Test-day guide
What to expect on test day
A plain-English walk-through of the online citizenship test, from the invitation to your result. Each point links to the canada.ca page it comes from. Last checked October 29, 2026.
This guide is for the online test. If your invitation is for an in-person or Microsoft Teams test, some details differ. Your invitation always has the final word.
Before test day
Use a desktop, laptop or tablet with a webcam, in Chrome or Safari. Not a phone, not Chrome on an iPad, and not a Surface Pro.
Source: canada.ca, Take the online testTurn off any VPN and use a reliable internet connection.
Source: canada.ca, Take the online testHave your ID ready: your permanent resident card (even if expired), or valid photo ID with a signature, like a driver's licence or health card.
Source: canada.ca, Take the online testPick a well-lit room and remove things in the background that show personal information, like a diploma. A public library computer is allowed.
Source: canada.ca, Take the online testYou don't need to be in Canada to take the online test.
Source: canada.ca, Take the online test
Starting the test
Sign in only after you get your invitation, with your application number and UCI (unique client identifier).
Source: canada.ca, Take the online testYou request a test link by email. Each link expires after 15 minutes, so use the newest one.
Source: canada.ca, Take the online testYou take a photo of your ID and of yourself. Religious head coverings and glasses are fine if your face is clearly visible. A blurry photo can invalidate your test, so retake it before you approve it.
Source: canada.ca, Take the online testWhen you press "Start the test", a 45-minute timer starts. It can't be paused.
Source: canada.ca, Take the online test
During the test
Take it alone, with your face in view of the webcam the whole time. The webcam takes photos at random to check it's you.
Source: canada.ca, Take the online testClose every other tab, window and program before you start, and don't open any. Don't use another device, study notes, or the browser's back button.
Source: canada.ca, Take the online testThere are 20 questions, multiple choice or true/false. You get a warning at 5 minutes left, and the test submits itself at 45 minutes.
Source: canada.ca, Take the online testIf you get disconnected, sign in again or use your newest link right away. The timer keeps running while you're away.
Source: canada.ca, Take the online test
After the test
Your score shows on screen straight away. You pass with 15 of 20 (75%).
Source: canada.ca, Test results and next stepsSave it now: print the results page or email it to yourself. No confirmation email is sent, and you can't sign in to see it again.
Source: canada.ca, Test results and next stepsThe on-screen score isn't official yet. An officer reviews it, which can take a few days or a few weeks. Check your application tracker, because you won't get email updates.
Source: canada.ca, Test results and next stepsIf you pass, you'll be invited to a citizenship ceremony. Some people are also invited to an interview first.
Source: canada.ca, Test results and next steps
Common questions
How many questions are on the Canadian citizenship test?
20 questions, multiple choice or true/false. You need 15 right to pass, and you have 45 minutes.
Is the Canadian citizenship test hard?
Every question comes from the official study guide, Discover Canada, so nothing on it is a surprise if you know the guide. The parts with the most detail to remember are history dates and how government works. Take a few practice tests: if you're scoring 17 or more out of 20, you're in good shape.
What happens if I fail the citizenship test?
You get up to 3 chances within your 30-day test period. If you fail all 3, you are invited to a hearing with a citizenship official, which can include an oral version of the test. If you fail the hearing, your application is refused and you would have to apply and pay again.
Can I take the online test on my phone?
No. IRCC asks for a desktop, laptop or tablet with a webcam, using Chrome or Safari. Phones, Chrome on an iPad, and Surface Pro devices are not supported. You can still study on your phone.
How long after the test is the oath ceremony?
IRCC doesn't publish a fixed time. First an officer reviews your online result, which can take a few days or weeks. If you pass, you'll be invited to a ceremony. Watch your application tracker for updates, because IRCC doesn't send email updates.
Do I get an email with my result?
No. The online test shows your score on screen, and no confirmation email is sent. Print the page or email it to yourself before you close it.
Sources: canada.ca, Study for the test, Take the online test and Test results and next steps. Pass15 is an independent study tool, not a government service.