Canadian Citizenship Test: Complete 2025 Guide

What Is the Canadian Citizenship Test?

The Canadian citizenship test is a written multiple-choice exam administered by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). It tests your knowledge of Canada's history, government, values, rights and responsibilities, and symbols. All questions are drawn directly from the official study guide, Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship.

Most applicants between the ages of 18 and 54 must take and pass the test as part of their citizenship application. Those under 18 or over 54 are exempt from the written test requirement.

Test Format and Structure

The test consists of 20 multiple-choice questions. You have 45 minutes to complete it. To pass, you must answer at least 15 of the 20 questions correctly — a score of 75%. The test is administered in either English or French, and you may choose which language you prefer.

Questions cover six broad topic areas from Discover Canada: the Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship, Canadian History, Canada's Government, the Federal Electoral District (your riding), Canada's Physical and Political Geography, and the Canadian Economy.

Who Must Take the Test?

Adults aged 18 to 54 who apply for citizenship must take the written citizenship test. The knowledge and language assessments for this group are both mandatory. Applicants outside this age range (under 18 or 55+) are exempt, though they still attend the citizenship ceremony and take the Oath of Citizenship.

Eligibility Requirements Before You Can Book the Test

To qualify for the citizenship test, you must first meet all citizenship eligibility requirements:

• Be a permanent resident of Canada
• Have been physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days in the 5 years before applying
• Have filed Canadian income taxes for at least 3 of the last 5 years
• Demonstrate adequate knowledge of English or French (CLB level 4 or higher)
• Not be under a removal order or charged with a serious offence

IRCC will review your application before sending you a Notice to Appear for the test. Processing times typically range from 12 to 24 months.

What Topics Are on the Test?

The citizenship test draws from all chapters of Discover Canada, but certain topics carry more weight. Based on past test experience, the most commonly tested areas are:

• Rights and Responsibilities — voting rights, jury duty, freedom of expression, equality rights
• How Government Works — Parliament's three parts, the Prime Minister's role, federal elections
• Canadian History — Confederation, Vimy Ridge, women's suffrage, residential schools
• National Symbols — the flag, national anthem, the beaver, provincial flowers
• Geography — provinces, territories, capital cities, major rivers and lakes

What Happens If You Fail?

If you do not achieve 75% (15/20) on the first attempt, IRCC may allow you to rewrite the test or invite you to a hearing before a citizenship judge. At the hearing, the judge will assess your knowledge through an oral interview. In most cases, applicants who prepare thoroughly pass on their first attempt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a dictionary during the test?

No. The citizenship test is a closed-book exam. You may not bring any reference materials, electronic devices, or dictionaries into the testing room.

Is there a fee to take the test?

The test itself is included in the overall citizenship application fee of $630 CAD for adults. There is no separate fee to write the test.

How long does it take to receive results?

If you pass the written test, IRCC typically sends your citizenship ceremony notice within a few months. If you did not pass, they will contact you with instructions for next steps.