Canadian Citizenship Test 2026: Complete Guide

The Canadian citizenship test has 20 questions in English or French. You have 45 minutes and need 15 correct answers to pass. Most applicants take it online during a 30-day window, with a webcam used to confirm their identity and that they work alone.

Last checked against the current IRCC instructions: 4 September 2026

Who has to take the citizenship test?

In most cases, you take the test if you were 18 to 54 years old on the day you signed your citizenship application. Applicants under 18 or over 55 do not have to take it. A person who requested and received a waiver also does not take it.

The age on the day you sign matters, not your age when the invitation arrives. Check the current IRCC test rules for your case. This guide explains test preparation, not citizenship eligibility or legal advice.

What is the test format in 2026?

IRCC uses 20 multiple-choice or true-or-false questions. You have 45 minutes. You pass with 15 correct answers, which is 75 per cent. The timer cannot be paused. The system submits your selected answers when time runs out.

You can take the test in English or French. The test checks your knowledge of Canada. It does not assess your language skills. IRCC may assess communication in an official language if it later invites you to an interview.

Is the Canadian citizenship test online?

Yes, for most applicants. IRCC normally sends an email invitation a few weeks or months after the application is submitted. The invitation gives you a 30-day period to complete the online test. You can take it from outside Canada.

Some people take an in-person test or an oral test on Microsoft Teams. IRCC also offers accommodations, including paper, oral and accessible formats. If you need an accommodation, follow the instructions in your invitation. You can still ask after the invitation arrives.

Use our detailed online test setup, ID and webcam guide before you sign in.

What you need for the online test

• a desktop computer, laptop or tablet with a webcam
• an up-to-date Chrome or Safari browser
• a reliable internet connection and a quiet, well-lit place
• your PR card, even if expired, or valid photo ID with your signature

IRCC says not to use a mobile phone, Chrome on an iPad, a Microsoft Surface Pro or a VPN. Close other tabs, windows and programs. Keep your face in the webcam frame and work alone. Do not use study materials, another device or the browser back button.

What should you study?

Every official question is based on Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship. The guide is free. You can read it online, download it, listen to the audio version or order a paper copy from IRCC.

The test covers the rights and responsibilities of citizenship and Canada's:

• history
• geography
• economy
• government
• laws
• symbols

Read the official Discover Canada guide first. Our free study guide in 13 languages can help you understand and review it. The official test itself remains in English or French.

A practical study plan

1. Read Discover Canada once from beginning to end. Do not begin by trying to memorize isolated answers. Learn how the people, dates and institutions fit together.
2. Test your starting point. Take the free 20-question practice test and note your weak sections.
3. Study one section at a time. Use the 14 category practice tests to focus on history, government, geography, rights, the economy, symbols and values.
4. Review why each answer is right. Understanding is more useful than memorizing the position of an answer in a list.
5. Rehearse under a timer. Complete a 20-question mock exam without notes or interruptions before your invitation window closes.

I passed the citizenship test in 2019. My practical advice is to prepare early enough that your 30-day test window is for review, not for learning the whole guide from scratch.

What happens when you finish?

The online result page shows a score immediately, but that score is temporary. Save it by printing the page or emailing it to yourself with the button on the page. IRCC does not send a separate completion email, and you cannot sign back in later to view that result.

An officer reviews an online result before it becomes official. IRCC says this may take a few days or a few weeks. The official result is pass, fail or invalidated. Check the citizenship application tracker because IRCC does not send email updates for the official result.

Our guide to results, review and the citizenship oath explains the next stages.

Why can an online result be invalidated?

IRCC may invalidate a result if it suspects cheating or if a technical problem prevents an officer from confirming your identity or score. The application tracker can remain marked “In progress” while a result is under review, cancelled, rescheduled or invalidated.

Prevent avoidable problems by testing your camera, closing other programs, turning off your VPN and keeping your face visible. If IRCC invalidates the result, follow the office's instructions for a retest or another format. Do not assume the temporary score is final.

For more detail, read our failed-test and retake guide and the difference between the pass mark and a pass rate.

Frequently asked questions

How many questions are on the test?

There are 20 multiple-choice or true-or-false questions.

What score do you need to pass?

You need at least 15 correct answers out of 20, or 75 per cent.

How long is the test?

You have 45 minutes. The timer cannot be paused after it starts.

Can you take the test in French?

Yes. Every test format is available in English or French.

How many attempts do you get?

IRCC gives you three chances across the available test formats.

Are online practice tests official?

No. IRCC's official study source is Discover Canada. Practice tests help you check your knowledge, but they are not the official exam and they cannot guarantee a pass.

Read IRCC's current test format and study instructions and the official results guidance before your test.