Canadian Citizenship Test Online: Setup, ID and Webcam Rules

Most applicants now take the official Canadian citizenship test online. You need a computer or tablet with a webcam, Chrome or Safari, suitable photo identification and a quiet, well-lit place. The test has 20 questions, lasts 45 minutes and cannot be paused.

Last checked against the current IRCC instructions: 28 August 2026

Is the Canadian citizenship test online?

Yes. IRCC says it invites most citizenship applicants to take the test online unless they need an accommodation. You can take it from anywhere, including outside Canada. IRCC may use an in-person test or a Microsoft Teams test in some cases.

Do not confuse the official test with an online practice test. You can start a free Canadian citizenship practice test at any time. You can only enter the official IRCC test after IRCC sends your invitation.

IRCC gives you 30 days to take the online test. Your invitation sets the exact access period. Use the application number and unique client identifier, called a UCI, from your application to sign in.

What device and browser can you use?

IRCC says you must use one of these devices with a webcam:

• a desktop computer
• a laptop
• a tablet

Use Chrome or Safari. IRCC says not to take the test on a mobile phone, with Chrome on an iPad, on a Microsoft Surface Pro or while connected to a virtual private network (VPN). Check the current list on the official IRCC online-test page before your test because supported devices can change.

Can you use an external monitor?

IRCC's public instructions do not specifically say whether a separate external monitor is allowed. They do say not to use any other devices during the test, to keep your face fully visible and to close every other tab, window and program.

I would keep the setup simple. Use one supported screen with the webcam directly in front of you if you can. If you need a separate monitor or an accessibility arrangement, ask the office named in your invitation before test day. Do not rely on an answer from a forum for a rule that could affect whether IRCC accepts your result.

What identification do you need?

Have one of these ready:

• your permanent resident card, even if it has expired, or
• a valid, unexpired piece of ID with your photo and signature, such as a driver's licence or health card

The system asks you to photograph your ID and yourself before the test. Make sure the ID is readable and your face is clear. If a photo is blurred, retake it before you approve it. IRCC says an unclear photo can make the result invalid.

How the webcam monitoring works

The online test uses your webcam to take random photos. IRCC compares them with the photo you take before the test and the photos from your citizenship application. The purpose is to confirm your identity and check that you complete the test alone.

During the test, IRCC tells you to:

• keep your face fully visible in the webcam frame
• stay in the same place where you took the photos of yourself and your ID
• remove personal information, such as a diploma, from the background
• work alone without study materials or other devices
• avoid the browser back button

Close notification apps and other programs before you begin. Put your phone away rather than checking a message during the test. IRCC warns that unusual activity, technical issues or signs of cheating can make a result invalid and lead to another test.

How to start the official test

1. Wait for the invitation. Do not try to enter the test portal before IRCC tells you that your access period has started.
2. Sign in. Enter your application number and UCI, then accept the privacy notice and terms.
3. Request the test link. IRCC emails the link to the address on your application or to your representative. The link expires after 15 minutes. Request a new one if it expires, and use the newest link if you requested more than one.
4. Confirm your identity. Enter your application number and UCI again, then photograph your ID and yourself.
5. Start only when ready. The 45-minute timer begins when you select the start button. It cannot be paused. The system submits your selected answers when time runs out.

Fix common technical problems before the timer starts

403 error when signing in

Turn off your VPN, disable browser extensions and try a different device or internet connection. IRCC also suggests waiting a few hours. If the problem remains, email the address in your test invitation.

Blank screen or unsupported browser message

Confirm that you are using an up-to-date version of Chrome or Safari. Clear cookies and cache, disable extensions, restart the browser or device, and try another supported device if needed.

Webcam does not connect

Close other apps and pages that might use the camera. Check the browser's camera permission, refresh the test page and sign in again. Try another supported device if the camera still does not connect.

The connection drops after you start

Return with the most recent test link as soon as possible. The 45-minute timer keeps running while you are disconnected. If you cannot finish, email the address in the invitation with an explanation, your application number and your UCI. IRCC says it will review the problem and decide whether to reschedule the test or use another format.

See our failed-test and hearing guide for retake instructions, or our pass mark and pass-rate guide to interpret the required score.

Know the test before you sign in

The official test has 20 multiple-choice or true-or-false questions in English or French. You have 45 minutes and need at least 15 correct answers to pass. IRCC gives applicants three chances across the available test formats.

Every question comes from the official Discover Canada guide. Read our free study guide, work through the 14 category practice tests and use the free questions and answers PDF before your invitation window closes. IRCC's test format and study page remains the final source for the official rules.