How to Prepare for Your Canadian Citizenship Test: A Step-by-Step Guide

The Canadian citizenship test is an important milestone on your journey to becoming a Canadian citizen. This simple guide will help you understand everything about the test, from how it works to how to prepare for it effectively.

What is the Canadian Citizenship Test?

The citizenship test assesses your knowledge of Canada’s history, geography, economy, government, laws, and national symbols. Passing this test is one of the final steps toward obtaining Canadian citizenship.

Let’s explore key aspects of the test:

• How it is conducted
• Eligibility requirements
• Preparation tips
• What happens on test day
• Next steps after the test
  
  

How is the Canadian Citizenship Test Conducted?

The citizenship test is available in English or French and lasts 45 minutes. Most applicants complete the test online, but accommodations like in-person testing or virtual formats are available for those with special needs.

• The test contains 20 questions, including multiple-choice and true/false formats.
• To pass, you must answer at least 15 questions correctly.
• If you fail, you get two more attempts within 30 days. After three failed attempts, you’ll attend a hearing with a citizenship official.

From January 2022 to June 2024, the test had a 92% pass rate, with most people finishing it in about 12 minutes.

Who Needs to Take the Canadian Citizenship Test?

You must meet the following criteria to take the citizenship test:

1. Permanent Residency: You must hold Canadian permanent resident status.
2. Residency Requirement: You must have lived in Canada for three out of the last five years. Temporary residents or protected persons can count each day in Canada as half a day (up to 365 days).
3. Tax Filing: You must have filed your taxes.
4. Language Proficiency: Proof of language skills in English or French is required.
   
   

The test is mandatory for applicants aged 18 to 54 years on the day of their application. Those under 18 or over 54 may not need to take the test but could be invited to an interview.

After submitting your citizenship application, you’ll receive an acknowledgment letter or email from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Shortly after, you’ll receive an invitation to schedule your test.

How to Prepare for the Canadian Citizenship Test

The best way to prepare is by studying “Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship,” the official study guide. It is available in various formats:

• Online text
• MP3 audio
• PDF or eBook download
• Printed copy
  
  

Once you’re familiar with the content, try practice tests to get comfortable with the format. Although the Government of Canada doesn’t provide official practice tests, resources like CitizenshipCounts.ca and the Richmond Public Library offer reliable options.

What to Expect on Test Day

Before the Test

• Choose your test date within the 30-day window provided in your invitation.
• Prepare your documents and ensure you have:
• Valid identification
• A compatible browser and device
• A reliable internet connection
• A quiet, well-lit space with a working webcam
  
  

During the Test

• Keep your face fully visible on the webcam.
• Ensure the test area is free of personal items and electronic devices.
• Avoid consulting notes, other people, or internet resources.
  
  

After the Test

• Your test results will be generated immediately online.
• IRCC will review and confirm your results within a few months.
  
  

Next Steps After Passing the Test

Once you pass, IRCC will contact you with instructions for the next steps, which may include:

• An interview with a citizenship official (if required)
• An invitation to the Canadian citizenship ceremony

At the ceremony, you’ll sing the Canadian national anthem and take the Oath of Citizenship. Once you take the Oath, you officially become a Canadian citizen!