Canadian Citizenship Test Retake: How Many Attempts, Wait Times & What Happens If You Fail

What Happens If You Fail the Canadian Citizenship Test?

Failing the citizenship test is stressful, but it is not the end of your citizenship journey. Here is exactly what happens at each stage:

After Your First Failure

If you score below 75% (fewer than 15 out of 20 correct), IRCC will:

1. Notify you of the result — You will be told you did not pass
2. Schedule a retake — IRCC automatically schedules a second test, typically within 4–8 weeks
3. Send a new notice — You receive a letter or email with the date, time, and location of your second test
4. No additional fee — Your first retake is included in your original application

You do not need to submit a new application, contact IRCC to request a retake, or pay any extra fees. The retake is automatic.

After Your Second Failure

If you fail the second written test, the process escalates:

1. Referral to a citizenship judge — IRCC may refer your file to a citizenship judge
2. Oral interview — Instead of another written test, the judge will assess your knowledge of Canada through a conversation
3. The judge decides — Based on the interview, the judge either approves or refuses your application

The citizenship judge hearing is different from the written test. There are no multiple-choice questions. Instead, the judge asks you questions about Canada and evaluates your responses in conversation.

If Your Application Is Refused

If the citizenship judge is not satisfied with your knowledge of Canada, your application may be refused. This means:

• Your current application is closed
• You do not get a refund of your application fee
• You can reapply for citizenship by submitting a new application with the full fee
• You can also appeal the decision to the Federal Court within 30 days

The Complete Failure Timeline

Here is the typical timeline from first failure to final resolution:

How to Prepare for Your Retake

If you failed the first time, here is how to use the 4–8 week waiting period effectively:

1. Identify Your Weak Areas

Think about which questions you struggled with. Were they about history? Government? Geography? Focus your study on those topics.

2. Re-Read Discover Canada

Go through the entire study guide again, but spend extra time on the chapters that correspond to your weak areas.

3. Take Practice Tests Daily

Complete at least one 20-question practice test every day. Track your scores by topic to see where you are improving and where you still need work.

4. Aim for 80%+ on Practice Tests

Do not go into your retake aiming for the minimum 75%. Target 80% or higher on practice tests so you have a comfortable margin on test day.

5. Study Differently This Time

If reading the guide alone did not work the first time, try a different approach: - Use a study app with practice questions and explanations - Watch videos about Canadian history and government - Study with a friend or family member who has passed - Use flashcards for dates, names, and facts

What the Citizenship Judge Hearing Looks Like

If you fail both written tests, here is what to expect at the judge hearing:

Before the Hearing

• You receive a notice with the date, time, and location
• You can bring a lawyer or representative (optional)
• You should bring all your identity documents

During the Hearing

• The judge will introduce themselves and explain the process
• They will ask you questions about Canada — similar topics to the written test
• Questions may be more conversational: "Tell me about the role of the Prime Minister" rather than multiple choice
• The judge assesses whether you have adequate knowledge of Canada
• The hearing typically lasts 15–30 minutes

After the Hearing

• The judge may approve your application on the spot, or they may take time to decide
• If approved, you proceed toward the citizenship ceremony
• If refused, you receive written reasons and information about your appeal options

How to Avoid Failing in the First Place

Prevention is better than cure. Here are proven strategies:

Study for 4–8 Weeks Minimum

Most applicants who fail either did not study at all or crammed at the last minute. Regular study over several weeks is far more effective than a single marathon session.

Use Multiple Study Methods

Do not just read the Discover Canada guide. Combine reading with: - Practice questions - Mock tests - Topic review - Flashcards for key facts

Take at Least 10 Full Mock Tests

If you consistently score 80%+ on 20-question mock tests, you are very likely to pass the real test. If you are scoring below 75%, keep studying.

Focus on the Hardest Topics

Canadian History and Government are the most commonly failed topics. Make sure you know key dates (Confederation 1867, Vimy Ridge 1917, Constitution Act 1982), government roles, and how Parliament works.

The Financial Reality of Failing

While the first retake is free, failing ultimately can be costly:

This is why proper preparation is so important. Investing time and a modest amount in study tools now can save you hundreds of dollars and months of delay.

Start Preparing Today

Whether you are studying for your first attempt or preparing for a retake, the strategy is the same: study the Discover Canada guide and take as many practice tests as possible.

CitizenApp offers 500+ practice questions, mock tests, and topic-by-topic study tools. Every question includes a detailed explanation so you understand not just the correct answer, but why it is correct.

Private tutors charge $50–100/hour. CitizenApp starts at $9.99/month.