25 Sample Canadian Citizenship Test Questions with Answers

Test yourself with 25 real-style questions based on Discover Canada, the official study guide. Each question has the answer and a short explanation.

About the real test

Most adults who apply for Canadian citizenship take a knowledge test. All questions are based on the official study guide, Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship.

• 20 questions, multiple choice or true/false.
• 45 minutes to finish.
• You pass with at least 15 correct answers out of 20.
• The test is in English or French.
• You get 3 chances to pass.

The 25 questions below are a sample from our full question bank. Each one has the correct answer and a short explanation from Discover Canada. For timed mock tests, use the full 312-question citizenship practice test.

How to use these questions

1. Read the question and say your answer before you read ours.
2. Check the answer and read the explanation.
3. Write down every question you got wrong.
4. Read that part of Discover Canada again.
5. Take a full 20-question practice test with the 45-minute timer.

Rights and responsibilities

1. In what year was the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms added to the Constitution? Answer: 1982. The Constitution of Canada was amended in 1982 to entrench the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
2. What do mobility rights allow Canadians to do? Answer: Live and work anywhere in Canada and enter and leave the country freely. Under mobility rights, Canadians can live and work anywhere in Canada, enter and leave the country freely, and apply for a passport.
3. What does the rule of law mean in Canada? Answer: No one is above the law, including the government. Under the rule of law, individuals and governments are regulated by laws, not arbitrary actions, and no person or group is above the law.
4. If you are called to serve on a jury, what must you do? Answer: Serve, because it is a legal requirement. When called to do so, you are legally required to serve on a jury.

History

1. Who are the three founding peoples of Canada? Answer: Aboriginal, French and British. The three founding peoples of Canada are the Aboriginal, French and British.
2. What three groups make up the Aboriginal peoples of Canada? Answer: Indians (First Nations), Inuit and Métis. The term Aboriginal peoples refers to three distinct groups: Indian (First Nations), Inuit and Métis.
3. On what date was the Dominion of Canada officially born? Answer: July 1, 1867. The Dominion of Canada was officially born on July 1, 1867, after the British Parliament passed the British North America Act.
4. Which four provinces formed the Dominion of Canada in 1867? Answer: Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick. In 1867 Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick were the first provinces of the Dominion of Canada.
5. In April 1917, the Canadian Corps captured which place in France? Answer: Vimy Ridge. The Canadian Corps captured Vimy Ridge in April 1917. April 9 is celebrated as Vimy Day.

Government and elections

1. What are three key facts about Canada's system of government? Answer: A federal state, a parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy. The guide says Canada is a federal state, a parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy.
2. What are the three parts of Canada's Parliament? Answer: The Sovereign, the Senate and the House of Commons. Parliament has three parts: the Sovereign (King or Queen), the Senate and the House of Commons.
3. Who is the King of Canada? Answer: King Charles III. King Charles III has been King of Canada since September 8, 2022. The printed guide shows Queen Elizabeth II, who died in 2022.
4. When are federal elections normally held? Answer: On the third Monday in October, every four years. Federal law says elections are held on the third Monday in October every four years after the last general election.
5. To vote in a federal election, what must you be? Answer: A Canadian citizen, at least 18 on voting day, and on the voters' list. To vote you must be a Canadian citizen, at least 18 years old on voting day, and on the voters' list.
6. Under the secret ballot, who has the right to make you tell how you voted? Answer: No one, not even your family or employer. Canadian law guarantees a secret ballot. You may share your vote if you wish, but no one can require you to tell.

Canadian symbols

1. In what year was the current Canadian flag with the maple leaf first raised? Answer: 1965. A new Canadian flag was raised for the first time in 1965.
2. What does Canada's motto "A Mari Usque Ad Mare" mean? Answer: From sea to sea. Canada's national motto, A Mari Usque Ad Mare, means "from sea to sea".
3. What is Canada's national winter sport? Answer: Hockey. Hockey is Canada's most popular spectator sport and is considered the national winter sport.
4. When is Remembrance Day? Answer: November 11. Remembrance Day is on November 11.

Canada's regions

1. Which three oceans border Canada? Answer: Pacific, Atlantic and Arctic. Canada is bordered by the Pacific Ocean in the west, the Atlantic Ocean in the east and the Arctic Ocean in the north.
2. How many regions does the guide divide Canada into? Answer: Five. The five regions are the Atlantic Provinces, Central Canada, the Prairie Provinces, the West Coast and the Northern Territories.
3. Who chose Ottawa as the capital of Canada in 1857? Answer: Queen Victoria. Queen Victoria chose Ottawa as the capital in 1857.

Ontario

1. What is the capital city of Ontario? Answer: Toronto. Toronto is the capital of Ontario. Ottawa is the capital of Canada.
2. Which group founded Ontario? Answer: The United Empire Loyalists. Ontario was founded by the United Empire Loyalists.
3. Which province has the largest French-speaking population outside Quebec? Answer: Ontario. Ontario has the largest French-speaking population outside of Quebec.

Study tips

• Study the whole guide, not only sample questions. Every chapter can appear on the test.
• Learn key dates: 1867 (Confederation), 1965 (the maple leaf flag) and 1982 (the Charter).
• Learn the facts about your own province. If you live in Ontario, know its capital and main features.
• Some facts in the printed guide are out of date. For example, the Sovereign is now King Charles III. Our practice questions use the current facts.
• Practise until you score 15 or more out of 20 every time.

Ready for more? Try the Canadian citizenship practice test. If you are also new to driving in Ontario, start with the G1 practice test.