Canadian Citizenship Test practice test

The Canadian citizenship test checks your knowledge of Canada’s history, geography, government, symbols, and the rights and responsibilities of citizens. Every question comes from the official study guide, Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship, which Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) provides free in print, online, as an ebook and as audio.

The test has 20 questions, a mix of multiple choice and true or false, and you need 15 correct answers (75%) to pass. Since IRCC’s updated instructions in March 2026, the self-administered online test is the default format, with 45 minutes allowed (the older written test gave 30 minutes). Questions are drawn from a large bank, so no two tests are the same. There is no separate fee; the test is part of your citizenship application.

Who has to take it

Applicants aged 18 to 54 on the day they sign their application take the test. Applicants under 18 or aged 55 and over do not. If you need an accommodation, for example extra time or an in-person sitting, you can ask for it; IRCC also uses in-person or video tests when there are identity-verification or technical problems, or at an officer’s discretion.

How the online test works

After IRCC processes your application, you receive an email invitation with a link and a deadline, usually a few weeks, within which to complete the test. You take it on your own computer or phone, with your camera on for identity checks, and your result appears on screen when you finish. An online pass is provisional until IRCC confirms your identity and reviews the session. You may then be invited to an interview with a citizenship officer, where your language ability, residence and other requirements can be checked.

What the questions cover

Discover Canada has eight main sections, and the test samples all of them: rights and responsibilities of citizenship; who we are (Indigenous peoples, the French and British heritage, and diversity); Canada’s history from early settlement to Confederation and the modern era; how Canadians govern themselves (federal, provincial and municipal government, the monarchy and Parliament); federal elections; the justice system; Canadian symbols; and Canada’s regions and economy. Our questions and answers page is grouped by these sections. History and government produce the most questions.

If you do not pass

Under the 2026 instructions you get three attempts at the written or online test. If you fail the third attempt, or an officer has doubts about your knowledge or language, you are invited to a hearing with a citizenship officer, who asks the questions orally. See our guide on retake rules by country.

Language

You can take the test in English or French. Applicants aged 18 to 54 must also prove language ability at Canadian Language Benchmark 4 or higher in speaking and listening, usually with an approved test result or evidence of education in English or French. The citizenship test itself is not a language test, but officers assess your language during any interview or hearing.

How to study

1. Read Discover Canada all the way through once. It is about 60 pages; the audio version is useful while commuting.
2. Use practice mode one section at a time and read every explanation. Pay attention to names, dates and “firsts”, which are common exact-answer questions.
3. Learn the current office holders the guide refers to (the Governor General, the Prime Minister, your premier and your MP), and your province’s capital and symbols.
4. Take a timed mock exam every few days until you pass three in a row with 17 or more, then clear your weak questions.

Our questions are written from Discover Canada in the style of the real test. The official question bank is not published, so use these alongside the guide. Check the IRCC page linked on this page for the current rules.