Citizenship test FAQ

In most cases, you must take the test if you are between 18 and 54 years old on the day you sign your citizenship application. This applies to many permanent residents applying for Canadian citizenship. Minors included on a parent's application and adults over 55 generally follow different rules. Always confirm your own situation on the official IRCC website or in your application instructions.

Source: IRCC — How the test works

You do not have to take the citizenship test if you are under 18 or over 55 on the day you sign your application, or if IRCC has approved a waiver (exemption) for you—for example, because of a medical condition, disability, or other serious reason that prevents you from meeting the knowledge requirement. Waivers must be requested with supporting documents when you apply. If a waiver is granted, you skip the test but may still need to meet other citizenship requirements.

Source: IRCC — Who has to take the test

Most applicants are invited to take the test online. You complete it on your own device, and IRCC monitors the session using your webcam. You have 30 days from your invitation to take the test. If you need an accommodation, IRCC may arrange an in-person test (written on paper or taken orally) or an oral test over Microsoft Teams. You can take the test in either English or French. Only the person scheduled for the test may be in the testing room for in-person sessions—child care must be arranged separately unless the office agrees otherwise.

Source: IRCC — How to take the test

The test has 20 questions, each either multiple choice or true/false. You need at least 15 correct answers (75%) to pass. You have 45 minutes to complete the test. IRCC gives you up to three chances to pass within the 30-day period in your invitation. You cannot take more than one test attempt on the same day.

Source: IRCC — Test format and passing score

Questions cover the rights and responsibilities of Canadian citizenship and knowledge of Canada's history, geography, economy, government, laws, and symbols. Everything comes from Discover Canada. The test does not include separate grammar or vocabulary questions—language ability is assessed separately (for example, at an interview) for applicants who must prove adequate knowledge of English or French.

Source: IRCC — What's on the test

No. The citizenship test itself does not assess your English or French skills. You may take the knowledge test in English or French. Applicants aged 18 to 54 must separately show adequate knowledge of an official language when they apply (for example, with approved language test results or other accepted proof). If you are invited to an interview, a citizenship officer may also observe how well you communicate in English or French.

Source: IRCC — Language and the test

IRCC's only official study guide is Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship. It is free in several formats—online, PDF, eBook, audio, or a printed copy you can order. IRCC also publishes official practice questions based on the guide. Third-party apps and books can help you practise, but they are not official; always treat Discover Canada as your primary source.

Source: IRCC — Discover Canada

After you submit your citizenship application, wait for an email invitation from IRCC. Timing varies—it can take a few weeks or months. The invitation includes a link for the online test and explains your 30-day window to complete it (including up to three attempts if needed). Processing times and next steps differ by case; check your application status through your IRCC account.

Source: IRCC — What to expect

Within the 30-day period in your invitation, you have up to three chances to pass—whether you take the test online, in person, or on Microsoft Teams. If you fail once or twice, IRCC will tell you how to schedule your next attempt. Use the time between attempts to review Discover Canada and focus on areas where you missed questions.

Source: IRCC — If you fail the test

If you do not pass after three attempts, IRCC will invite you to a hearing with a citizenship officer. At the hearing, the officer may ask you an oral version of the knowledge test (20 questions, 15 to pass) and may ask additional questions to assess your English or French (up to 9 questions, 6 to pass). The hearing usually lasts 30 to 90 minutes. If you pass, you can move toward your citizenship ceremony; if you fail the hearing, your application may be refused and you would need to reapply if you still wish to become a citizen.

Source: IRCC — Hearing after failed attempts

Yes. If you need an accommodation because of a disability or other barrier, you can request one in your citizenship application or after you receive your test invitation. IRCC may arrange an in-person test (written, oral, or in an alternate format such as Braille), or an oral test on Microsoft Teams. Contact the office that sent your invitation if you need help arranging child care or rescheduling around accessibility needs.

Source: IRCC — Accessibility and accommodations

Beaver O! is an independent study app—not affiliated with or endorsed by IRCC. It offers practice series and mock tests aligned with Discover Canada so you can build confidence before your real test. Use it alongside the official guide and IRCC practice questions. Our content is for educational purposes only; always verify important details on canada.ca before you apply or attend your test.

Source: Official study guide — Discover Canada