Most citizenship applicants aged 18 to 54 at the time they sign their application must take the citizenship test, unless the requirement is waived. The test has 20 questions, a 45 minute time limit, and a pass mark of 15 correct answers, taken in English or French. Most applicants test online, and the online invitation gives a 30 day window with up to three attempts inside it. Questions are drawn from Discover Canada, the official study guide, and that is the only source that matters, not the sample question banks circulating online.
Who needs to take the test
Most applicants aged 18 to 54 at the time they sign their citizenship application must take the test, unless the requirement is waived. Because waivers depend on individual circumstances, applicants who are unsure where they stand should confirm their position against the official source rather than assume either way. Some of the terms used in this process, including status and residency obligation, are explained in our glossary.
How the test is structured
The test has 20 questions with a 45 minute time limit. To pass, an applicant needs 15 correct answers. It can be taken in English or French, and applicants choose their preferred language when they book. Most applicants complete the test online, though other formats and accommodations exist where needed.
The online testing window
When an applicant receives an online testing invitation, it opens a 30 day window during which they can attempt the test up to three times. Applicants should plan to test early in that window rather than close to the end of it, so that a technical issue or an unsuccessful attempt still leaves room to try again.
What to study, and what to ignore
Discover Canada is the official study guide, and test questions are drawn from it. Unofficial sample question banks and quiz sites that circulate online are not authoritative, and relying on them instead of Discover Canada is a common and avoidable mistake.
What can happen after the test
Depending on the result and the applicant's circumstances, what follows can include a citizenship ceremony and the oath, an interview with a citizenship officer, a retest, or a hearing. Because the correct next step depends on the specific file, applicants who are unsure what a particular result or letter means should treat it as fact-specific rather than assume a standard outcome. If you have general questions before applying, you can also reach out to us for a starting point.
The test at a glance
A summary of the core testing rules described on IRCC's official pages.
| Consideration | Detail |
|---|---|
| Who must take it | Most applicants aged 18 to 54 at the time they sign the application, unless waived. |
| Number of questions | 20 questions. |
| Time limit | 45 minutes. |
| Pass mark | 15 correct answers. |
| Languages | English or French. |
| Online attempts | Up to three attempts within a 30 day invitation window. |
| Study source | Discover Canada, the official study guide. |
This table is a general orientation. The correct route depends on the facts of your matter, the timing of each step and the evidence you can actually produce.
Common mistakes
- Studying from unofficial sample question banks instead of Discover Canada.
- Leaving the online test until the final days of the 30 day window, with no room for a technical issue or a missed attempt.
- Assuming the test always happens in person. Most applicants complete it online.
- Not confirming in advance whether the age-based requirement or a waiver applies to a specific applicant.
When professional help may be useful
If an application involves an age or waiver question that is not straightforward, a missed testing window, or a retest following a difficult result, a case-specific review can help set out the realistic next step.
Official sources
- IRCC: How the citizenship test works
- IRCC: Study for the citizenship test
- IRCC: Citizenship test invitation
Program rules change. Check the official source for current requirements.
Where this fits
For how we work on this, Citizenship. Terms used above are defined in the glossary, and related questions are answered in the FAQ.
About the reviewer
Karan Pratap Singh, CEO, RCIC at Immigrate Now. RCIC (R532175), regulated by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants.