Canadian Citizenship Test study guide

Test overview

The Canadian citizenship test checks your knowledge of Canada, based entirely on the official Discover Canada study guide. It covers Canada’s history, values, institutions and symbols as well as the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.

The test consists of 20 questions with a 30-minute time limit, and you need 15 correct answers to pass, according to the official format at our last review. The test may be written or oral depending on your situation.

Because every question comes from a single published guide, systematic practice is highly effective. Requirements can change, so verify details on the official IRCC website before your test date.

How the test works

• After applying, eligible applicants receive an invitation to take the citizenship test.
• The test has 20 multiple-choice and true-or-false questions based only on Discover Canada.
• You have 30 minutes to finish, and you need at least 15 correct answers to pass.
• If you do not pass the first time, you can retake the test; a second failure leads to an interview or further process with IRCC.

What to study

The exam draws on the topics below. Practise each one separately, then combine them in a full test.

• History

  From Confederation and the Fathers of Confederation to Canada’s role in the World Wars.

  12 practice questions available

• Geography

  Provinces, territories, capital cities, oceans and the regions of Canada.

  6 practice questions available

• Government

  Canada’s constitutional monarchy, parliamentary democracy and how responsible government works.

  10 practice questions available

• Rights & Freedoms

  The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, official languages and citizenship responsibilities.

  14 practice questions available

• Law & Justice

  The courts, the rule of law and national institutions such as the RCMP.

  4 practice questions available

• Symbols

  The flag, anthem, motto and other symbols of Canadian identity.

  7 practice questions available

Study strategy

1. Read Discover Canada cover to cover once before practising, since all questions come from it.
2. Focus extra attention on history chapters and the rights and responsibilities section, where many candidates lose marks.
3. Use flashcards for dates, names and symbols such as the anthem, motto and flag.
4. Take timed mock tests here to get used to answering 20 questions in 30 minutes.
5. Review every incorrect answer and read the related chapter again before retrying.
6. Study a little every day rather than cramming; short daily sessions build a strong streak.