The test, the last step before the ceremony. The Canadian citizenship test is the knowledge exam that comes before the oath-taking ceremony. This is a federal measure: the rules are the same across Canada, including Quebec. The figures below are those in force as of August 2026, according to the Government of Canada.
Who must take it. 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. People under 18, those 55 and older, and those who have been granted an exemption do not have to take it, IRCC explains.
Format and pass mark. The test has 20 multiple-choice or true-or-false questions, in French or English, and lasts 45 minutes. To pass, you must answer at least 15 of the 20 questions correctly. You get a maximum of three attempts to pass the test, per the official page.
An online test, monitored by webcam. Most applicants are invited to take the test online. You receive an invitation by email and have 30 days to take it, from anywhere in the world. During the test, the webcam takes random photos to confirm your identity. You must use a desktop computer, laptop or tablet with a camera, in the Chrome or Safari browser — no phone, no virtual private network (VPN), and the 45-minute countdown cannot be paused, IRCC details.
The content: only the official guide. All questions are based on the free study guide "Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship": rights and responsibilities, history, geography, economy, government, laws and symbols. The test does not include questions to assess your language skills — language is assessed separately, in an interview with a citizenship officer.
If you fail. Failing does not end your application: you have up to three attempts. If a technical problem prevented you from taking the test, you can write to the office that sent your invitation within 30 days; a new date is then set, usually 4 to 8 weeks later.
Good to know for newcomers. You can start studying right away, even before you apply: the "Discover Canada" guide is free and available online, in PDF, audio and print formats. Avoid the traps that invalidate an exam: no VPN, no other open tabs, camera on, and a well-lit room where your face is clearly visible. For full preparation, including sample questions, see our guide to passing the citizenship test.
