10 things you need to know about taking the online Canadian citizenship test

Taking the Canadian citizenship test is one of the final steps on the path to becoming a Canadian citizen.

On March 9, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) published updated instructions for officers assessing citizenship tests, confirming that the online, self-administered form of the test is now the default format.

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Whether you have already received an invitation to take the test or are still in the early stages of your citizenship journey, here are some things to know about the online self-administered process.

The difficulty level is standardized

The online citizenship test is generated from a bank of approximately 300 to 400 questions.

According to IRCC’s updated instructions, each question is weighted so that every version of the test maintains a similar level of difficulty and a balanced mix of topics. Because these tests are generated randomly, it is highly unlikely that two applicants will receive the same set of questions.

IRCC recommends using Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship as the study guide to prepare for the citizenship test.

Applicants looking for additional practice can also use free online sample tests such as those offered by the Richmond Public Library and Toronto Public Library.

You have a limited time window to take your test

Applicants are invited to take the citizenship test by email.

The invitation gives applicants a 30-day window to complete the test, with up to three attempts allowed during that period. This 30-day period runs from the start date to the end date listed in the invitation (it doesn’t start on the day you receive the email).

If you miss this window to take the test, you will have to contact the department to get a new invitation.

The test includes 20 questions. To pass, applicants must answer at least 15 questions correctly. Questions are either multiple choice or true-or-false. There are no open-ended questions.

You have 45 minutes to complete the test.

Your webcam will be on during your test

You must take the test on a desktop computer, laptop, or tablet equipped with a webcam. Your webcam will be on during the test.

On its website, IRCC states that your webcam will be used to take random photos to confirm your identity and ensure you’re working alone.

You must have valid identification ready

Before beginning the test, there is an identity verification process for which you must have an acceptable piece of identification with you.

The process is automated (you will not have an immigration officer instructing you or communicating with you through the process).

This can include:

a permanent resident card, even if it has expired; or
a valid piece of identification with a photo and signature, such as a driver’s licence or health card (that is not expired).

Before starting the test, you will be asked to use your device’s webcam to take a photo of yourself and your identification.

These images must be clear. If the photos are blurry or unreadable, the test may be considered invalid, and you may be asked to take it again.

Some setups are not supported for the online citizenship test

These devices and setups are not supported for the Canadian citizenship test:

Mobile phones;
Chrome on an iPad;
Microsoft Surface Pro devices; and
Devices connected to a virtual private network (VPN).

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You will see a score immediately, but it is not your final result

After completing the test and identity verification steps, you will receive a score out of 20.

While this score gives an indication of whether the applicant likely passed or failed, it is not considered official at that stage.

IRCC says the knowledge requirement is only considered met after the test has been reviewed internally, and the department has confirmed both the test result and the applicant’s identity.

There are strict rules about what you cannot do during the test

IRCC has rules for applicants taking the online, self-administered test.

Applicants must not:

Open other tabs, windows, or programs;
Use another device during the test;
Connect through a VPN; or
Have personal information visible in the background (like a diploma).

The test must be completed alone and without outside assistance.

If concerns are identified, you may be asked to retake the test or attend an interview

If IRCC identifies issues with a test session or results, you may be asked to retake the test or attend an interview. Some examples of issues are if photos of you or your identification are blurry, or if you have internet connectivity issues during your test.

If no follow-up letter is issued and the applicant’s Citizenship Tracker later shows that the knowledge requirement has been marked as completed, this generally means you have passed that part of the process.

If you fail all three attempts, you may be scheduled for a knowledge hearing

Applicants who do not pass the test after all three attempts will usually be invited to attend a knowledge hearing with a citizenship officer.

This hearing may take place in person or by video conference using Microsoft Teams.

During a hearing, a citizenship officer will administer an oral knowledge test and/or a language assessment tool to determine whether you meet the knowledge or language criteria, as required.

Cheating can have serious consequences

Applicants who are found to have cheated may lose the opportunity to be tested again and may instead be referred to a hearing with a citizenship officer.

The department also notes that dishonest conduct during a test or hearing may amount to misrepresentation, because the result may not accurately reflect the applicant’s knowledge or abilities.

Misrepresentation is a serious offence in Canadian immigration law. It can lead to an application being rejected, as well as to fines, charges and being banned from applying for Canadian immigration for five years.

IRCC’s instructions say that concerns about cheating should be documented in the applicant’s file.

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