Canadian citizenship test cheat sheet: 15 must-know facts
This Canadian citizenship test cheat sheet gathers 15 must-know facts, spread across the six topics the test draws on. Use it for a quick check before a practice exam or on the morning of the test. It is a revision aid, not a substitute for the official study guide, Discover Canada, which every question comes from.
Before you start
The test has 20 questions, you have 45 minutes, and you need 15 correct to pass, according to IRCC's study page. Fifteen facts will not get you there on their own. Think of this list as a set of anchors: if any of them feel unfamiliar, that is the section of the guide to reread.
You can read Discover Canada free on canada.ca. IRCC states that it is the only official study guide. igotcitizenship is an independent app and is not affiliated with IRCC.
Rights and responsibilities
- The Charter. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is part of the Constitution and protects everyone in Canada.
- Fundamental freedoms. These include freedom of conscience and religion; of thought, belief and expression; of peaceful assembly; and of association.
- Responsibilities. Citizens are expected to obey the law, vote, serve on a jury when called, help others in the community, and protect Canada's environment and heritage.
Official section: Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship.
Government and elections
- Parliament has three parts: the Sovereign, the Senate and the House of Commons. Members of the House of Commons are elected; senators are appointed.
- Three levels of government: federal, provincial or territorial, and municipal.
- Who can vote federally: you must be a Canadian citizen, at least 18 years old, and on the voters list. Voting is by secret ballot.
Official sections: How Canadians Govern Themselves and Federal Elections.
History
- Confederation, 1867. Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick formed the Dominion of Canada. Sir John A. Macdonald was the first Prime Minister.
- Vimy Ridge, 1917. Canadian soldiers fought together as a single corps in this costly First World War battle, which became a symbol of Canadian achievement.
- The last province. Newfoundland and Labrador joined Confederation in 1949.
Official sections: Canada's History and Modern Canada.
Regions and economy
- Ten provinces and three territories. The territories are Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. Ottawa is the national capital.
- Three oceans. Canada borders the Atlantic in the east, the Pacific in the west and the Arctic in the north.
For every capital, see our provinces and capitals of Canada table. Official sections: Canada's Regions and Canada's Economy.
Symbols and identity
- The flag. The red and white maple leaf flag was adopted in 1965, replacing the Canadian Red Ensign.
- National sports. Hockey is the national winter sport and lacrosse is the national summer sport.
Official section: Canadian Symbols.
Who we are
- Indigenous peoples. The Constitution recognises three groups: First Nations, Inuit and Métis.
- Official languages. English and French are Canada's two official languages. New Brunswick is the only officially bilingual province.
Official section: Who We Are.
The cheat sheet at a glance
| Topic | Fact to remember |
|---|---|
| Rights | The Charter is part of the Constitution |
| Rights | Responsibilities: obey the law, vote, jury duty, help others, protect heritage |
| Government | Parliament: Sovereign, Senate, House of Commons |
| Government | Federal, provincial or territorial, municipal |
| Government | Vote: citizen, 18 or older, on the voters list |
| History | Confederation, 1867; first Prime Minister Sir John A. Macdonald |
| History | Vimy Ridge, 1917 |
| History | Newfoundland and Labrador joined in 1949 |
| Regions | 10 provinces, 3 territories; Ottawa is the capital |
| Regions | Atlantic, Pacific, Arctic |
| Symbols | Maple leaf flag, 1965 |
| Symbols | Hockey (winter), lacrosse (summer) |
| Who we are | First Nations, Inuit, Métis |
| Who we are | English and French; New Brunswick is bilingual |
A note on facts that have changed
Discover Canada carries a 2012 copyright line, and a few of its details are now out of date. The guide refers to the Queen, for example, while the Sovereign is now King Charles III. Before test day, read what has changed since Discover Canada so the guide's older wording does not catch you out.
How to use this cheat sheet
- Cover the right-hand column of the table and recall each fact from the topic alone.
- Turn each fact into a question. "What are the three parts of Parliament?" is easier to remember than a sentence you have only read.
- Go back to the guide for any fact you could not recall. Each topic above links to its official section.
- Test yourself under time. Once these feel solid, sit a full 20-question practice exam. Our guide on how to study for the citizenship test sets out a 30-day plan.
The full printable cheat sheet
This page is a short, free selection. igotcitizenship's study notes cover many more key points across all six topics. If you hold a package, you can download the full printable cheat sheet as a PDF from the Study screen. It is handy to keep on the fridge or in a bag for the last few days before your test.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an official cheat sheet for the citizenship test?
No. IRCC publishes Discover Canada as the only official study guide, plus a set of study questions. Any cheat sheet, including this one, is unofficial.
Are these 15 facts enough to pass?
No. They are anchors to check your knowledge, not the whole test. You need to know the full guide.
When is the best time to use a cheat sheet?
After you have read the guide. A cheat sheet is for checking and refreshing what you have learned, so it works best in the last week or two before your test.
Where can I get the full printable version?
Package holders can download it as a PDF from the Study screen.
Check how much you already know: take the free diagnostic.