How many questions are on the Canadian citizenship test?

There are 20 questions, either multiple choice or true or false. You have 45 minutes and need at least 15 correct to pass.

Is the Canadian citizenship test hard?

Most people who read Discover Canada carefully pass. The questions that catch people out are specific dates, names and the details of how government works, so practise those.

How many times can you take the Canadian citizenship test?

You have 3 chances within the 30 days in your invitation. If you fail all 3, you are invited to a hearing with a citizenship official, where the questions are asked out loud.

Is the citizenship test online?

Yes, most applicants take it online from anywhere, monitored by webcam. IRCC may ask some people to take it in person or on Microsoft Teams, for example if they need an accommodation.

How long should I study for the citizenship test?

Two weeks at about 30 minutes a day works for most people. Start before your invitation arrives, because you only have 30 days once it does.

How to pass the Canadian citizenship test

Checked against official sources on 1 October 2026

The Canadian citizenship test has 20 questions and you need 15 right. Every question comes from one free book, Discover Canada, so passing is mostly a matter of reading it properly and practising. Here is how the test works and a plan to get ready.

Questions: 20
Pass mark: 15 correct
Time: 45 min

How the test works

20 questions, either multiple choice or true or false.
45 minutes. Once the timer starts you cannot stop it.
You need at least 15 correct (75%).
You can take it in English or French.
Most people take it online, from anywhere, while a webcam monitors them.
IRCC emails your invitation a few weeks or months after you apply. You then have 30 days to take the test.
You have 3 chances to pass within those 30 days.

You take the test if you are aged 18 to 54 on the day you sign your application. The test does not check your English or French; a citizenship officer notes that separately if you are invited to an interview.

What to study

IRCC bases every question on its official study guide, Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship. It is free, and you can read it online, download it as a PDF or eBook, listen to the audio version or order a paper copy.

The questions cover the rights and responsibilities of citizens, and Canada's history, geography, economy, government, laws and symbols. You can start studying before your invitation arrives, and you should: 30 days goes quickly.

Practice questions like ours help you find the parts you have not learned yet. They do not replace the guide, because the real questions can come from any page of it.

Taking the test online

Use a desktop computer, laptop or tablet with a webcam. Do not use a mobile phone.
Use the Chrome or Safari browser, and turn off any VPN.
Have your permanent resident card ready (an expired one is accepted) or another photo ID with your signature.
You photograph your ID and yourself before you start, and you must stay in the same place for the test.
Take the test alone, with your face visible on the webcam. Other devices and study materials are not allowed.
If your connection drops, the 45-minute timer keeps running, so use a reliable connection.
Your score appears on screen when you submit. Print or email that page straight away: IRCC does not send a confirmation, and you cannot sign in to see it again.

The score on screen is unofficial. An officer reviews it, which can take a few days or a few weeks, and your application status is updated in the online tracker.

If you do not pass

You have up to 3 chances within the 30-day period in your invitation. If you fail all 3, IRCC invites you to a hearing with a citizenship official.

At the hearing the officer may ask you questions out loud about Canada: 20 questions, and you must get 15 right. The officer may also ask about your time living in Canada and check your English or French. A hearing lasts 30 to 90 minutes.

If you fail the hearing, your application is refused. You would need to apply again and pay the fees again.

A 2-week study plan

About 30 minutes a day is enough for most people. Start when you apply, not when the invitation arrives.

Days 1 to 8Read one part of Discover Canada each day, then do our topic quiz for that part. Read the explanation for every question you get wrong.
Days 9 to 11Go back to your two weakest topics. History and government have the most dates and names, so most people need a second read there.
Days 12 to 14Take full 20-question practice tests with the 45-minute timer. Aim for 18 or more, three times in a row, before you sit the real test.
The day beforeCheck your webcam, browser and internet connection, and find your permanent resident card.

Practise for free

Full 20-question practice tests with the real pass mark, and a quiz for every topic. Every answer is explained.

Start a practice test Practise by topic

Common mistakes

Only doing practice questions and never reading Discover Canada.
Waiting until the last days of the 30-day period, which leaves no time for a second or third attempt.
Using a phone, a VPN or a browser other than Chrome or Safari for the online test.
Closing the results page without printing or emailing it.
Skipping the sections on provinces, territories and capital cities because they look like simple lists.

Questions

How many questions are on the Canadian citizenship test?: There are 20 questions, either multiple choice or true or false. You have 45 minutes and need at least 15 correct to pass.
Is the Canadian citizenship test hard?: Most people who read Discover Canada carefully pass. The questions that catch people out are specific dates, names and the details of how government works, so practise those.
How many times can you take the Canadian citizenship test?: You have 3 chances within the 30 days in your invitation. If you fail all 3, you are invited to a hearing with a citizenship official, where the questions are asked out loud.
Is the citizenship test online?: Yes, most applicants take it online from anywhere, monitored by webcam. IRCC may ask some people to take it in person or on Microsoft Teams, for example if they need an accommodation.
How long should I study for the citizenship test?: Two weeks at about 30 minutes a day works for most people. Start before your invitation arrives, because you only have 30 days once it does.

Official sources

TestWise Prep is an independent practice site and is not affiliated with the government of Canada. The test facts on this page come from the official pages above; the study plan and tips are our own advice. Rules can change, so always confirm on the official website.