Canadian Citizenship Test Tips - From people who have passed it before you

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Note: The Canadian government started a new format of the citizenship test on March 15, 2010. Updated Copy of Discover Canada was published in 2011. Our practice questions had been modified according to the new study guide "Discover Canada". Also check out What's new in Citizenship Test.

Whether you have already applied (or are thinking of applying) for Canadian citizenship, know that one of the final stages of the procedure is writing the "Canadian Citizenship Test". Do not take this test lightly!
Dominion Institute’s research paper shows that 45% of Canadians would actually FAIL the test if they had to write it now. Here are some very useful tips that we have gathered from people who have passed the test before you. We hope you will find them useful while preparing for this Canadian Citizenship test.

• Read the Canadian Citizenship Test Guide thoroughly. It is designed to systematically get you ready for with the actual test.
  We recommend a 3-step approach. Practice, Prepare and Test.

  I was recommended your website by a colleague and let me tell you the way you guyz have organized the test preparation plan is unique and clear. I had no problem following it and I felt so confident. The test were designed for the chapters from the study guide and each questions was traced back to its location in Study Guide. I have to say you have put a lot of effort on this site. I passed just this past January and I have my oath scheduled this month. I thank my stars that I found your site.
  Samuel J, France



• We have 16 test(s) and more than 500 Practice Questions prepared from Discover Canada Guide book and new questions are added every day. Many of our users find that a great way to remember the study guide information is to go through the practice questions again and again.
  

  I find that the practice questions you have are very thorough and very well explained. I especially loved how you have mapped the answers to the Discover Canada study guide and actually tell which section has the explanation about it. Timed Simulated test is another great option. I took it many times and it gave me an idea of the time. Summary in the end is very clear and helpful. Thank you!
  Laura, Calgary



• As the exam paper is generally designed for the country-wide purpose, IRCC (formerly CIC) does not have enough resource to localize the test questions. So we suggest to focus more on general knowledge of Canada and spend less time on provincial or municipal knowledge. However note that we do not want you to completely let go of that area. Please note that the study guide "Discover Canada" suggests you should know about the province and local city you live in. It is a different story in Interview however. So in case of interview, prepare for provincial/Federal as well.


• Take it easy and don't memorize officers' names other than the Prime Minister and the Governor General of Canada. The local government officers such as MPs, MLAs are changing quite often, it is hard to update this information in the test paper as frequent as it changes. For example, suppose the MP in a district has changed, and there is a citizenship test the next day. We don't think that IRCC (formerly CIC) has enough time to update the question. Just make sure to remember two names: the PM and the Governor General of Canada. Also make sure you know your provincial symbols and mottos.

We have put together a list of Frequently Asked questions about the day of test and about the Canadian Citizenship test itself. They might answer many of your concerns that are not already addressed here. Canadian Citizenship Test - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

• Some questions will appear too easy in our practice tests. It is normal. In the real test, some questions will be very easy, too. Alternatively, there will be some questions that will be hard for you to understand even though you have read the whole Discover Canada. However if you have gone through 16 our practice test(s), we guarantee that you will not face that problem. The reason is that there is a lot of information included in Discover Canada and some of them are in between the line. Our tests are designed to cover the material in great details.


• Again we can stress enough Practice, Practice and Practice. Take advantage of free tests that cover each and every chapter of Discover Canada Study Guide. You do not need to spend money to be confident of your preparation.

  Thank you so much for your efforts! I went through your practices tests and in the actual test it took me about 10 minutes. I am so glad I didn't spent my precious money to buy some practice tests off the internet. I especially love your interactive blog. You explained the confusion around the bay question so well. Thank you so much for your contributions.
  Jay, India

  
  Click here to see the explanation about 'the bay' Questions
• In your letter, you will be given a time. Be certain that you leave enough room for any road delays or emergencies because you will not be admitted to the center even if you are few minutes late. Visit the test center prior to the date or use Google map to familiarize yourself with the area where the test is taking place.


• Be prepared to spend a lot of time for the actual test. Generally the whole procedure can take some 3-4 hours. If you work, take at least half a day off. The actual test time is only 30 minutes but if you have practiced enough no reason you can't complete it in 10-15 minutes.


• Before the test starts, the facilitators need to carefully check each person's documents so it will take around 2 hours right there.


• The test will be in one of the official language English or French (Your preferred language). For many reason that can be an added complication, if you are not fluent enough with the language. But be very thorough and attentive when reading the questions.


• It is not unusual to see more than 400 people write the test at the same time.
• Make sure all the required documents are with you. Even better, bring as many as you can and always bring originals. because if there is an issue with legal document or If you forget a certain document, e.g., a Birth Certificate - which is required in SOME cases - you will not be admitted to the test and will have to wait for another invitation - which can take months.
• You will NOT be allowed to use the manual/guide "Discover Canada".