Can You Pass The Canadian Citizenship Exam?
To become a Canadian citizen through naturalization, most permanent residents must pass the Canadian citizenship test as part of the final steps toward citizenship. Today, we will discuss all about how you can pass the Canadian citizenship exam.
Well, the Canadian citizenship test is designed to assess how well you understand Canada’s history, geography, economy, government structure, legal system, and national symbols. Additionally, it evaluates your knowledge of the rights and responsibilities that come with Canadian citizenship.
The test contains 20 questions, including multiple-choice and true-or-false types. To pass, you must correctly answer at least 15 questions, or 75%.
You will typically be asked to take the test online and must complete it within 45 minutes. In some cases, you may be allowed to take the test via Microsoft Teams or in person, depending on your situation.
Permanent residents aged 18 to 54 are required to take the test. It is available in both English and French, allowing applicants to choose the official language they’re most comfortable with.
This test follows the official format and content of the real citizenship examination.
For best results, have a pen and paper ready so you can keep track of your answers and calculate your final score at the end.
Canadian Citizenship Practice Test
1. What are the three main distinct groups of Indigenous peoples in Canada?
A) Status Indians, Non-Status Indians, and Treaty Indians.
B) Indian/First Nations, Métis, and Inuit.
C) Ojibwe, Cree, and Mi’kmaq.
D) Ojibwe, Métis, and Cree.
Answer:
B) Indian/First Nations, Métis, and Inuit.
These three groups are recognized under Section 35(2) of Canada’s Constitution Act.
2. When did the Battle of Vimy Ridge begin?
A) April 22, 1915.
B) July 1, 1916.
C) April 9, 1917.
D) June 6, 1944.
Answer:
C) April 9, 1917.
This historic battle marked the first time all Canadian divisions fought together.
3. Which are Canada’s prairie provinces?
A) Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, Yukon, and Alberta.
B) Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan.
C) Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, and Saskatchewan.
D) Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and New Brunswick.
Answer:
B) Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan.
These provinces are part of the Great Plains and are agriculturally rich.
4. Name three responsibilities that come with being a Canadian citizen.
A) Obeying the law, voting in elections, and taking responsibility for oneself and one’s family.
B) Serving in the military, volunteering in your community, and paying taxes.
C) Knowing both official languages, helping the local community, and protecting the environment.
D) Voting, obeying the law, and staying informed on current events.
Answer:
A) Obeying the law, voting in elections, and taking responsibility for oneself and one’s family.
5. Which has symbolized Canada’s state authority for over 400 years?
A) The beaver.
B) The Great Seal of Canada.
C) The Crown.
D) The Cross of St. George.
Answer:
C) The Crown.
Canada’s constitutional monarchy relies on the Crown for legitimacy in all three branches of government.
6. Who was Canada’s first Prime Minister?
A) Sir Wilfrid Laurier.
B) Lester B. Pearson.
C) William Lyon Mackenzie King.
D) Sir John Alexander Macdonald.
Answer:
D) Sir John Alexander Macdonald.
He served from 1867–1873 and again from 1878 until his death in 1891.
7. When did Canada become a self-governing dominion?
A) May 9, 1840.
B) December 23, 1931.
C) April 18, 1919.
D) July 1, 1867.
Answer:
D) July 1, 1867.
This marks Canada’s Confederation under the British North America Act. however, Canada did not gain full autonomy until 1931.
8. Are judges in Canada elected by the public?
True.
False.
Answer:
False.
Judges are appointed by the federal or provincial governments.
9. Nunavut holds Canada’s coldest temperature record.
True.
False.
Answer:
False.
The record was set in Snag, Yukon: -63°C on February 3, 1947.
10. What religion do most Canadians identify with?
A) Christian.
B) Non-religious.
C) Muslim.
D) Spiritual.
Answer:
A) Christian.
Catholicism is the largest group, followed by Protestant denominations.
11. What is commemorated on Remembrance Day in Canada?
A) First Thanksgiving celebration.
B) Completion of the Canadian Pacific Railway.
C) Service and sacrifice in wartime.
D) Women gaining the right to vote.
Answer:
C) Service and sacrifice in wartime.
12. How many judges sit on the Supreme Court of Canada?
A) 8
B) 10
C) 14
D) 9
Answer:
D) 9.
The court includes a Chief Justice and eight other justices. They are appointed by the Governor in Council.
13. Can House of Commons members question Cabinet decisions?
True.
False.
Answer:
True.
This is a fundamental part of Canada’s democratic system.
14. Who won a Nobel Prize for Chemistry among these individuals?
A) Mo Yan.
B) Grameen Bank.
C) Elinor Ostrom.
D) Gerhard Herzberg.
Answer:
D) Gerhard Herzberg.
He earned the prize in 1971 for his contributions to molecular spectroscopy.
15. What is the highest Canadian honour?
A) The Victoria Cross.
B) Canadian Medal of Bravery.
C) Cross of Valour.
D) Star of Courage.
Answer:
A) The Victoria Cross.
It is awarded for the ‘most conspicuous bravery, a daring or pre-eminent act of valor or self-sacrifice, or extreme devotion to duty, in the presence of an enemy’.
16. What does Habeas Corpus mean?
A) Right to a speedy trial.
B) Right to challenge unlawful detention.
C) Illegally obtained evidence is inadmissible.
D) Right to remain silent during police interrogation.
Answer:
B) Right to challenge unlawful detention.
17. What did the Quebec Act of 1774 accomplish?
A) Allowed Catholic religious freedom.
B) Let Catholics hold public office.
C) Provided a constitutional foundation.
D) All of the above.
Answer:
D) All of the above.
The Quebec Act (1774) restored French civil law – granting Catholics religious rights – while maintaining British criminal law.
18. Are Canadian citizens legally required to serve on a jury if called to do so?
True.
False.
Answer:
True.
Jury duty is mandatory unless you qualify for an exemption.
19. Which is Canada’s smallest province by land area?
A) Saskatchewan.
B) Prince Edward Island.
C) Manitoba.
D) Nova Scotia.
Answer:
B) Prince Edward Island.
This Atlantic province, known as the ‘birthplace of confederation’, covers just 5,660 km².
20. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms grants Canadians mobility rights. What does this mean?
A) Canadian citizens have the right to live or work anywhere in Canada, enter and leave the country freely, and apply for a passport.
B) The government must provide free transportation services when Canadian citizens relocate between provinces for work purposes.
C) Canadian citizens receive government subsidies when purchasing homes in different provinces.
D) Canadian citizens are not subject to border security checks when moving between Canadian provinces and territories.
Answer:
A) Canadians have the right to live and work in any province or territory, travel abroad and return without restriction, and obtain a passport as per the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Calculate Your Score
In order to pass the Canadian citizenship exam, you need to calculate your score afterward.
Give yourself one point for each correct answer. If you scored 15 or more, congratulations—you’ve demonstrated a solid understanding of Canada’s core values and civic structure, just like you’ll need for the actual citizenship test.
If your score was lower than 15, consider reviewing the ‘Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship’ guide provided by the Government of Canada. This free online booklet is the official study resource for the citizenship test and covers every required topic.
Note: Questions related to your province or territory of residence may also appear on the official test.
What Happens After The Citizenship Test?
Can you pass the Canadian citizen test? Well, take a look at what happens after taking the test.
If You Pass The Official Test
Great news! If you answered 15 out of 20 questions correctly, you’ve passed the Canadian citizenship test. IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) will next invite you to attend a citizenship ceremony.
This ceremony is the final step before officially becoming a Canadian citizen.
In some cases, IRCC may request that you attend an interview with a citizenship officer. This usually occurs around eight weeks after you receive your results.
If You Fail The Official Test
You have up to three chances to pass the Canadian citizenship test.
If you fail the first time, you’ll be eligible for a retest within 30 calendar days (for the online test) from the date of your original invitation. It is vital to note that if more than 30 days pass, you lose eligibility for a retest.
If you fail the test three times, you will be called for a hearing with a citizenship officer. The officer will assess your knowledge of:
- Canada’s history, symbols, and political system
- Your physical presence in Canada (residency requirements)
- Your language proficiency in either English or French
This hearing usually lasts 30 to 90 minutes and is conducted in person or by video. You’ll receive results by mail.
If You Pass The Citizenship Hearing
You will receive an official invitation to attend your citizenship ceremony—your final step to becoming a citizen.
If You Fail The Citizenship Hearing
Your application for citizenship may be denied.
In that case, you can either:
- Submit a new application for citizenship with updated forms and documentation
- File for a judicial review with the Federal Court of Canada to challenge the decision
Note: If you apply as a family or group and only some members pass the test or hearing, successful applicants may be invited to the ceremony before others in the group.
Does Canada Allow Dual Citizenship?
If you pass the Canadian citizenship exam, the next thing to know is if Canada allows dual citizenship or not.
Well, the answer is yes; Canada permits dual citizenship. This means you can hold Canadian citizenship alongside another country’s citizenship.
However, your ability to keep your original nationality depends on your home country’s laws. Moreover, some countries, like France or Brazil, recognize and permit dual citizenship without restrictions.
Others—like Iran or China—may not allow it or only under limited conditions.
Depending on your country of origin, one of two things may happen when you become Canadian:
- Automatic Revocation: You automatically lose your original citizenship.
- Required Renunciation: You may need to formally surrender your prior citizenship.
If you seek information on how to begin your Canada immigration application process, you can talk to our NavaImmigration experts at 1800-918-8490, or you can drop us an email at [email protected].
