Straight answers about the citizenship test: format, pass mark, eligibility, retakes, and how to prepare. Everything below reflects the official IRCC process and the Discover Canada guide.
The test has 20 multiple-choice or true/false questions. You must answer at least 15 correctly (75%) to pass. You get 45 minutes for the written test.
Applicants aged 18 to 54 on the day you sign your application must take the test. Applicants 55 and older are exempt. You can take it in English or French.
Everything comes from the official study guide, Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship — 11 chapters covering rights and responsibilities, history, government, elections, justice, symbols, economy, and regions.
If you score below 15/20, IRCC schedules a second test, usually 4 to 8 weeks later. If you fail again, you attend a hearing with a citizenship officer who assesses your knowledge orally. Your application is not automatically refused after one failed test.
Based on the guide's emphasis: Canada's History and How Canadians Govern Themselves are the heaviest topics, followed by Canada's Regions and Who We Are. Study those first.
The adult fee is $630 CAD ($100 for minors). The test itself has no separate fee.
Usually written (online or in person). It can be an oral interview with a citizenship officer in some cases, for example if you have difficulty reading or writing.
Yes — CanadaTestPrep has a free tier with practice questions, a simulation test, and flashcards, no credit card required. Start with the free 10-question practice test.