Who has to take the Canadian citizenship test in 2026?
You have to take the Canadian citizenship test if you are between 18 and 54 years old on the day you sign your citizenship application. If you are under 18, or 55 or older, you do not take the test, and an adult can ask for a waiver in some cases. Applicants aged 18 to 54 must also show English or French at Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) level 4 or higher.
Below is what IRCC's own pages say about each rule, with a link beside each one. igotcitizenship is an independent study app and is not affiliated with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Rules like these are set by law and regulation and can change, so check IRCC's pages before you apply.
The rules at a glance
| Your age on the day you sign | Citizenship test | Language proof |
|---|---|---|
| Under 18 | Not required | Not required |
| 18 to 54 | Required | Required, CLB or NCLC 4 |
| 55 and older | Not required | Not required |
Source: IRCC's page on who can apply for adult citizenship and its page on how the test works.
The age that counts
The age that matters is your age on the day you sign your application, not the day you take the test. IRCC states that if you are between 18 and 54 on that day, you must take the test (IRCC eligibility).
So if you sign at 54 and turn 55 while your application is in process, you are still in the 18-to-54 group. Check the date on your signed application if you are close to either edge.
Who does not take the test
IRCC lists three groups who do not take the test:
- Minors under 18. All minors are exempt from the test and from the language requirement.
- Adults 55 and older. They do not need to take the test or prove their language ability.
- People with an approved waiver. An adult can request a waiver of the test.
Even without the test, other requirements still apply, such as physical presence in Canada. IRCC also notes that adults, including those 55 and older, may be invited to an interview with a citizenship official (IRCC, test results and next steps).
Waivers and accommodations
IRCC separates two kinds of help (IRCC, waivers):
- A waiver means you do not have to meet a requirement at all. An adult can ask for a waiver of the citizenship test, of the language requirement, or of the oath of citizenship. Minors aged 14 to 17 can ask for a waiver of the oath only.
- An accommodation is for when you can meet the requirement but need help doing it. IRCC gives examples such as a Braille or oral test, extra time, or sign language interpretation (IRCC, accommodations).
If you think either applies to you, read IRCC's pages before you apply. We will not guess at how a particular request will be decided.
The language requirement: CLB 4
If you are 18 to 54 on the day you sign, you must show an adequate knowledge of English or French. IRCC sets the level as equivalent to Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) level 4, or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) level 4 for French, in speaking and listening (IRCC eligibility).
You prove it with your application. IRCC's language proof pages list what it accepts, including:
- a diploma, transcript or certificate from a secondary or post-secondary program taught in English or French, in Canada or abroad
- results from an approved test, such as CELPIP General, IELTS General Training, PTE Core, TEF Canada or TCF Canada, at the listening and speaking levels IRCC sets
- a certificate from government-funded language training, such as LINC or CLIC, showing CLB 4 or higher in speaking and listening
The citizenship test itself is about knowledge of Canada, not language. But after three unsuccessful test attempts, the hearing with a citizenship official can assess your English or French as well (IRCC).
What the test asks of you
If you are in the 18-to-54 group, the test has 20 questions, multiple choice or true or false. You have 45 minutes and need 15 correct to pass. Every question is based on the official study guide, Discover Canada (IRCC). Most applicants are invited to take it online (IRCC).
Our guides to the test format and to the online citizenship test cover the details.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to take the citizenship test if I am 55?
No. If you are 55 or older on the day you sign your application, you do not take the test or prove language ability (IRCC).
Do children take the citizenship test?
No. All minors under 18 are exempt from the test and from the language requirement.
What language level do I need for Canadian citizenship?
CLB 4 in English, or NCLC 4 in French, in speaking and listening, if you are 18 to 54 when you sign.
Can I skip the test for medical reasons?
An adult can request a waiver of the test. IRCC's waiver page explains how. If you can take the test with help, ask for an accommodation instead.
Does age matter on the day of the test?
No. Your age on the day you sign your application decides whether you take the test.
Taking the test? See where you stand with a free practice test.