How to Know You’re Ready for the Citizenship Test
The Canadian citizenship test is a significant step towards your immigration process. It is conducted after a person has applied for citizenship and has met all the requirements needed for becoming a Canadian citizen. But what are the added advantages of becoming a Canadian citizen apart from staying in this country legally? One, you’ll be eligible to apply for jobs reserved for Canadians only, and you’ll get have a right to vote as well as your Canadian passport. So how do you know that you’re ready to take this test? This article shares some helpful tips to help candidates prepare for this exam.
First, Understanding the Canadian Citizenship Test and Interview
The Canadian citizenship test is a written exam consisting of multiple choices. It evaluates a person’s knowledge about Canada. Note that for someone to participate fully as a Canadian, they must know their responsibilities, rights, and freedom. This citizenship test thus evaluates your knowledge of Canada’s history, form of government, political, social, and cultural history, and symbols. Other subjects that may be covered include the Monarchy, Democracy, and the rights, duties, and freedoms of Canadian citizens.
The test consists of 20 questions with multiple choices and applicants are given 30 minutes to finish it. One needs to answer at least 15 questions correctly to answer it.
However, for those who can’t comfortably write or read in English or French or have other barriers that prevent them from completing a written test, they’ll be called for an interview with a Canadian citizenship officer. The interview is usually 30-90 minutes and is mostly in person. But it can also be conducted via teleconferencing.
Once you pass the citizenship test, you’ll need to attend the oath-taking ceremony that’s within 4-6 months after your exam. But if you fail, you’ll need to plan for a retake, which you can do in 3-4 weeks after.
How to Get Ready for the Citizenship Test
Study in Advance
Read the Discover Canada: Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship book. It’s available online and can be downloaded both in PDF and audio formats. One can also order a hard copy if they like. All questions that could be asked are found in this guide. It’s a 63-page booklet that’s very simple to understand. So make sure that you re-read it several times before your exam. We also advise that you don’t cram ahead of time as this will only shift your attention from what you need to learn.
Enroll in a Class
Citizenship classes and Canadian citizenship test preparation course are always available that individuals can sign up for. While studying the guide book is important, experts say that studying in a classroom environment is effective in understanding what one is learning. You often ask questions and discuss areas you don’t understand. Additionally, if you still have some time away from your citizenship test, it helps to ask your fellow Canadians questions about Canadian history, culture, government, politics, etc. The more you know about these subjects the less you’ll have to force yourself to cram last minute.
Practice Online Tests
While they aren’t official questions, the Canadian citizenship practice test can help one review what they’ve read. They can also help you practice how to answer multiple-choice questions within the given time frame. However, do not use these tests as a shortcut to study. You should only take them when you’re confident that you can pass the citizenship test without any material to help you pass. When you pass these tests unaided, you’ll be ready to take the real exam.
Some practice test sites also offer extra coaching and materials for a fee. These might be necessary under certain circumstances. For example, when you received a late invitation for the exam late. These services can help you read and understand the guide book. However, we don’t recommend that you spend a lot of money on review materials or coaching. Usually, reading the guide book and trying out online free tests are enough for one to pass the exam. However, since you know your capabilities, you should take advantage of other materials that can help you pass.
The next thing you should do is to familiarize yourself with the location and date of the interview. Note that failing to show up for the test will delay your application process. Therefore, ensure that you plan on the time to arrive and set reminders.
You’ll also need to bring the original documents you sent when applying and any passports or travel documents you had within five years before submitting your citizenship application.
During the test, make sure that you read and understand questions before answering them. If you encounter a difficult question, don’t stay on it for too long because of time. Instead, move to the next then once you’ve answered all the items, go back to the questions you missed.
Final Thoughts
The Canadian citizenship test isn’t difficult. However, it can be tricky, especially if you haven’t prepared. Practicing these tips will help you get ready for the exam and boost your chances of passing within your first attempt.