Is The Canadian Citizenship Test Hard?

Is the Canadian Citizenship Test HardNew statistics reveal that permanent residency in Canada puts a person at a disadvantage in passing the citizenship test. Researchers discovered that the longer a person is in Canada as a permanent resident, the more they’re likely to fail the citizenship test. In fact, a survey revealed that the longer an immigrant maintains their permanent residency status (more than 5 years), they have a pass rate in the low of 70%.

 

Recent trends found that those with permanent residency in Canada who apply for citizenship in the first five years have a pass rate of more than 83%. Levels of complacency and confidence could explain the difference in the success rate.

Immigrants who’ve stayed in Canada for more than 5 years fail the citizenship test for one reason. They’ve got the impression they absorbed enough knowledge about Canadian history and culture. In fact, they do little or no studying to prepare for the Canadian citizenship test.

Those who have lived in Canada for less than 5 years as permanent residents have a higher pass rate because they prepare for the test. They study and have knowledge of Canadian symbols, history, and customs. They also practice online with citizenship test questions.

Since they study and practice, immigrants who’ve lived less than 5 years in Canada could likely name the:

  • Canadian Opposition Leader
  • Prime Minister of Canada
  • Responsibilities of a Canadian citizen with little effort

If you assume that living in Canada and not studying will ensure that you pass the Canadian citizenship test, then you’re mistaken. Not studying limits you knowledge-wise, and you’ll end up failing the Canadian citizenship test.

 

What Happens When You Fail the Canadian Citizenship Test?

The pass rate for the Canadian Citizenship Test is 75%. This means that you must answer 15 out of 20 questions correctly. If you fail to pass the written Canadian Citizenship test, but you meet other criteria, you can schedule for a second test. You need to take the second test 4 to 8 weeks after your first test.

If you’re unable to take the test on the scheduled day, you need to inform the CIC or Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada offices. If you do not pass the second test, you’ll receive a notice informing you to appear for a hearing. A citizenship officer will conduct the hearing.

During the interview, the citizenship officer will assess whether you meet all requirements and:

  • Ask questions about your Canadian residency
  • Assess your knowledge of French and English
  • Test your knowledge of Canada plus the responsibilities of a Canadian citizen

You must answer the questions honestly and to the best of your knowledge.

 

How to Prepare and Pass the Citizenship Exam?

To become a Canadian citizen, you must pass the Canadian citizenship test. This test is usually administered by Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada. The written test has multiple choice questions about Canada. It tests you on the Canadian:

  • History
  • Political system
  • Geography
  • National symbols
  • Values
  • Identity
  • Rights and responsibilities of a citizen

To pass the Canadian citizenship test, you need to study. Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada has a study guide you can use to prepare for the citizenship test. Titled “Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship,” it’s available at no cost. You can download it as a pdf or ebook.

Alternatively, you can listen or read the study guide online in HTML or pdf. If you would like a hard copy of Discover Canada, you can order online. The study guide covers topics such as:

  • Oath of Citizenship
  • Applying for Citizenship
  • Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship
  • Canada’s History
  • About Modern Canada
  • How Canadians Govern Themselves
  • Federal Elections
  • The Justice System
  • Canadian Symbols and more

One of the requirements of Canadian citizenship is to demonstrate that you have adequate knowledge of Canada. To help you know how much you learned, Discover Canada has study questions.

These test questions are usually based on information provided in the study guide. Sample questions you may find in the study guide include:

  • What are the three responsibilities of citizenship?
  • What is the meaning of the Remembrance Day poppy?
  • How are Members of Parliament chosen?

 

Besides Discover Canada and study questions in the guide, there are online practice tests. Prepared by the Richmond Public Library, the questions test your knowledge about Canada – history, and culture.

Another study tool that can help you ace the test is citizenshipcanadian.com. The site allows you to earn badges as you learn the benefits of Canadian citizenship and take online citizenship quizzes. Besides the practice tests, they have flashcards to help you prepare for the actual citizenship test.

Remember, to pass your Canadian citizenship test, study, and take online practice tests.

Want to Become a Canadian Citizen?

To become a Canadian citizen, you need to fulfill a few requirements. First, you need to be a permanent resident. To become a permanent resident, apply through a specific province. You can also go the special entrepreneur route.

As a permanent resident, you can work, travel and study anywhere in Canada, but you cannot vote or run for office. You must also have lived in Canada for three out of five years, speak English or French fluently, and know a thing or two about Canada. That includes Canadian history, symbols, values, and institutions.

Before becoming a Canadian citizen, you still have one major hurdle to overcome – the Canadian Citizenship Test.