Worried about failing the citizenship test? Or already have? Either way — it's not the end of the road. Here's what actually happens.
Right After Failing
If you score below 75% (under 15 out of 20), you don't pass. But failing the test doesn't mean your citizenship application is denied.
- You see your score immediately after submitting
- You can retake it — up to 3 attempts within your 30-day testing window
- Your application stays active — no need to reapply
Failing the test is not a rejection. It's just a step you haven't completed yet.
How Many Retakes?
Up to 3 attempts within a 30-day window. If you don't pass after 3 tries, you'll be invited to a hearing with a citizenship official who may give you an oral test or interview.
Most people pass within their 3 attempts when they actually prepare.
How Soon Can You Retry?
The test is online now, so you can retake it whenever you want within your 30-day window. No waiting for IRCC to schedule anything. Study your weak areas and try again in a few days.
You already know what the test feels like — that's an advantage.
How to Prepare Better
Something was missing from your prep. Here's how to fix it:
Figure out where you went wrong. Which questions tripped you up? History? Government? Geography? Put your study time into those chapters.
Take practice tests. If you didn't do this before, start now. Practice tests are the best prep because they match the real format.
Use flashcards. Dates, names, and numbers come up constantly. Flashcards help you memorize them through repetition.
Follow a study plan. Don't just re-read the guide and hope. Our week-by-week plan makes sure you cover everything.
Don't skip chapters. The test draws from all 11 chapters. Skipping "less important" ones is a top reason people fail.
You're Not Alone
More people fail than you'd think. The most common reason is not preparing enough — assuming that living in Canada is enough. The test covers specific facts from the Discover Canada guide that most people don't know from everyday life.
Why people fail:
- Didn't read the whole guide — skipped chapters or only skimmed
- Underestimated history and government — the most content-heavy and heavily tested sections
- Didn't take practice tests — reading alone doesn't prepare you for the format
- Crammed last minute — the material is too broad for that
- Language barriers — if English or French isn't your first language, you need extra time
Don't Panic
Thousands of people become Canadian citizens every year. The test is passable with reasonable prep. Not passing on the first try doesn't say anything about you — it just means you need a different approach.
People who pass on their next attempt change something. If you only read the guide before, add flashcards and practice tests. If you didn't follow a schedule, follow one now.
FAQ
Can I fail and still become a citizen? Yes. You get up to 3 attempts within your 30-day window. Fail all 3, and a citizenship official reviews your case.
Will failing delay my citizenship? Not necessarily. You can retake within the same window, so a quick retry might not add much time. Failing all 3 and getting referred to a hearing will extend your timeline.
Do I have to pay to retake? No. Your original application fee covers all attempts.
What if I fail 3 times? You'll be invited to a hearing with a citizenship official who may do an oral test or interview and then decide on your application.
Should I study differently for the retake? Definitely. Whatever you did before wasn't enough. Add practice tests, use flashcards, follow a study plan.
Get Ready for Your Retake
You already know what the test is like. Use that.