Citizenship — knowledge test

Canadian Citizenship Test 2026 — Format, Topics, Pass Mark

The Canadian citizenship test is one of the final steps before becoming a Canadian citizen. It's a 20-question test on Canadian history, government, and identity — based on the Discover Canada study guide. Pass mark: 75%. This page covers format, topics, study strategy, and what to do if you fail.

Who takes the test

Adult applicants (18-54 at time of application) must take the test. Exemptions:

Under 18: Generally exempt
55+: Exempt from test (but language requirement may still apply in some cases)
Medical exemption: Applicants with documented medical conditions preventing test-taking may be exempted (officer discretion)

Test format

Questions: 20 multiple-choice + true/false
Time: 30 minutes
Pass mark: 75% (15/20 correct)
Language: English or French (your choice)
Format: Online (proctored via webcam) OR in-person at IRCC test centres
Open or closed book: CLOSED — no notes, study guides, or materials during test

Topics covered (from Discover Canada study guide)

Rights + Responsibilities of Citizenship

Charter of Rights + Freedoms
Citizenship responsibilities (paying taxes, voting, jury duty, helping in community)
Rights of citizens

Canadian History

Indigenous peoples + pre-Confederation history
French + English colonization
Confederation (1867) + early provinces
Building of Canadian Pacific Railway
WWI, WWII roles
Quiet Revolution + bilingualism
Modern Canada (multiculturalism, Charter 1982, etc.)

Canadian Government + Institutions

Federal/provincial/territorial/municipal levels
Parliament (House of Commons + Senate)
Prime Minister, Cabinet, Governor General, Sovereign (King Charles III)
Federal departments + agencies
Provincial premiers + provincial governments
How a bill becomes law
Elections + voting

Geography

Canada's 10 provinces + 3 territories — names + capitals
Major cities, rivers, lakes, mountains
Canadian climate + regions

Symbols + Culture

National anthem (O Canada)
Flag + Coat of Arms
Royal symbols (Crown)
Bilingualism + Indigenous languages
National holidays + observances

Economy

Key industries (manufacturing, services, natural resources)
Trade + trading partners
Canadian banking + financial system

Study strategy

Get the official Discover Canada study guide — free PDF on canada.ca; also available in audio + accessible formats
Read it cover to cover — 60-page document covering all test topics
Take practice tests — many free practice tests online (third-party sites, but Discover Canada content is the source)
Focus on weak areas — after practice tests, identify topics where you're failing + re-study those sections
Memorize key dates + names — Confederation 1867, Charter 1982, current PM, GG, etc.
Practice in your chosen test language — English or French; consistent throughout

Common citizenship test mistakes

Skipping the Discover Canada guide + relying on practice tests alone
Not understanding provincial/territorial details (premiers, capitals)
Confusing federal + provincial responsibilities
Missing recent updates (current PM, current GG, current monarch — King Charles III since 2022)
Time management during test (30 minutes for 20 questions — not too tight but pace yourself)

What if you fail?

You have up to 3 total attempts (initial + 2 retakes). If you fail all 3:

You'll be scheduled for an oral hearing with a citizenship officer
Officer asks questions verbally; you answer verbally
Officer may also assess your language ability + knowledge of citizenship rights/responsibilities
If unsatisfactory, your citizenship application may be refused

Most applicants who fail the written test pass on retake with adequate study.

After passing the test

Next steps:

Receive notice of decision (citizenship grant pending oath)
Attend citizenship oath ceremony (in-person or online)
Take Oath of Citizenship
Receive Citizenship Certificate
Apply for Canadian passport (separate process via Service Canada)

FAQ

What's on the citizenship test?

20 multiple-choice + true/false questions based on the official Discover Canada study guide. Topics: Canadian history, geography, government (federal/provincial/municipal), national symbols, Indigenous peoples, rights + responsibilities, voting, identity. 30 minutes to complete. 75% pass mark (15/20 correct).

Who takes the test?

Adult citizenship applicants aged 18-54 at time of application. Applicants 55+ or under 18 are exempt from the test (still subject to language requirement if 18-54). Minors generally don't take the test.

Online or in-person?

Both — IRCC offers both online (proctored via webcam) + in-person options. Most current applicants take the online test. Some test centres in major cities for in-person.

What if I fail the first time?

You can retake — up to 2 retakes (so 3 attempts total). If you fail all 3, you must attend a hearing with a citizenship officer. The hearing is an oral assessment of your knowledge + may also assess language. Most who reach the hearing stage need additional preparation.

How much does the test cost?

Included in the citizenship application fee (CAD $530 for adults + $100 right of citizenship fee = $630 total). No separate test fee.

Citizenship test prep — book your free review

Halani Immigration Services Inc. (RCIC-IRB R711322) supports citizenship applicants from initial eligibility through test prep + oath ceremony. Free 15-min review.

Free Citizenship Review →

Canadian Citizenship Test 2026