Becoming a Canadian citizen is a significant milestone, and the citizenship test is one of the final steps in the journey. This guide will help you prepare for the test, understand the format, and ensure you’re ready for success.
What Is the Canadian Citizenship Test?
The Canadian citizenship test evaluates your knowledge of Canada’s history, geography, economy, government, laws, and symbols. The test is available in both English and French and lasts 45 minutes. It consists of 20 questions in multiple-choice or true/false format. To pass, you must answer at least 15 of the 20 questions correctly.
Most applicants take the test online. However, you can request to take the test in other formats (such as in person or through Microsoft Teams) if you have issues with accessibility, accessing the internet, or removing a face covering.
If you don’t pass on the first try, you get two more attempts within 30 days. If you fail all three attempts, you will be invited to a hearing with a citizenship official.
Who Needs to Take the Citizenship Test?
To be eligible for the Canadian citizenship test, you must meet all the requirements to become a citizen, including:
- Being a Canadian permanent resident
- Living in Canada for at least three out of the last five years
- Filing your taxes
- Proving your language skills
Note: Temporary residents and protected persons can count each day spent in Canada as a half-day towards the residency requirement, up to a maximum of 365 days.
If you’re between 18 and 54 years old on the day you sign your citizenship application, you must take the test. Those under 18 or over 54 are exempt but may be invited for an interview.
Once you submit your citizenship application, you will receive an acknowledgment of receipt (AOR) after IRCC confirms your application is complete. About a week after receiving your AOR, you should expect an invitation to schedule your test. If you provided your email address, this invitation will come via email.
How to Prepare for the Canadian Citizenship Test
To prepare for the test, study the official guide called Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship. The guide is available in various formats:
- Read it online
- Listen to the MP3 version
- Download the PDF or ebook
- Order a paper copy
The time you’ll need to study depends on your learning style and familiarity with the content. Once you feel comfortable with the material, practice tests are a great way to reinforce your knowledge. While there are no official government practice tests, some resources like CitizenshipCounts.ca and Richmond Public Library offer free practice tests that simulate the real thing.
What to Expect on Test Day
Before the Test
- Schedule your test at a convenient time within the 30-day window after receiving the invitation.
- Ensure you have everything you need, including:
- Identification
- A compatible device and browser
- Reliable internet
- A working webcam
- A quiet, well-lit space
During the Test
- Make sure your webcam is turned on and your face is visible.
- Remove personal information from the view of the camera.
- Close other windows, programs, and turn off any VPN.
- Store away other electronic devices with internet access.
- Do not consult any notes or other people during the test.
After the Test
Once you’ve submitted your answers, your results will be generated automatically. You will be notified about your official results within a few months.
If you pass, you’ll be informed of the next steps, which may include an interview with a citizenship official and, finally, your citizenship ceremony. At the ceremony, you’ll sing the Canadian national anthem and take the Oath of Citizenship. After taking the Oath, you officially become a Canadian citizen.
Preparing for the Canadian citizenship test may seem daunting, but with the right resources and study habits, it can be manageable. Follow this guide, use the Discover Canada study guide, and take advantage of practice tests to build your confidence. Soon, you’ll be ready to join thousands of others in proudly becoming a Canadian citizen.
Ready to take the next step towards Canadian citizenship? Start studying today and prepare to ace your test!