Most people preparing for the Canadian citizenship test focus on how to pass. But it's equally worth knowing what happens if you don't — because understanding the process takes a lot of the anxiety out of it.
The short answer: failing once is not the end. You have more chances, and even after those, there is still a path forward.
You Get More Than One Chance
If you don't pass on your first attempt, you don't have to reapply or wait months to try again. According to IRCC, you have up to 3 chances to pass the test within your 30-day test period. That applies whether you're taking the test online, on Microsoft Teams, or in person.
The 30-day window starts from the dates listed in your invitation. Within that window, you can attempt the test up to three times — there's no penalty for trying again, and your application stays active throughout.
What Counts as Passing
To pass, you need to correctly answer at least 15 out of 20 questions (75%). The test is multiple choice or true/false, and it covers Canadian history, geography, government, rights and responsibilities, and symbols. It's based on the official study guide, Discover Canada.
If you reach 15 correct answers, you pass — regardless of which attempt it is.
If You Use All Three Attempts
If you don't pass on any of your 3 attempts within the 30-day period, IRCC will invite you to a hearing with a citizenship official. This is not the same as being rejected — it's a separate step in the process where an officer reviews your eligibility.
During the hearing, the citizenship officer may:
- Administer an oral knowledge test about Canada
- Ask questions about other citizenship requirements, including your residence in Canada
- Conduct a language assessment in English or French — up to 9 questions, and you need to answer at least 6 correctly
Under updated 2026 guidelines, officers may also examine any other citizenship requirement during a hearing, even those not originally scheduled — if they have doubts about whether you meet them.
Two Possible Outcomes After a Hearing
If you pass the hearing, you'll receive an invitation to your citizenship ceremony — the same next step as someone who passed the written test.
If you don't pass the hearing, your application will be refused. This means you would need to submit a new citizenship application and pay the fees again before starting the process over.
How Your Tracker Reflects This
After any test attempt, your IRCC application tracker will show your status while your result is under review. If you don't receive a follow-up letter and your Citizenship Tracker shows the knowledge assessment as passed, you've met the knowledge requirement.
For the online test specifically, results aren't instant — an IRCC officer reviews your submission, which can take a few days or a few weeks before the decision is made official.
A Few Things Worth Knowing Before Your Test
The best way to avoid the situation above is to go into the test prepared. A few facts that help:
- The test is 45 minutes long and the timer cannot be paused once it starts
- You can take the online test any time during your 30-day window, including weekends and holidays
- The test is based entirely on Discover Canada — the official IRCC study guide, which is free to read online
- Practice tests are one of the most effective ways to prepare, since the format mirrors what you'll see on the real test
Failing the citizenship test feels significant, but the process is designed with room for it. Three attempts plus a hearing means you have multiple chances to demonstrate your knowledge and eligibility — and that's worth keeping in mind as you study.
Source
All information in this post comes directly from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). For the most current details, visit canada.ca/citizenship-test.