What is the passing score for the citizenship test?

You need at least 15 correct answers out of 20 (75%).

Are the questions taken from the study guide?

Yes. All test questions are based on information in the official study guide, Discover Canada.

Do I need good English to pass?

The test does not have questions to assess your English or French language skills, but the test itself is in English or French. Separately, if you are between 18 and 54 on the day you sign your application, you must show that you have an adequate knowledge of English or French. If you are invited to an interview, a citizenship officer will also note how well you communicate in English or French.

How much time do I have?

The test is 45 minutes long. You get a warning when you have 5 minutes left.

Can I retake the test if I fail?

Yes. You have up to 3 chances to pass within your 30-day test period.

Is the Canadian Citizenship Test Hard? An Honest Answer

What makes it manageable

Every question is based on one book: the official study guide, Discover Canada. You know exactly what to study.Source: canada.ca, Study for the test (opens in a new tab)
The guide is free. You can read it online, download it, listen to the audio version or order a paper copy.
You need 15 of 20 right (75%). You can get up to 5 wrong and still pass.Source: canada.ca, Study for the test (opens in a new tab)Source: canada.ca, Test results and next steps (opens in a new tab)
You have 3 chances to pass the test.Source: canada.ca, Study for the test (opens in a new tab)Source: canada.ca, Citizenship test: how it works (opens in a new tab)
The test does not check your English or French language skills. It checks what you know about Canada.Source: canada.ca, Study for the test (opens in a new tab)

What makes it a challenge

The guide covers a lot: the rights and responsibilities of citizens, and Canada's history, geography, economy, government, laws and symbols.Source: canada.ca, Study for the test (opens in a new tab)
The online test has a 45-minute timer that can't be stopped. When time runs out, the test is submitted automatically.Source: canada.ca, Take the online test (opens in a new tab)
You can't look at any study materials during the online test.

How to make it easier

You can start studying for the test at any time. You don't have to wait for your test invitation.Source: canada.ca, Study for the test (opens in a new tab)

Read the guide one chapter at a time. Then answer practice questions on that chapter to see what you remember. Go back to the parts you got wrong.

Take a few full practice tests with a timer, so the real test feels familiar. Aim to score well above the pass mark before your test day.

If you don't pass the first time

Within your 30-day test period you have up to 3 chances to pass. If you fail all 3, you are invited to a hearing with a citizenship official.Source: canada.ca, Test results and next steps (opens in a new tab)

Common questions

What is the passing score for the citizenship test?: You need at least 15 correct answers out of 20 (75%).Source: canada.ca, Study for the test (opens in a new tab)Source: canada.ca, Test results and next steps (opens in a new tab)
Are the questions taken from the study guide?: Yes. All test questions are based on information in the official study guide, Discover Canada.Source: canada.ca, Study for the test (opens in a new tab)
Do I need good English to pass?: The test does not have questions to assess your English or French language skills, but the test itself is in English or French. Separately, if you are between 18 and 54 on the day you sign your application, you must show that you have an adequate knowledge of English or French. If you are invited to an interview, a citizenship officer will also note how well you communicate in English or French.Source: canada.ca, Study for the test (opens in a new tab)Source: canada.ca, Citizenship: who can apply (opens in a new tab)
How much time do I have?: The test is 45 minutes long. You get a warning when you have 5 minutes left.Source: canada.ca, Take the online test (opens in a new tab)
Can I retake the test if I fail?: Yes. You have up to 3 chances to pass within your 30-day test period.Source: canada.ca, Test results and next steps (opens in a new tab)