The Canadian citizenship test is offered in English or French. There is no version in Chinese or any other language. This page explains what that means for you, how to think about the choice, and how the language of the test is different from the language proof you send with your application. For general study advice in English, see studying in English.
The official facts
- IRCC’s how the test works page says you can take the test in either English or French.
- Most applicants are invited to the online test. If you need an accommodation, the test can be taken in person (on paper or orally) or orally by video call.
- The test covers the content of the study guide Discover Canada: 20 questions, 45 minutes, and you need 15 correct to pass.
IRCC’s pages do not explain the exact step where you choose the language, so follow the instructions in your own test invitation and on the test screens.
Two different language requirements
Many people mix these up. They are separate:
| Language proof | Citizenship test | |
|---|---|---|
| What it checks | That you can speak and listen in English or French | What you know about Canada |
| Who | Ages 18 to 54 | Ages 18 to 54 |
| Level or score | CLB 4 or higher | 15 of 20 correct |
| When | Sent with your application | After you apply, when IRCC invites you |
Your language proof is a document, such as an approved test result or proof of education in English or French. IRCC reviews it with your application. If it is missing, the application is returned. The citizenship test is a different step. Passing a language test does not replace the citizenship test, and the citizenship test is not a language test. Details are in Am I eligible?.
How to choose
For most of our readers the answer is simple: choose the language you read best. Some points to think about:
- Reading speed matters. You have 45 minutes for 20 questions, so time is usually fine, but you must understand every word of a question. Pick the language where you read most easily.
- Study in the same language. Learn the key terms (Confederation, Governor General, riding, Royal Assent) in the language of your test. If you study in one language and test in the other, the terms will look new.
- If French is your stronger language, taking the test in French is fully allowed.
How CitizenNow helps
CitizenNow practice questions are in English, because that is the language most of our readers choose for the test. Each question has an explanation in English and in Chinese (简体 and 繁體), and key English terms are kept in brackets so you connect the Chinese meaning to the English word you will see on the test. You can also practise every question in French on the French version of the site (/fr).
Good ways to build your English test vocabulary:
- English terms for the test
- flashcards for daily review
- test tips for reading questions carefully
Rules can change
This page was checked in November 2026. Test formats and requirements can change. Always check IRCC’s current pages and follow your invitation.
Try the English test experience now: practice test 1.
یہ رہنمائی ایک عام زبان میں خلاصہ ہے، قانونی مشورے نہیں ہے۔ قوانین اور فیس بدل سکتے ہیں – آپ کو اپیل کرنے یا ادا کرنے سے پہلے ہمیشہ IRCC کی سرکاری ویب سائٹ پر تصدیق کریں۔