What is the Canadian Citizenship Test?

The Canadian Citizenship Test is a knowledge test administered by IRCC to applicants for Canadian citizenship aged 18-54. The test verifies basic knowledge of Canada — its history, geography, government, rights, responsibilities, symbols, and identity.

Who must take the test

• Applicants aged 18-54 at the time of citizenship application
• Applicants under 18 or 55+ at application time are exempt from the test
• Applicants with certain medical conditions may apply for an exemption

Test format

• 30 multiple-choice questions
• Time limit: 30 minutes
• Pass mark: 15/30 (50%)
• Currently administered online (since 2020) for most applicants — applicants are sent an invitation link and complete the test from their own device
• May be administered in-person at an IRCC office in certain cases (limited language proficiency, IRCC discretion)
• Available in English or French (the applicant chooses)

Study materials

The official study material is Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship — a 60-page booklet published by IRCC. Available free on canada.ca.

Topics covered:

• Canadian symbols and identity (maple leaf, beaver, national anthem, etc.)
• Geography (provinces, territories, capital cities, major lakes/rivers, regions)
• History (Indigenous peoples, French/British settlement, Confederation, World Wars, modern Canada)
• Government (Crown, Parliament, federal/provincial/municipal levels, judicial system)
• Rights and responsibilities (Charter, Bill of Rights, voting, taxation, jury duty)
• Federal politicians + Canadian achievements (current PM, key historical figures)

If you fail

• First attempt fail: you get a second attempt (typically scheduled within a few weeks)
• Second attempt fail: you're sent for an oral hearing with a citizenship officer — an extended interview where the officer assesses knowledge orally

After the test

Passing the test → invitation to citizenship ceremony → oath of citizenship → citizenship granted.

Practical tips

• Discover Canada is the only authoritative source — read it cover-to-cover at least twice
• Free practice tests are available online (IRCC and third-party sites)
• The test covers facts, not opinions — memorize key dates, names, and numbers
• For applicants with limited English/French, request the test in your stronger language