Questions & answers
Everything people ask about the test
Clear, accurate answers to the questions that come up most before sitting the Canadian citizenship test -- pass mark, format, booking, how to prepare and more.
How many questions are on the Canadian citizenship test?
The Canadian citizenship test has 20 multiple-choice and true/false questions. You get 45 minutes to answer them, and you must answer at least 15 correctly (75%) to pass.
What is the pass mark for the Canadian citizenship test?
The pass mark for the Canadian citizenship test is 75%. That means you must answer at least 15 of the 20 questions correctly. 6 or more wrong answers is a fail.
How long is the Canadian citizenship test?
You have 45 minutes to answer all 20 questions on the Canadian citizenship test. That is a generous amount of time -- most candidates finish comfortably within the limit.
How do you book the Canadian citizenship test?
You do not book the Canadian citizenship test yourself. After you apply for citizenship, IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) reviews your application and sends you an invitation to take the test -- the test is now usually a self-administered online test, and your invitation gives you a window in which to complete it.
What happens if you fail the Canadian citizenship test?
If you fail the Canadian citizenship test, you generally get more than one try -- the self-administered online test allows up to three attempts. If you still do not pass, you will be referred to a hearing with a citizenship officer who will assess your knowledge.
Who needs to take the Canadian citizenship test?
You must pass the Canadian citizenship knowledge test if you are applying for citizenship and are between 18 and 54 years old. Applicants under 18 or aged 55 and over are exempt from the written test.
What is the format of the Canadian citizenship test?
The Canadian citizenship test is usually a self-administered online test of 20 multiple-choice and true/false questions completed in 45 minutes. In some cases, it may be conducted in person or as an oral interview with a citizenship officer instead.
What should you study for the Canadian citizenship test?
Study "Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship" -- the free official IRCC guide. All 20 test questions are drawn from its five chapters covering rights, symbols, history, government, and geography.