The Canadian citizenship test comes in three formats: online, in person, and by video call on Microsoft Teams. Most people take it online, but not everyone. This page compares the formats so you know what to expect from yours. For a step-by-step walk through the online test day, see Test day.
Which format will you get?
You do not choose the format yourself, and you cannot book a test. IRCC sends you an invitation, and the invitation tells you the format.
- Online: IRCC invites most applicants to the online test, unless they need an accommodation.
- In person or Microsoft Teams: used when an accommodation is needed. IRCC also says that in some cases it may ask you to take the test in person or on Teams.
If you need an accommodation, for example because of a disability, you can ask for it in your application, or after you receive your invitation if you did not ask earlier. IRCC then contacts you to arrange it.
The three formats side by side
| Online | In person | Microsoft Teams | |
|---|---|---|---|
| When | Any time in your 30-day window, including weekends | Date, time and place set by IRCC | Video call scheduled by IRCC |
| How | On your own device, watched by webcam | On paper (alone or in a group), orally, or another format such as Braille | Oral test by video call |
| Result | Unofficial score at once; official after officer review | Official right after the test | Official right after the test |
| If you fail | Sign in again in the same 30 days | New invitation for another time | New invitation for another time |
Some rules are the same for every format: you have up to 3 chances to pass within your test period, you need 15 of 20 correct, and you take the test in English or French. The content is the same: everything comes from Discover Canada.
The online test: what you need
The online test lasts 45 minutes. The timer cannot be paused, you get a warning with 5 minutes left, and the test is submitted automatically when time runs out.
Equipment
- A desktop computer, laptop or tablet with a webcam.
- Chrome or Safari.
- A reliable internet connection, with any VPN turned off before and during the test.
- Do not use a mobile phone, Chrome on an iPad, or a Microsoft Surface Pro.
Place
- Good lighting, so the webcam sees your face clearly.
- A public library or a public computer is allowed.
- Stay in the same place where you took your ID photo and selfie.
- Remove things with personal information, such as a diploma, from the background.
Signing in
You sign in with your application number and your UCI (unique client identifier), then ask IRCC to email you the test link. The link expires after 15 minutes; if it expires, sign in again for a new one, and always use the most recent link. Then you take a photo of your ID (your PR card, even if expired, or another valid photo ID with your photo and signature) and a selfie.
Rules during the online test
- Keep your webcam on with your whole face in the frame. It takes photos at random times.
- Take the test alone.
- No other tabs, windows or programs open.
- No other devices, no study materials, and no browser back button.
Technical problems or signs of cheating can make the test invalid, and you may have to retake it. If you are disconnected, sign in again as soon as possible: the timer keeps running.
The in-person and Teams tests: what to expect
The invitation gives the date, time and place, or the Teams details. Arrive or connect on time and bring what the invitation lists. A few points IRCC mentions:
- For an in-person test, only the person being tested may be in the test room, so you cannot bring your child inside. Contact the office that sent your invitation to ask whether someone can supervise a child in the waiting room. If not, arrange childcare or ask IRCC to reschedule.
- An oral test means you hear the questions and answer by speaking. Practise saying answers out loud in English or French, not only clicking them.
- For questions about a Teams test, contact the office that sent your invitation.
Which is “easier”?
No format has easier questions. The online test gives you flexible timing and your own room, but you must handle the technology yourself. The in-person and Teams tests have a fixed time and a person in charge, which some people find calmer. In every case, preparation is what decides the result: see Study plan and Test tips.
Rules can change
This page summarizes IRCC’s pages as checked in November 2026. Devices, browsers and procedures can change. Your invitation is what counts: if it says something different, follow it, and contact IRCC if unsure. CitizenNow.ca is independent and not affiliated with IRCC.
Official pages: How the test works, Online test, Test invitation, Test results.
Whatever your format, practise under real conditions with a timed mock exam.
Dieser Leitfaden ist eine verständliche Zusammenfassung und keine Rechtsberatung. Regeln und Gebühren können sich ändern – prüfen Sie vor einem Antrag oder einer Zahlung immer die offizielle Website von IRCC.