What is the citizenship test?
IRCC · Citizenship testThe Canadian citizenship test is a written exam administered by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). It tests your knowledge of Canada's history, values, institutions, and symbols — everything every new citizen is expected to have lived with for a few months before applying.
20
Questions
45 minutes
Time limit
75%
Passing score
Who needs to take it?
IRCC · Who can applyMost adults applying for Canadian citizenship must take the test. Specifically:
- ✓Permanent residents aged 18 to 54 at the time of applying
- ✓Applicants who have met the physical presence requirement (1,095 days in Canada over the last 5 years)
- ✓Applicants who have filed Canadian income taxes for any 3 of the last 5 years (if required to file)
Applicants under 18 or 55 and older are exempt from the knowledge test — but minors are typically included in a parent's application and still need to meet the other requirements.
What topics are covered?
Discover Canada (IRCC)Every question is drawn from Discover Canada — the official IRCC study guide. The book is short (≈68 pages) but dense; Portage groups its content into the 18 subject areas below — the 20 test questions can come from any of them:
What test day actually looks like
IRCC · Online test instructionsFour phases over roughly an hour, all from home.
- STEP 1
Get the invite
Once IRCC has reviewed your application, they email you an invitation with your test start date. You then have a window to begin — typically a few weeks; the exact dates are in your notice.
- STEP 2
Set up your space
Quiet room, no other people, no notes. Laptop or tablet (not a phone). Webcam on. Chrome or Safari only — no Chrome on iPad, no Surface Pro, no VPN.
- STEP 3
45 minutes, 20 questions
Multiple choice and true/false, in English or French. The 45-minute timer runs continuously and does NOT pause if you disconnect — you can rejoin via the same link, but the clock keeps ticking. You need 15 correct to pass.
- STEP 4
Result the same day
You'll see your result immediately on screen. Pass and your file moves to the next step (oath ceremony). Don't pass and you can retake the test — up to two more attempts within 30 days.
Test format
IRCC · Online test instructionsThe test is taken online at home. You need a computer, laptop or tablet — not a mobile phone — with a working webcam and the latest version of Chrome or Safari. Chrome on iPad, Microsoft Surface Pro, and VPNs are explicitly not supported.
Questions are multiple choice or true/false. The test is offered in English or French — your choice. The 45-minute timer runs continuously: it cannot be paused, and keeps running if you disconnect (you can rejoin via the same link).
You have up to 3 attempts within 30 days of your test start date. You need 15 correct to pass. If all three attempts fail, IRCC will contact you about next steps — typically a hearing where they re-assess your application.
What you need on test day
IRCC · Online test instructions- ✓One piece of ID: your PR card (even if expired) or a valid government-issued ID with your photo and signature
- ✓Your application number and your Unique Client Identifier (UCI) — both from your IRCC account
- ✓The email address you most recently provided to IRCC
- ✓A computer or tablet (not a mobile phone) with a working webcam and microphone
- ✓Latest Chrome or Safari browser — not Chrome on iPad, not Microsoft Surface Pro, no VPN
- ✓A stable internet connection fast enough for videoconferencing — the 45-minute timer continues even if you disconnect
How to apply for citizenship
IRCC · Apply for citizenshipApplications are submitted online through the IRCC portal. You'll need to demonstrate language proficiency, prove your physical presence (1,095 days in 5 years), file Canadian taxes for any 3 of the last 5 years, and pay the fee — all before a test is scheduled.
For the full official process and current fees, see canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/canadian-citizenship.
Where every fact on this page comes from
Each section above links to the canada.ca page that backs it. The full list:
Ready to start studying?
Portage builds a personalised study plan from the official Discover Canada guide and drills you on the concepts your answers say you're weakest on — not the ones you already know.
Start for free30 questions/month — no credit card required.