On this page you will find
- Who must meet citizenship knowledge and language requirements
- How the Canadian citizenship knowledge test works
- The different test formats used by IRCC
- What happens before, during and after the test
- What to do if you fail the citizenship test
- How language ability is assessed for citizenship
- Acceptable proof of language proficiency
- When knowledge or language hearings take place
- Compassionate waivers and accommodations for disabilities
Canada requires most adult applicants to demonstrate knowledge of the country and basic ability in one of its official languages before becoming citizens. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) assesses these requirements through citizenship tests, language evidence and, in some cases, hearings with a citizenship officer.
This guide explains who must take the citizenship test, how the knowledge and language assessments work, and what happens if an applicant does not pass the test.
Citizenship Knowledge Requirement
Under subsection 5(1) of the Citizenship Act, applicants aged 18 to 54 must demonstrate an adequate knowledge of Canada and the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship.
The knowledge assessment focuses on the following areas:
- Canadian political and military history
- Canadian social and cultural history
- Canadian geography
- Canada’s system of government as a constitutional monarchy
- National symbols and important institutions
- Participation in Canadian democracy
- Civic responsibilities and rights under Canadian law
- Participation in Canadian society, including volunteerism and environmental responsibility
The purpose of the test is to ensure new citizens understand the country they are joining and the responsibilities that come with citizenship.
Who Must Take the Citizenship Test
Applicants must take the citizenship test if they:
- Are between 18 and 54 years old when they sign their application
- Apply for citizenship under the Adult 5(1) category
- Apply under the Canadian Armed Forces citizenship pathway
Applicants who generally do not need to take the citizenship test include:
- Applicants under 18 years old
- Applicants applying under Minor 5(1) or Minor 5(2) provisions
- Adoption-based citizenship applications
- Adults granted citizenship under special provisions of the Act
Even if an applicant turns 55 after submitting their application, they must still complete the citizenship test if they were between 18 and 54 at the time of application.
Citizenship Knowledge Test
The citizenship knowledge test contains:
- 20 questions
- Multiple choice and true or false formats
- A minimum passing score of 15 out of 20
Applicants normally have 45 minutes to complete the test. Additional time may be granted when required as part of accessibility accommodations.
Questions are designed to maintain consistent difficulty levels across different test versions. IRCC uses a large pool of questions to ensure fairness and prevent applicants from receiving identical tests.
Citizenship Test Formats
IRCC administers citizenship tests in several formats.
Self-Administered Online Test
The online test is the standard method used for most applicants.
Key features include:
- Applicants receive an email invitation to complete the test
- The invitation provides a 30-day window to complete the test
- Applicants can make up to three attempts within that period
- Each test is generated randomly from a pool of hundreds of questions
Applicants receive a temporary score immediately after submitting their answers. The official result is confirmed after identity verification and test review.
In-Person Citizenship Test
Some applicants take the test at an IRCC office. This option may be used when:
- Reliable internet access is not available
- Identity verification requires in-person confirmation
- Accessibility accommodations are needed
- Technical issues prevent completion of the online test
Only one test attempt occurs during each in-person session.
Microsoft Teams Citizenship Test
IRCC may also administer the test through Microsoft Teams.
This format may be used when:
- Virtual accommodations are required
- Applicants experience repeated technical problems with the online test
- Identity verification requires direct interaction with an officer
Like in-person testing, only one attempt occurs during each scheduled session.
What Happens Before the Test
Applicants are usually notified by email about their citizenship test. Those without an email address receive a letter by mail.
The test invitation typically includes:
- The test date and time
- The testing format and location
- Identification requirements
- Instructions for requesting accommodations
For online tests, applicants receive a 30-day window to complete their attempts.
What Happens During the Citizenship Test
During the test process, IRCC verifies the applicant’s identity and monitors the testing session to protect the integrity of the assessment.
For in-person or virtual tests, IRCC officers ensure that:
- Only the applicant is present in the testing environment
- Identity documents are verified before the test begins
- Applicants receive clear instructions before the test starts
Cheating or attempting to share test questions can result in the applicant being scheduled for a hearing and may raise concerns about misrepresentation.
What Happens After the Test
Once the test is completed, applicants receive their results.
If the applicant passes the test:
- They meet the knowledge requirement for citizenship
- Their application proceeds to the next stage, which may include the citizenship ceremony
If the applicant fails the test:
- They are informed of their score
- They are given additional opportunities to retake the test
Applicants are encouraged to review the official citizenship study guide before attempting the test again.
Citizenship Test Attempts
Applicants are allowed three attempts to pass the citizenship test.
If the applicant fails:
- The first test attempt – they may schedule another test attempt
- The second test attempt – they receive a final opportunity to pass
- The third test attempt – they are scheduled for a knowledge hearing
Applicants cannot take more than one test on the same day.
Knowledge Hearings
A knowledge hearing provides a final opportunity to demonstrate knowledge of Canada.
Key features include:
- Conducted by a citizenship officer
- Usually held in person or through Microsoft Teams
- Delivered as an oral version of the citizenship test
- Includes 20 questions with a passing score of 15
Applicants normally receive 45 minutes for the hearing, although additional time may be provided for accommodation purposes.
Citizenship Language Requirements
Applicants aged 18 to 54 must also demonstrate adequate knowledge of one of Canada’s official languages – English or French.
To meet the language requirement, applicants must show they can:
- Take part in everyday conversations
- Understand simple instructions
- Use basic grammar structures
- Communicate using common vocabulary
IRCC assesses language ability at Canadian Language Benchmark level 4, which represents basic communication skills.
Acceptable Proof of Language Ability
Applicants must submit language evidence with their citizenship application. Acceptable proof includes:
- Diplomas or transcripts from English or French language education programs
- Language test results such as CELPIP, IELTS or TEF
- Certificates from Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) programs
- Provincial language training certificates
Examples of accepted provincial language proof include:
- British Columbia – English Language Services for Adults certificate
- Saskatchewan – CFR Statement of Student Language Proficiency
- Manitoba – Canadian Language Benchmark Report or EAL progress report
- Nova Scotia – Proficiency in English Nova Scotia certificate
- Ontario – ESL, FSL or Citizenship and Language Training certificates showing CLB 4 or higher
- Quebec – French language training records from provincial ministries
Expired language test results may still be accepted for citizenship applications.
Language and Knowledge Hearings
If IRCC is not satisfied with the language proof submitted, applicants may be invited to a language hearing.
During the hearing:
- A citizenship officer evaluates communication ability
- The Language Assessment Tool may be used
- Applicants must answer questions demonstrating everyday language skills
Applicants must answer at least six questions correctly to meet the language requirement.
Accommodations for Applicants With Disabilities
IRCC provides accommodations to ensure fair access to citizenship testing.
Examples include:
- Wheelchair accessibility
- Sign language interpretation
- Large print or braille materials
- Oral versions of the test
- Additional testing time
Applicants should inform IRCC if accommodations are required.
Waivers on Compassionate Grounds
In some cases, IRCC may waive the language or knowledge requirement.
A waiver may be granted when:
- Medical conditions prevent an applicant from meeting the requirements
- Accommodations cannot adequately address the applicant’s needs
Applicants may request a waiver before the final test attempt or hearing.
Protecting the Integrity of Citizenship Tests
Citizenship test materials are classified as Protected B information and must be kept confidential.
IRCC takes strict measures to prevent test questions from entering the public domain. Applicants must agree not to copy or share test content.
If the integrity of the testing process is compromised, IRCC may investigate and take corrective action.
Conclusion
Canada’s citizenship testing system ensures that new citizens understand the country’s history, institutions and civic responsibilities. Most applicants complete the process through the standard citizenship test, while others may demonstrate their knowledge and language skills during a hearing with an officer.
Understanding the testing process, preparing with the official study guide and ensuring the correct language documentation can help applicants successfully meet these important citizenship requirements.
FAQ
Who must take the Canadian citizenship test?
Most applicants aged 18 to 54 when they submit their citizenship application must take the citizenship knowledge test. This includes adult applicants under the main grant of citizenship category. Applicants under 18 or those applying under certain minor or adoption provisions are generally exempt from the test requirement.
How many times can you take the citizenship test?
Applicants are given three opportunities to pass the citizenship knowledge test. If they fail all three attempts, IRCC schedules a knowledge hearing with a citizenship officer. During the hearing, applicants complete an oral version of the test to determine whether they meet the knowledge requirement.
What score is required to pass the citizenship test?
The citizenship test contains 20 questions covering Canadian history, government, geography and civic responsibilities. Applicants must score at least 15 out of 20 to pass. The test typically takes 45 minutes to complete and may be taken online, in person or through Microsoft Teams.
What language level is required for Canadian citizenship?
Applicants must demonstrate language ability at Canadian Language Benchmark level 4 in English or French. This means they can participate in simple conversations, understand basic instructions and communicate using common vocabulary and simple grammar structures in everyday situations.
Can the citizenship language or knowledge requirement be waived?
Yes. IRCC may grant a waiver on compassionate grounds if an applicant cannot meet the language or knowledge requirements due to medical conditions or other exceptional circumstances. Applicants must request the waiver and provide supporting evidence before the final test attempt or hearing.
