Canadian Citizenship Test

If you are thinking of becoming a Canadian Citizen, the Citizenship Test is one of the last steps standing between you and your ceremony. In March 2026, IRCC formalized major changes to how the test works, so if you last looked into this a few years ago, some of what you knew is now outdated. At SEP Immigration, we help applicants understand exactly what to expect and how to prepare, whether your test is online or in person.

If you are not a Canadian Permanent Resident yet and you are not sure what the best way for you to immigrate to Canada is, please fill out our assessment form and we will get back to you with your possible options.

For help with your citizenship application itself, from eligibility to the invitation, see our Citizenship Application service.

Who Has to Take the Citizenship Test and Go to the Interview?

The Canadian citizenship test and the interview are usually part of the citizenship process. Whether you are required to take a test or go to an interview depends on your age and circumstances.

Applicants between 18 and 54 years old are required to take the citizenship test. They may also be invited for an interview.

If you pass the test, the interview will usually be straightforward and focused on verifying your documents and eligibility.

Adults 55 years old or older do not have to take the citizenship test. However, they may still be invited to an interview, where their documents will be assessed.

Children under 18 do not need to take the test. They also usually do not need to attend an interview if they have a Canadian parent or their parent is applying at the same time.

Children without a Canadian parent, or without a parent applying at the same time, may be invited to the interview if they are between 14 and 17. Younger children will not need to take the test or attend an interview even without a Canadian parent or a parent applying at the same time.

What Changed in the 2026 Citizenship Test Rules

On March 9, 2026, IRCC published updated internal instructions that formalized how the test is administered going forward. The core knowledge requirement has not changed, but the process around it has:

• Online is now the default format. Most applicants aged 18 to 54 will be assigned the self-administered online test rather than an in-person test.
• The time limit for the online test is now 45 minutes, up from the previous 30-minute standard. In-person tests still run 30 minutes.
• You now get up to three attempts at the online test within your invitation window, before being referred to a hearing with a citizenship official (previously two attempts).
• Identity verification now uses your webcam. The online test takes photos during the session to confirm you match your application photo and that you are completing the test alone.

In-person and Microsoft Teams tests are still used in specific circumstances, such as accommodation needs or technical limitations, but they are no longer the default.

Test Questions and Passing Score

The Canadian citizenship test includes straightforward questions to test your general knowledge about the country and its history. It aims to ensure applicants are well informed to become active and engaged citizens.

The test covers topics including Canadian history, geography, politics and government, values, rights and responsibilities of citizenship, and national symbols. Each test is dynamically generated from a bank of roughly 300 to 400 questions, so no two applicants necessarily see the exact same set.

Here is an example of a question you may see on the test:

Question: What is the significance of July 1, 1867?

1. Canada's independence from Britain
2. Confederation (Canada became a country)
3. The signing of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms
4. The Battle of Vimy Ridge

Answer: Confederation

You need to answer at least 15 of the 20 questions correctly (75%) to pass. This passing threshold has not changed.

Test Format: Online vs In Person

The Canadian citizenship test consists of 20 questions, either multiple choice or true or false.

• Online test (default): 45 minutes, self-administered, with webcam identity verification. Most applicants aged 18 to 54 will be assigned this format.
• In-person test: 30 minutes, held at an IRCC office.
• Microsoft Teams test: Available for specific circumstances, such as accommodation needs.

IRCC assigns your format when it sends your invitation; you generally cannot choose. The test is available in both English and French.

Study for the Test

The official guide is still "Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship." It covers all the topics you'll be tested on, including Canadian history, geography, government, citizens' rights and responsibilities, and national symbols.

You can download the guide, read it online, or listen to the audio version on IRCC's official website.

Break the guide into chunks and focus on one topic at a time. Review it periodically so the material stays fresh when you sit the test, and if you know you'll be taking the 45-minute online version, practice recalling answers quickly rather than only reading passively.

Wait for Your Test Invitation

After applying for citizenship, you should wait a few weeks until your application is processed. Once IRCC finishes processing your request, they will send an invitation to take the test if you are eligible.

Most applicants in 2026 receive the online test. If your case calls for it, you may instead be invited to an in-person or Microsoft Teams test.

How You'll Get the Invitation

You will receive the invitation by email. Check your spam folder so you don't miss it.

If you're assigned the online test, your email will not include a specific date or time. You will have a set window, typically 30 days, to complete the test at a time that works for you.

If you're assigned an in-person test, your email will include the date, time, and address of the test centre.

How to Take the Test

If you're taking the test online, you can complete it any time within your window. You'll need a desktop computer, laptop, or tablet with a working webcam and a stable internet connection; mobile phones are not accepted. Have valid photo ID ready before you start, since the system verifies your identity against your application photo.

If you're taking the test in person or on Microsoft Teams, you'll receive the exact date, time, and address (or meeting link) in your invitation.

If You Take the Test Online

You'll receive an email with a secure link to the test. Within your window, you can start it at any time. Before beginning, confirm your device, browser (Chrome or Safari are recommended), and camera are working properly.

You have up to three chances to pass the test within your invitation window. If you fail on the first attempt, you can retake it up to two more times. If you fail all three attempts, IRCC will invite you to a hearing with a citizenship official.

If You Take the Test on Microsoft Teams or In Person

You'll receive an email with the exact date, time, and either a physical address or a link to join via Microsoft Teams. Try to arrive or log in early so you don't miss the test due to traffic or technical issues.

As with the online test, you have up to three chances to pass. If you fail all three, IRCC will invite you to a hearing with a citizenship official.

What to Do If You Miss the Test

If you miss the test for any reason, don't worry. You still have the chance to take it. What happens next depends on the format you were assigned.

If You Missed an Online Test

If you miss your online test the first time, you will automatically receive a second invitation with a new window to complete the test, again with up to three attempts.

If you miss the test again within that second window, you'll need to explain your reasons by email and request another invitation.

If you miss the test twice without contacting IRCC, your application may be considered abandoned.

If You Missed Your First In-Person or Microsoft Teams Test

Contact IRCC and explain your reason for missing the test. If you have a valid reason, you'll receive a second invitation.

You can also wait for a reschedule without contacting IRCC, though this usually still results in a second invitation. Make sure not to miss it, since it may be your last chance.

According to IRCC's official citizenship test page, the knowledge requirement itself has stayed consistent even as the delivery method has moved online.