Canadian Citizenship Test Score Report: What Your Results Mean and What to Do Next

# Canadian Citizenship Test Score Report: What Your Results Mean and What to Do Next

Congratulations on completing your Canadian citizenship test! Now comes the moment many applicants wonder about most — understanding your Canadian citizenship test score report and knowing exactly what to do next.

Whether you're eagerly awaiting your results or preparing mentally for either outcome, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about interpreting your score, understanding the next steps, and moving forward confidently toward citizenship.

Your score report is the official document that tells you whether you met the passing standard on your citizenship test. IRCC sends this report by mail as part of your overall decision letter.

The Canadian citizenship test consists of 20 multiple-choice questions covering topics like Canadian history, government, symbols, and rights. You need to answer at least 15 correctly — that's the famous 75% citizenship test passing score required under current rules.

Your score report doesn't just show your raw score. It communicates your next steps clearly, whether that's moving toward your citizenship ceremony or attending a follow-up hearing.

When You Pass

If you answered 15 or more questions correctly, you've passed the test. Your score report will confirm this, and your application will move forward in the processing pipeline.

Passing the test is a major milestone. You'll eventually receive an invitation to attend your citizenship ceremony, where you'll take the Oath of Citizenship and receive your Canadian citizenship certificate. For full details on what happens after the ceremony, see [What Happens After the Citizenship Ceremony](/blog/canadian-citizenship-certificate-after-ceremony).

When You Need a Hearing

If you scored fewer than 15 correct answers, you have not been denied citizenship. Instead, you'll receive an invitation to attend a citizenship test hearing.

A hearing is essentially a second chance. An immigration officer will sit down with you and ask oral questions based on the same material covered in the written test — primarily the [Discover Canada study guide](/blog/discover-canada-study-guide-summary). This hearing helps confirm that you understand the content even if the written format didn't work well for you.

To learn more about what happens when you don't reach the passing score, check out [What Happens If You Fail the Canadian Citizenship Test](/blog/what-happens-if-you-fail-citizenship-test).

Step 1: Read Carefully

Review your entire decision letter, not just the score line. IRCC includes important instructions about timelines, upcoming appointments, and any additional documents you may need to submit.

Step 2: Check Your Contact Information

Make sure IRCC has your current mailing address and phone number. If you've moved since submitting your application, update your information immediately so you don't miss critical communications.

Step 3: Note Important Dates

Your letter may include dates for hearings, ceremonies, or requests for additional information. Mark these on your calendar right away.

Step 4: Keep Everything Organized

File your score report, original test appointment notice, and any other correspondence together. You'll want easy access to these if you need to contact IRCC later.

IRCC typically takes approximately 4 to 8 weeks to send your score report after your test date. However, during peak processing periods, this can stretch longer.

If it's been more than 8 weeks and you haven't received anything, you can contact IRCC directly through their web form or by calling their general inquiries line. Be prepared to provide your UCI number and test date when you reach out.

If your score report indicates you need a hearing, here's how to prepare:

Review the Study Material

Go back through the [Discover Canada study guide](/blog/discover-canada-study-guide-summary) thoroughly. Focus especially on areas where you struggled during the written test. Topics like the [Canadian flag history and meaning](/blog/canadian-flag-history-meaning), levels of government, and electoral processes tend to come up frequently.

Practice Speaking Aloud

Since the hearing is oral, practice explaining concepts out loud rather than just reading them silently. You might want to quiz yourself or practice with a study partner.

Gather Supporting Materials

Bring any notes, study guides, or flashcards you used during preparation to your hearing. While you won't be able to reference them during the hearing itself, having them helps reinforce your confidence.

Understand the Format

During a hearing, the officer will ask you questions directly. There's no timer, and you can ask for clarification. Speak clearly and honestly — it's okay to say "I'm not sure" rather than guessing.

Rarely, errors occur in scoring or documentation. If you strongly believe your score was recorded incorrectly:

1. Contact IRCC as soon as possible
2. Reference your test date and UCI number
3. Request a review of your results
4. Keep copies of all communication

The sooner you raise concerns, the easier it is for IRCC to investigate.

Receiving your Canadian citizenship test score report is a pivotal moment in your citizenship journey. Whether your results show a pass, a hearing invitation, or something else entirely, you now have the information you need to take the right next steps.

If you're still studying and want to sharpen your knowledge before your results arrive, consider reviewing our [30-day study plan for the Canadian citizenship test](/blog/30-day-study-plan-citizenship-test) or taking a [free practice test](/blog/citizenship-test-practice-questions-free-2026) to reinforce what you know.

Remember — citizenship is a process, not a single event. Your score report is just one chapter in a much larger story, and the next chapter is yours to write.

How long does it take to get my Canadian citizenship test results?

IRCC usually sends your score report and decision within 4 to 8 weeks after your test. Processing times can vary depending on your region and workload.

Can I find out my Canadian citizenship test score online?

No. IRCC does not publish citizenship test scores online. You will receive your results by mail in a decision letter from IRCC.

What happens if I get less than 15 correct answers?

You will receive an invitation to attend a citizenship test hearing. An immigration officer will orally ask you questions to confirm your knowledge of Canada. This is a second chance, not an automatic failure.

Do I need to retake the Canadian citizenship test if I fail?

Not necessarily. If you scored below 15, you may be invited to a hearing instead of retaking the written test. If you fail the hearing, then you may need to retake the written test.

What if I think my score was recorded incorrectly?

Contact IRCC as soon as possible. You can request a review of your test results. Be sure to keep copies of all documents related to your test appointment.

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*Prepared for applicants navigating their Canadian citizenship journey. For more resources on test preparation and next steps, visit [CitizenPass](/blog/canadian-citizenship-test-complete-guide-2026).*