For you to become a Canadian citizen through the naturalization process, you must pass the Canadian citizenship test. However, the citizenship test requires adequate preparation and there are specific eligibility criteria that all applicants must meet before being given the green light to take the test. In retrospect, it is important to know the answers to the most frequently asked questions involving Canadian citizenship.
What is the age bracket for applicants who can sit for the test?
Any person who is between 18 and 54 years when applying for the test is legally eligible to take the citizenship test. Minors are not eligible to sit for the citizenship test but they can have a parent or guardian acting on their behalf.
How do you apply for the test?
Once you meet all the necessary criteria to sit for the citizenship test, you can fill up the citizenship test application form and send it to the IRCC. After the IRCC processes your application, you will receive a notice inviting you to take the test on a scheduled date.
What should you use to study for the test?
All the questions that you will be asked on the citizenship test will be covered in the Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship guide book recommended by the IRCC. The physical copy of the guide book can be sent via mail or it can be downloaded in eBook or audio format. You can also try these Canadian citizenship practice test.
What documents should you bring to the citizenship test?
Applicants are required to bring the original copies of the documents they sent along with their application when applying for the test. Additionally, you should also bring the invitation letter sent by the IRCC.
Can you reschedule the test?
Yes, if you want to reschedule the test, you can write an explanation letter and send it to the IRCC where you sent the application. Once the IRCC receives the letter, they can set up a different date.
Is the test oral or written?
The Canadian citizenship test is a written exam conveyed in English or French. However, a citizenship officer usually conducts an oral interview to run a background check on the applicants before the citizenship test. The oral interview is just a standard procedure and it will in no way affect the marks on the citizenship test.
What if you have special needs?
Any person who requires special needs during the test such as braille, large print or wheelchair access (or any other request) can write a letter to the IRCC for accommodation.
How many questions on the citizenship test?
The citizenship test includes 20 questions that can be answered through a multiple choice. Most of the questions have 4 multiple choice answers, although there are questions with 2 multiple choices usually ‘true’ or ‘false’. Once the test starts, applicants have 30 minutes to answer all the questions.
How are the answers marked?
If you come across an answer choice that you think is correct, you will need to circle it with a pencil on the answer sheet. Although, there are answer sheets that look different and candidates are required to blacken the answer choice using a pencil. The answer sheet will include provided instructions just for clarity.
What is the pass mark for the citizenship test?
In order to pass the test, you must score 75% or higher. Hence, for you to attain the passing score, you must answer not less than 15 of the 20 questions correctly.
What if you miss the test?
In case you miss the test, you should inform the IRCC within 30 days after the test explaining your reasons for missing the test. If the IRCC considers your excuse valid, you will receive another notice with a rescheduled test date. However, if you miss your final notice to sit for the citizenship test and still fail to provide a valid reason within 30 days, your application process will be closed.
What are some reasons that may be accepted for missing a test?
Usually, some of the reasons the IRCC may excuse applicants for missing a test include:
- Medical appointment or hospital admission due to an accident or illness.
- Death of a relative or family member.
- Work-related reasons with a confirmation letter from the employer.
When do you know if you’ve passed or failed the test?
The results will be unveiled a few minutes after the test is over. If you pass the test, you will receive a notice inviting you to the oath of citizenship ceremony a few weeks or months after the test.
What if you fail the test?
Applicants who fail the test are given a second chance to re-take the citizenship test a few weeks later after the first try.
What if you fail the second test?
If you were unsuccessful after the second test, you will receive a notice to appear for an oral interview coordinated by a citizenship officer. The interview usually lasts for 60 to 90 minutes and you will be assessed on your knowledge of Canada and whether you adequately understand English or French. If you pass the oral interview, it will be equivalent to passing the written citizenship test.
