If you are preparing for the Canadian citizenship test, three numbers matter most: 20 questions, 45 minutes and 15 correct answers to pass. This page explains each number, using the rules IRCC publishes on canada.ca, and what happens if you do not pass on your first try.
The rules at a glance
| Part | What IRCC says |
|---|---|
| Number of questions | 20 questions, multiple choice or true or false |
| Time limit | 45 minutes. Once the timer starts, you cannot stop it. |
| Pass mark | At least 15 of the 20 questions correct (75%) |
| Languages | English or French |
| Source | The study guide Discover Canada |
These come from IRCC’s study page and its online test page. Check them against your own invitation, which is the document that counts.
Why 15 out of 20 is a minimum, not a target
Fifteen correct answers is the least you need. Aim for 18 out of 20 in practice, so that one or two hard questions on the day do not decide the result. Practice tests on this site show your score as you go, and the timed mock exam uses the same 20-question format and 45-minute limit.
Time: 45 minutes for 20 questions
That is about two minutes a question. Most questions take less than a minute if you know the material. Spend time on the ones you are unsure of, and do not get stuck. If you are practising, do one full timed run before test day so the pace feels normal.
Up to three attempts inside a 30-day window
IRCC’s invitation opens a test period of 30 days, and IRCC says you have up to three chances to pass within it. If you fail all three, IRCC invites you to an oral hearing. See test day for how the online test works and failed citizenship test for the next steps.
The oral hearing
After three failed attempts, an officer may ask questions orally. IRCC’s results page says the oral knowledge test has 20 questions and you must pass 15, the same standard as the written test. There is also a language portion where the officer can ask up to nine questions and you must answer six correctly. The hearing lasts 30 to 90 minutes, according to the same page.
Practise the right way
- Learn the chapters in Discover Canada, chapter by chapter, then test yourself with practice test 1.
- Use the wrong-answer book so each mistake comes back until you get it right twice.
- Read the sample questions to see the style of the test.
Ready to practise? Start with Test 1, which uses 20 questions in the same format as the real test.
Este guia é um resumo em linguagem simples, não é aconselhamento jurídico. As regras e as taxas podem mudar. Sempre confirme no site oficial do IRCC antes de dar entrada ou pagar.