Lesson 1 of 2 · 4 min read
The citizenship test has 20 questions and you need 15 correct to pass. Here's who takes it, how it's delivered, and what accommodations are available.
The citizenship test checks your knowledge of Canada and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. Knowing what to expect can make test day much less stressful.
The test has 20 questions, either multiple choice or true/false, covering topics from across this study guide — history, geography, government, laws, symbols, and the economy. You have 45 minutes to complete it, and you can take it in English or French. To pass, you need to answer at least 15 of the 20 questions correctly, which works out to 75 percent.
The test itself does not directly test how well you speak English or French. Your language ability is generally assessed separately during the application process, including at an interview if you are invited to one.
Applicants who are between 18 and 54 years old on the day they apply generally must take the test. Most applicants who are under 18 or 55 and older do not need to take it, although they still have to meet the other citizenship requirements.
The test can be taken online, in person, or in some cases by video call, depending on your situation. If you need accommodation — for example, because of a disability — options can include in-person written or oral testing, testing by video call, or alternative formats such as Braille. You generally have up to 3 chances to pass the test within a 30-day period.
The best preparation is studying this guide closely, since test questions are based on it. It also helps to discuss Canadian history, government, and geography with friends or family, and to look into free citizenship or language classes offered in your community.
Key facts
The citizenship test has 20 questions, either multiple choice or true/false, and you must answer at least 15 correctly (75 percent) to pass.
You are given 45 minutes to complete the test, and it is offered in English or French.
Applicants who are between 18 and 54 years old on the day they apply generally must take the test; most applicants under 18 or 55 and older do not.
You generally get up to 3 chances to pass the test within a 30-day period.
IRCC offers accommodations for applicants who need them, including in-person written or oral testing, alternative formats such as Braille, and testing by video call.
The guide recommends studying it closely, discussing Canadian topics with others, and looking into free citizenship or language classes as ways to prepare.
Discover Canada — Preparing for the Citizenship TestAnswer all 3 to mark this lesson done.
1. How many questions are on the citizenship test, and how many must you answer correctly to pass?
2. Who generally needs to take the citizenship test?
3. How many chances do you generally get to pass the test, and within what time period?
HomelandCanada