Taking the citizenship test

Who has to take the citizenship test?

If you’re between 18 and 54 years old on the day you sign your application, you have to take the citizenship test. 

Learn more about who must take the test

Is the citizenship test difficult?

The citizenship test covers the range of topics and subjects found in the citizenship study guide entitled Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship. You should study this guide to prepare for the test. On the test, you can expect to see questions that ask about

• facts and ideas presented in Discover Canada
• your understanding of Canada’s history, symbols, institutions and values
• the rights, responsibilities and privileges of citizenship

Does the study guide have sample questions to help me prepare for the citizenship test?

Yes, you can find study questions for the citizenship test in Discover Canada.

When can I take my online citizenship test?

You can only take your test during the 30-day period shown on your invitation. You must wait until you receive your invitation. You can’t access the test until we invite you.

• You don’t need to contact us to get an invitation.
• We’re working as quickly as we can to invite all eligible applicants to take the test.
• If you contact us, we won’t have further information or invite you sooner.

After you receive your invitation, you

• must complete the test within 30 days of the start date in the invitation
• have up to 3 chances to take the test during this 30-day period
  • If you fail the first time, you can try again 2 more times to pass.
• can take the test at any time during the 30-day period (including weekends and holidays)

You cannot sign in to the test

• outside the 30-day period shown on your invitation, or
• after you submit the test

My application status says I’ve been scheduled for an online test. Why haven’t I received an invitation?

This means we have scheduled your test and that the invitation is on its way to you. You must wait until you receive the invitation before you can take the test.

If you haven’t received your invitation by the “start date” in the citizenship application tracker, send an email to IRCC.CitOnlineTest-TestenligneCit.IRCC@cic.gc.ca. In your email, include

• a detailed explanation of the issue
• your application number
• your unique client identifier (UCI)

Where can I find my online test invitation?

We’ll send the invitation to the latest email address you gave us. This can be the email provided

• in your application, or
• through the web form

To avoid missing the invitation,

• check your junk or spam folders
• look for an invitation from an email address that ends in “@cic.gc.ca”

If you or your representative did not give an email address in the application,

• you can give one by using our web form, or
• we’ll call you
  • check your voicemail messages regularly

Read the invitation (a PDF attachment in the email) for detailed instructions.

In my invitation, the time between the online test “start date” and “end date” is not 30 days. What should I do?

Contact IRCC.CitOnlineTest-TestenligneCit.IRCC@cic.gc.ca with

• a detailed explanation of the issue
• a screenshot or attachment of the test invitation
• your application number
• your unique client identifier (UCI)

What do I do if I missed my online citizenship test?

You need to take the test within the 30-day period in your test invitation. Within this period, you have up to 3 chances to take the test (for example, you have 2 other chances to retake the test if you fail the first time).

If you don’t take the test at all during those 30 days, find out what to do next.

Can I take the online test in a public library or with a public computer?

Yes, you may take the test in a public library or with a public computer, as long as you’re doing the test by yourself in

• a quiet location with good lighting
• the same location where you took the pictures of your photo identification (ID) and yourself

I signed in to the online test, but the page shows a “You can’t take the test right now” message. What should I do?

You may see this message if you signed in either

• before you got your test invitation or
• outside your 30-day period of test access

You can’t sign in before you get the test invitation. The invitation will explain that you have a 30-day period to access the test and include the start and end dates of your access.

You also can’t sign in outside this period or after you submit the test.

If you’re within the correct 30-day period and still see the message, make sure you entered the correct information, including

• application number
• unique client identifier (UCI)

You’ll find the application number and UCI in your test invitation.

If you still have issues signing in, contact IRCC.CitOnlineTest-TestenligneCit.IRCC@cic.gc.ca. In your email, include

• a detailed explanation of the issue
• your application number
• your unique client identifier (UCI)

I submitted a group or family application. How will we access the online test?

For family or group applications, each person will get their own

• application number
• unique client identifier (UCI)
• test invitation

If you used the same email, all test invitations will be sent to that address.

Check the test invitation to find the person’s individual application number, UCI and test dates.

What do I do if I get a “403 Error” message when I sign in to the online test?

If you get this error message, try

• turning off your virtual private network (VPN)
• disabling your browser extensions
• using a different device
• using a different Internet connection (for example, use a different Wi-Fi network), or
• waiting a few hours or until the next day to take the test, if you can

If you still have issues signing in, contact IRCC.CitOnlineTest-TestenligneCit.IRCC@cic.gc.ca. In your email, include

• a detailed explanation of the issue
• your application number
• your unique client identifier (UCI)

When I sign in to the online test, why do I see a blank screen or a message that my browser isn’t supported?

To access the test, use Chrome or Safari.

If you’re already using these browsers, try:

• updating your Chrome or Safari to the latest version
• disabling your browser extensions if you have any
• clearing your browser’s cookies and cache
• if you use Chrome, turning off hardware acceleration and restarting the browser
• restarting your browser
• restarting your device
• reinstalling your browser and keeping all the default settings
• using a different device to take the test

If you still have issues signing in, contact IRCC.CitOnlineTest-TestenligneCit.IRCC@cic.gc.ca. In your email, include

• a detailed explanation of the issue
• your application number
• your unique client identifier (UCI)

Why do I have to sign in again when I get the online citizenship test link?

You will need to sign in again to reconfirm your identity after you click the test link before you take a photo of your personal identification.

Find out more about why you have to sign in again and all the steps to access the online citizenship test.

Do I have to start the online test immediately after I take a photo of myself?

You don’t have to. If you’re not ready to start the test after you take your picture, you may close your browser. When you’re ready, you’ll need to sign in again and get a new test link.

You must still complete the test within 30 days from the date in your test invitation.

Find out more about what happens before you start the test

Can I ask someone to help me sign in to the online test?

Yes. You can ask someone (such as a family member) to help you sign in and access the test.

The person who helps you can’t

• be in the photos you take of your personal identification (ID) and of yourself
• stay with you once you start the test

What if I decline the privacy notice for the online test?

You’ll go back to the sign-in page. If you declined by mistake, enter your application number and UCI again to continue.

If you don’t want to accept the privacy notice, you won’t be able to continue to the online test. You may have to wait until in-person tests resume. To reschedule your test, email the office that sent you the test invitation. The email is in the Accommodation section of your invitation.

Find out more about accessing the online citizenship test.

What if I don’t agree with the terms and conditions of the online test?

If you don’t agree with the terms and conditions, you can’t continue. You will go back to the sign in page.

You can email the office that sent you the test invitation (the email is in the Accommodation section of your invitation).

Find out more about accessing the online citizenship test.

Who gets the online test link when I click the “Email me the test link” button?

When you click the “Email me the test link” button, we’ll send the test link to your email address or your representative’s email address. This is the same email you provided

• on your citizenship application form, or
• through the web form or our call centre, if you changed your email before you received the test invitation

If you change your email after you receive the invitation,

• it will take time for us to update your email
• we cannot guarantee the test link will go to your new email
  • you may need to check your old email address

Find out more about who gets the test link.

I clicked the “Email me the test link” button but don’t get the online test link. What should I do?

First, check the spam and junk folder. If the test link isn’t there, you can ask for another link by clicking the “Resend the test link” button.

Find out more about what to do if you still don’t get the link.

What do I do if my online test link expires?

The test link expires after 15 minutes. If your link expired, sign in again to get a new test link.

Find out more about how the test link works.

Will I get the online test link if I have a representative?

If you provided your representative’s email address in your application, they’ll get the test link. You can ask us to send the test link to your email address.

I got disconnected during the online test. Can I use the same test link to return to the test?

Yes, you can. If you have multiple test links, use the latest test link you received.

If you go past the 45-minute time limit while disconnected,

• our system will automatically submit your test and all answers you selected up to that point
• you won’t see your test result when you sign in
• you can contact the email address in the Rescheduling section of your test invitation to get your result, telling us
  • a detailed explanation of the issue
  • that you want to get your test result
  • your application number
  • your unique client identifier (UCI)

I accidentally clicked the “Resend the test link” button. Do I have to use the new online test link?

Yes. If you clicked the “Resend the test link” button multiple times, use the latest test link you received. When a new test link is sent, the old one will no longer work.

My webcam isn’t working and can’t connect to the online test system. What should I do?

Find out how to fix webcam issues in

• Chrome browser
  • You can’t take the test with Chrome on iPad at this time.
• Chrome operating system (OS) and Chromebook
• Mac OS and Safari browser
• Windows 7
• Windows 8
• Windows 10
• Windows 11
• a tablet

If you still can’t fix the issue, contact IRCC.CitOnlineTest-TestenligneCit.IRCC@cic.gc.ca. In your email, include

• a detailed explanation of the issue
• your application number
• your unique client identifier (UCI)

My webcam is working, but it can’t connect to the online test system. What should I do?

When this happens, you may see the error message “We could not connect to your webcam for monitoring, please check your webcam and internet connection and try again.”

To solve this issue, try using a different device to take the test.

If you can’t return to the test within 45 minutes (the test’s time limit), contact the email in the “Rescheduling” section in your test invitation. In your email, tell us

• a detailed explanation of the issue and how you tried to fix it
• if you have a different device to take the online test
• your application number
• your unique client identifier (UCI)

We’ll reschedule your test once we review your email.

It usually takes us 4 to 8 weeks to reschedule your test, but it may take longer.

During the online test, my webcam shows a black or static image. What should I do?

Try using a different device to take the test.

If you can’t return to the test within 45 minutes (the test’s time limit), contact the email in the “Rescheduling” section in your test invitation. In your email, tell us

• a detailed explanation of the issue and how you tried to fix it
• if you have a different device to take the online test
• your application number
• your unique client identifier (UCI)

We’ll reschedule your test once we review your email.

It usually takes us 4 to 8 weeks to reschedule your test, but it may take longer.

What kinds of photos do you need from me for the online test?

At steps 6 and 7 of your sign-in process, you must take photos of your

• personal identification (ID) and
• your face

If you ask someone else for help, the person who helps you can’t be

• in the photos you take
• there with you once you start the test

What should I do if I can’t retake the photos for my online test?

If you need help or you’re not able to retake your photos, contact IRCC.CitOnlineTest-TestenligneCit.IRCC@cic.gc.ca.

In your email, include

• a detailed explanation of the issue
• your application number
• your unique client identifier (UCI)

Can I retake my online test photo (of my ID or myself) after I approve it?

You can retake the photo after you approve it only if you have not started the test. To do this:

1. Wait for at least 15 minutes until your current test link expires.
2. Sign in again using the original test link in your invitation.

If you’ve already started the test, you cannot retake the photo after you approve it.

What should I do if the online test photo of my personal identification (ID) or face is unclear?

You can

• move your ID closer to the webcam
• change your webcam setting or brightness
• adjust the lighting of your test location, or
• use a different device

Your photos must be clear and easy to see. Make sure that the biographical information on your ID is easy to read.

If we can’t clearly see your photos,

• your test result may be invalid
• you may have to take the test again

I took a picture of my face instead of my personal identification (ID) for the online test. What should I do?

If you accidentally took a picture of your face instead of your photo ID at step 6 of the sign-in process, you don’t have to contact us.

We’ll

• review your test result and
• contact you with your next steps

Depending on the result of our review, your test result may be invalid and we may send you a new invitation.

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You don’t need to contact us to reschedule your test. If you contact us, we won’t have further information or schedule you sooner.

Do I have to download the online test photos that I take of my ID and myself?

You do not need to download the photos. You can download them if you want to. It’s optional.

When do I get my official online test result?

Once you submit the test, the result page will immediately display your score. You need to get at least 15 out of 20 questions correct to pass the test. This score is not your official test result.

After you take the test, one of our officers will review your result to make it official. They’ll record your official test result as 1 of 3 options:

• Pass
• Fail
• Invalidated

Your result is only official after this review.

Your application status will show as “completed” if you received a pass or a fail.

Your status will show “in progress” if your

• test hasn’t been reviewed yet
• test was cancelled and rescheduled
• results were invalidated

Depending on your official result, your updated application status will be 1 of 4 options:

• Decision made on your application
• Invitation for an interview
• Invitation for a retest
• Invitation for a hearing

Find out more about how and when you’ll get your official test result.

You can also check your application status.

I got disconnected and can’t see my online test result. What should I do?

In this situation, the test system may have automatically submitted your answers. To get your test result, contact the email in the Rescheduling section of your test invitation. In your email, tell us

• a detailed explanation of the issue
• that you want to get your test result
• your application number
• your unique client identifier (UCI)

Do I get a confirmation email after I complete the online test?

We won’t automatically send you a confirmation email. As a confirmation, you can print or email the test result page to yourself using the buttons at the bottom of the page.

I forgot to print or email the online test result to myself. How do I get my test result?

Contact the email in the Rescheduling section of your test invitation. In your email, tell us

• that you forgot to print or email your test result
• that you want your test result
• your application number
• your unique client identifier (UCI)

Do I have to report my online test result to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)?

No, you don’t have to contact us after you submit the test. Our database records your answers and test result automatically.

What are my next steps after taking the online test?

If you pass the test

You may have to do an interview with a citizenship officer. If you have to do an interview after the test, it will happen

• after we review your submitted test
• approximately 8 weeks after you get your official test result

Otherwise, wait until you are invited to the citizenship ceremony.

If you don’t pass the test

What you’ll need to do will depend on how many times you have not passed.

Find out more about what to do after you take the test.

I’ve completed the online test, but my application status is outdated. What should I do?

This is because we still need time to further review and officially confirm

• your answers
• your test result
• the photos our system took through your webcam

Once we complete the review, we’ll update your application status.

You don’t have to contact us or do anything further. If you contact us, we won’t update your application status sooner.

Why did I get another test invitation after I passed the online test?

You may be receiving another invitation because

• your previous test result is invalid, or
• you had a technical issue with your webcam

Read the invitation to find out why we’re asking you to take the test again.

If you think you’re getting another invitation by mistake, contact the email in the “Rescheduling” section of your test invitation. In your email, include

• a detailed explanation that you received another invitation by mistake
• an attachment of the retest invitation
• your application number
• your unique client identifier (UCI)

I’m taking the online test with Microsoft Teams. Who do I contact if I need help?

Contact the office that sent you the test invitation by replying to your invitation email. In your email, include

• a detailed explanation of how you need help
• your application number
• your unique client identifier (UCI)

What do I do if I’m disconnected during the online test?

If you’re disconnected,

• return to your test as soon as possible
  • You have 45 minutes to take the test, and the timer continues while you’re disconnected.
• use the same test link to return to the test (you have to sign in again if it expires)
• the questions may appear in a different order when you reconnect

Make sure your Internet connection is stable during the test.

Find out more about what to do before and during your test.

I clicked the “Exit” button or closed the page by mistake during the online test. What do I do?

You can always sign in again as soon as possible. Even if you left in the middle of your test, the 45-minute timer will continue. When 45 minutes have passed, the system will automatically submit your test with any answers you selected.

If you’re not able to complete the test due to technical issues or emergencies, you may have to

• do an interview with our officer
• retake the test via videoconference if necessary

Find out more about what to do before and during your test.

What personal information do you collect for the online test?

The personal information we collect includes

• your application number
• your unique client identifier (UCI)
• a photo of your identification (ID)
• a photo of your face
• webcam photos our system takes as you complete the test
• your test result
• your browser activity (for example, if you open other tabs or windows when you are taking the test)

After I apply for citizenship, how long will it be before I can take the test?

Every application is different. The wait time for your test invitation depends on your situation and our current processing time.

For example, you may wait longer if your application is non-routine.

Wait for your test invitation

You can’t take the test without an invitation.

When you check your application status, go to the “Citizenship test” section of the citizenship status tracker. If it shows “In progress”, that means

• we have scheduled your test
• you’ll get your invitation soon

You still have to wait for the invitation to arrive before you can take the test.

If you have an emergency

If you need to take the test sooner due to an emergency, check if you qualify for urgent processing.

What if I cannot attend my citizenship appointment with IRCC? Can I reschedule it?

Yes. If you are not available on the date and time of your citizenship test, the notice inviting you to the test will tell you how to contact us to reschedule it.

Learn more about what to do if you miss your citizenship test.

Can I bring my child to the in-person citizenship test?

No, only the person scheduled for the test can be in the testing room.

If you need accommodation, contact the office that sent your invitation to explain your situation. They will let you know if they can accommodate your child. For example, you may be able to bring someone to supervise your child in the waiting room of the test location.

What should I do if I missed my citizenship test?

Find out what to do if you missed your test.

When do I know if I passed the citizenship test?

You need to get at least 15 out of 20 questions correct to pass the test.

Online test

You’ll get your unofficial test score right after you submit the test.

After your test, we’ll need time to review your answers and the information you submitted before the test. It can take several months before the test score becomes official.

Learn more about how we review your online test result.

In-person test

You’ll get your official test score right after you take the test.

What happens if I fail the citizenship test?

Find out what to do if you fail the citizenship test.