Canadian Citizenship Test flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Citizenship test question count

The citizenship test contains 20 questions, mixing multiple-choice and true/false formats, drawn from the official study guide 'Discover Canada'.

Passing score

An applicant must answer at least 15 of the 20 questions correctly, which equals 75 percent, to pass the citizenship test.

Test language

The citizenship test is offered only in English or French, Canada's two official languages, and applicants choose which one to use.

Age exemption

Applicants aged 55 and older at the time of application are exempt from the citizenship test and the language requirement.

Test content areas

Questions cover Canada's history, geography, government, economy, symbols, and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.

Official study guide

'Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship' is the free official guide from IRCC on which all test questions are based.

Review questions

Each chapter of 'Discover Canada' ends with review questions that resemble the style of the actual citizenship test items.

Confederation date

1867 is the year of Canadian Confederation, when the Dominion of Canada was formed; this date is commonly tested.

Charter year

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms became part of the Constitution in 1982, a frequently tested date.

Five regions

The five regions of Canada are the Atlantic, Central, Prairie, West Coast, and Northern regions, a common geography topic.

Three territories

Canada's three territories are Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut; their capitals are Whitehorse, Yellowknife, and Iqaluit.

Citizenship responsibilities

Responsibilities include obeying the law, voting in elections, serving on juries, and protecting Canada's environment and heritage.

Acknowledgement of Receipt

The AOR confirms IRCC received a citizenship application but does not schedule a test; it is an early processing milestone.

Test invitation contents

The invitation states the test date, time, and either the office location or the online link, plus any identity requirements.

Processing time estimates

IRCC publishes current citizenship processing time estimates on its website, which applicants can check while waiting.

Keeping contact info current

Applicants must update IRCC with any change of address, email, or phone so test invitations are not missed.

Additional document requests

IRCC may request extra documents or fingerprints before scheduling a test; prompt responses prevent delays.

Online test access

The online test is accessed through a secure IRCC link, usually within a set window stated in the invitation.

Webcam monitoring

Applicants taking the online test must confirm identity and may be monitored by webcam throughout the session.

Online test scoring

The online test has 20 questions and requires 15 correct answers to pass, identical to the in-person test.

Single sitting rule

The online test must be completed in one sitting; the system locks after submission so answers cannot be changed.

Technical issue reporting

Technical problems during the online test must be reported to IRCC immediately, with screenshots and reference numbers if possible.

Missed test notification

Applicants who miss a scheduled test must contact IRCC promptly and explain the reason to request rescheduling.

Valid absence reasons

Illness, bereavement, or travel emergencies are examples of valid reasons IRCC may accept for rescheduling a missed test.

Abandoned application risk

Missing a test without a valid reason can lead IRCC to treat the citizenship application as abandoned.

Rescheduling timeline

A rescheduled test is typically offered within a few weeks to months, depending on the office's capacity.

Supporting documentation

IRCC may request documents such as a medical note to support the reason given for missing a scheduled test.

First failure outcome

Failing the first test attempt results in an invitation to a second test, usually scheduled within 4 to 8 weeks.

Second failure outcome

Failing both test attempts leads to a citizenship hearing with an officer to review the applicant's knowledge.

After passing the test

Passing moves the application to review and ceremony scheduling; the test alone does not grant citizenship.

Oath of citizenship

At the ceremony, applicants take the oath in English or French, swearing allegiance to the King and to Canada.

Citizenship certificate

The citizenship certificate is issued after the ceremony; applicants may then apply for a Canadian passport.