Pre-submission review: you prepare your own application, and we review it for errors, gaps and risks before you submit.
To request full representation or a pre-submission review, or for any other question, email us at hello@gradlifecanada.ca.
Frequently asked questions
Who has to take the Canadian citizenship test?
Applicants who are 18 to 54 years old on the day they sign their citizenship application.
How many questions are on the citizenship test?
20 questions. You have 45 minutes.
What is the pass mark for the citizenship test?
At least 15 out of 20 correct, or 75%.
What happens if I fail the citizenship test?
You have up to 3 chances within a 30-day test period. If you don't pass after all attempts, you'll be invited to a hearing with a citizenship official.
What should I study for the citizenship test?
The official study guide, Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship, plus IRCC's practice questions.
Fact-checked: Based on IRCC's citizenship test pages: How it works, Study for the test and Test results and next steps (all modified March 31, 2026). Verified November 6, 2026.
Disclaimer: This article is general information only and is not legal or immigration advice. Immigration rules change often. For advice on your situation, speak with a licensed immigration professional.
Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant, licensed by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC), licence #R711785. Osaro is the principal consultant at GLC Immigration Consulting in Calgary, Alberta, helping clients with Express Entry, provincial nomination, work and study permits and family sponsorship.
Book a consultation · hello@gradlifecanada.ca