Canadian Citizenship Test 2026: Format, Pass Mark, Retakes

The citizenship test checks that you have an adequate knowledge of Canada and of the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship, as required by paragraph 5(1)(e) of the Citizenship Act for applicants aged 18 to 54. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) invites you to the test after you apply. You cannot book it yourself.

Multiple-choice or true-or-false questions

20

Correct answers to pass (75%)

15/20

Time limit, and the timer cannot be paused

45 min

Chances to pass in your 30-day window

3

Your age on the day you sign your application decides whether you take the test, not your age when you are invited.

Applicants 18 to 54 can also be excused if IRCC approves a waiver on compassionate grounds, explained in the accommodations section below.

IRCC bases all test questions on its official study guide, Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship. The guide is free. You can read it online, download a PDF (also in large print) or eBook, listen to an audio version or order a paper copy. Its chapters cover the topics below.

• Rights and responsibilities of citizenshipA chapter of Discover Canada and a topic IRCC names for the test
• Who Canadians are and Canada's historyIncluding the chapters on Canada's history and modern Canada
• How Canadians govern themselvesGovernment, federal elections and the justice system
• Canadian symbolsA chapter of its own in the guide
• Canada's economyA chapter of its own in the guide
• Canada's regionsThe geography of the provinces and territories

IRCC says to study the copy it provides, and to use the version on its website if you do not have that copy or have one issued before 2011. The very small differences between the print, audio and electronic versions do not affect your preparation. The guide ends with study questions you can use for practice.

Most applicants take the test online, unless they need an accommodation. IRCC's online test page says you can take it from anywhere and do not need to be in Canada. IRCC monitors you through your webcam and takes random photos to confirm your identity and that you are working alone. Note that IRCC's general after-you-apply page still tells applicants who leave Canada to be available in person in Canada for the test, interview and ceremony, so if you travel, plan to be able to return if IRCC invites you to attend in person.

• IdentificationYour PR card (even if expired), or a valid photo ID with your signature, such as a driver's licence or health card
• DeviceA desktop, laptop or tablet with a webcam. Not a mobile phone or a Microsoft Surface Pro.
• BrowserChrome or Safari. Chrome on an iPad does not work.
• ConnectionA reliable Internet connection, with any virtual private network (VPN) turned off
• LocationA well-lit place, alone, with no personal documents such as a diploma visible behind you. A public library computer is allowed.
• TimeA full 45 minutes. The timer keeps running if you are disconnected, and the test is submitted automatically when time is up.

During the test, do not use other devices, look at study materials, open other tabs or programs, or use the browser's back button. You may wear religious or traditional clothing, head coverings and glasses for your photos, but your face must be clearly visible. Blurred photos or signs of cheating can make the result invalid, and IRCC will ask you to take the test again.

1. 1

   Wait for your invitation

   Most people get it 1 to 3 months after the acknowledgement of receipt (AOR), and longer if the file is non-routine. It arrives by email as a PDF from an address ending in @cic.gc.ca or @canada.ca, usually 2 to 3 business days before the start date. Check your spam folder. If you gave no email, IRCC may mail it or call you.

2. 2

   Check your 30-day window

   The invitation shows a start date and end date 30 days apart, the test link, your application number and your unique client identifier (UCI). You can take the test any time in that window, including weekends and holidays.

3. 3

   Sign in and get your link

   Sign in with your application number and UCI, accept the terms and ask for the test link by email. The link expires after 15 minutes; if it does, sign in again for a new one.

4. 4

   Take your photos and start

   Photograph your ID and yourself, then select Start the test. You get a warning when 5 minutes are left.

5. 5

   Save your unofficial score

   Your score appears on screen right away. Print it or email it to yourself, because IRCC sends no confirmation and you cannot sign in again to see it.

6. 6

   Wait for the official result

   An officer reviews your test to make the result official, which can take a few days or weeks. Check the status tracker, as IRCC does not send email updates.

To reschedule, email the address in the rescheduling section of your invitation with your reason, application number and UCI. Rescheduling usually takes 4 to 8 weeks. If you need to take the test sooner because of an emergency, you can ask whether your case qualifies for urgent processing.

If you fail an online attempt, sign in again and use your next chance within the same window. For an in-person or Microsoft Teams test, you get a new invitation for each attempt.

The hearing: if you fail all 3 attempts, an official may ask you questions orally about your knowledge of Canada (20 questions, 15 needed to pass), about your residence in Canada, and to assess your English or French (up to 9 questions, 6 needed). It lasts 30 to 90 minutes. If you pass, you wait for a ceremony invitation. If you fail, IRCC refuses the application, and you must reapply and pay the fees again.

The interview: after you pass, IRCC may interview adults (including those 55 and older) and minors 14 to 17 applying without a parent, to verify identity, authenticate copies of documents and check eligibility. Bring the original documents you sent and every passport or travel document you used in the 5 years before you applied. An interview does not always lead to an immediate decision.

1. First missed online test

   Automatic new invitation

   You get a new 30-day window with 3 chances.

2. Second missed online test

   Contact IRCC

   Email the rescheduling address with your reason. If you missed twice and did not contact IRCC, it abandons your application.

3. Missed in-person or Teams test

   Explain within 30 days

   A valid reason keeps it as your first invitation; otherwise the next invitation is your final one, usually about 2 weeks later.

If you applied as a family or group and one person fails, IRCC processes the applications together, but in some cases it can separate them so others can attend the ceremony. Email the rescheduling address in your invitation to ask.

An accommodation helps you take the test. A waiver excuses you from it. Under subsection 5(3.1) of the Citizenship Act, IRCC must consider reasonable measures to accommodate an applicant with a disability.

Time and cost alone, such as the time needed to study or the price of a language test, are generally not valid reasons for a waiver. You cannot bring a child into an in-person testing room; contact the office if you cannot arrange child care, or ask to reschedule.

Most of these risks come down to preparation: study the official guide, test your device, browser and webcam before the window opens, keep your contact details up to date, and answer IRCC within its deadlines.