Many people preparing for the citizenship test are studying in their second or third language. These are the questions we hear most often, especially from Chinese-speaking applicants, with honest answers.
Can I take the test in Chinese?
No. The citizenship test is offered in English or French only. There is no Chinese version, and no interpreter or translation is provided during the test. The Chinese explanations on this site are a study aid to help you understand the content. The questions you practise here are in English because the test is in English.
Is the test hard?
It is a real test, but it is very manageable with preparation. There are 20 questions, you have 45 minutes, and you need 15 correct answers (75%). Everything comes from one free official guide, Discover Canada. People usually find it hard only when they rely on luck or on short answer lists instead of studying the guide. A few weeks of steady study is enough for most people.
Do I have to memorise the whole guide?
You don’t need to memorise it word for word, but you do need to know all of it. Any chapter can appear on the test. Focus on understanding: who the key people were, what happened and why, how government works, what the symbols mean. Dates and names stick much better once you understand the story behind them. Our study plan guide shows how to divide the work.
Are the “real exam questions” sold online genuine?
No. IRCC does not publish the questions used on the test. Any website, app, book or chat group that claims to sell “real”, “official” or “leaked” exam questions is making a false claim. Lists like that are often outdated, contain mistakes, and train you to recognise one wording instead of understanding the content. The questions on this site are original, written by us from Discover Canada. They are practice, not the real test, and this site is independent and not affiliated with IRCC.
Some practice tests have 30 questions. Is that the current format?
No. The current test has 20 questions, a 45-minute time limit and a pass mark of 15. Materials with a different number of questions or a different pass mark are out of date or not based on the current format. Check IRCC’s pages if you see conflicting information.
How good does my English need to be?
There are two separate things. First, if you are 18 to 54, you must prove English or French at CLB 4 (speaking and listening) with your application, for example with an approved language test result or a diploma from English or French studies. Second, you must read and understand the test questions in English or French. Being comfortable with simple English is enough, as long as you know the key words used in Discover Canada: names, places, and terms such as Confederation, the Charter, or riding.
Can someone help me during the online test?
No. You must take the test completely alone. No family member, friend or interpreter may be in the room or help you remotely. Your webcam monitors you for the whole test and takes photos at random moments. Signs of help can make your test invalid. If you need an accommodation, for example because of a disability, ask IRCC about an in-person or video test instead.
What if my internet drops during the test?
Follow IRCC’s instructions. In general, you sign in again and use the most recent test link; the timer keeps running while you are disconnected. If you cannot get back in, email IRCC at the address in your invitation with your application number and UCI. Testing on a stable connection with any VPN turned off makes problems less likely.
Should I study in English or in Chinese?
Both, in this order: understand in Chinese, practise in English. Use Chinese explanations to make sure you really understand a difficult idea, such as constitutional monarchy or responsible government. Then read the guide and do your practice questions in English, so that on test day the English words feel familiar. Learn the English name for every key person, place and event. That is why our Chinese explanations always keep the English term in brackets.
Any last advice?
- Download or listen to Discover Canada from IRCC; it is free.
- Practise until you score 18 out of 20 or better on several mock exams.
- Be wary of anyone who promises a guaranteed pass.
- Check IRCC’s official pages for the rules that apply to you.
Official sources: IRCC citizenship test and Discover Canada.
این راهنما خلاصهای ساده است و مشاوره حقوقی نیست. قوانین و هزینهها ممکن است تغییر کنند — پیش از درخواست یا پرداخت، همیشه در وبسایت رسمی IRCC تأیید کنید.