Canadian citizenship test FAQ (2026)
Short answers to the questions people ask most about the citizenship test. Each answer links to a longer guide. Your IRCC invitation always comes first: if anything in it differs from this page, follow the invitation.
How many questions are on the citizenship test?
The test has 20 questions, multiple choice or true/false, and you have 45 minutes. You need at least 15 correct answers (75%) to pass. Many older websites still describe a 30-question test; that is out of date.
Who has to take the citizenship test?
Applicants who are 18 to 54 years old on the day they sign their application. People under 18 and people 55 or older do not take the test.
What language is the test in?
English or French. It is not offered in other languages, including Chinese. On CitizenNow you can practise the questions in English or in French, with explanations in several languages.
Is the test online or in person?
Most adults take it online, on their own computer with a webcam, in a private place they choose. Some people take it by video call or in person. Your invitation tells you which format applies to you.
How long do I have to take the test after I get the invitation?
The invitation opens a 30-day test period. There is no fixed appointment: you choose when to take the test within that window, and all your attempts must fit inside it.
What happens if I fail the test?
You have up to three attempts within your 30-day test period. If you do not pass after three attempts, IRCC invites you to a hearing with a citizenship official, which includes knowledge questions.
What does the test cover?
Everything in the official study guide, Discover Canada: rights and responsibilities, who Canadians are, history, modern Canada, government, elections, justice, symbols, the economy and the regions.
Are these the real test questions?
No. IRCC does not publish its test questions, so no website has them. The questions on CitizenNow are original practice questions written from Discover Canada, in the same format as the test.
How much does it cost to apply for citizenship?
IRCC charges a fee per person, with a different amount for adults and for children under 18. Fees can change, so check the current amount on IRCC’s fee list on the day you pay.
Is the language requirement the same as the test?
No. Applicants aged 18 to 54 must also prove they can speak and listen in English or French at CLB 4 or higher, with documents sent with the application. That is separate from the knowledge test.
When do I become a Canadian citizen?
When you take the Oath of Citizenship at the citizenship ceremony, not when you pass the test. Until then you are still a permanent resident.
What score should I aim for in practice?
Aim for 18 out of 20 or more in timed practice, not just the 15 needed to pass. That margin covers nerves and the questions you did not expect.