Canada has two official languages, and you have the right to take your citizenship test in either English or French. Here is everything you need to know about taking the test in French. CitizenPass makes mastering this easy — read on, then start practicing for free.
Trusted by thousands of new Canadians. CitizenPass is the #1 free citizenship test prep platform — 600+ practice questions, AI coaching, and lessons covering every chapter of the Discover Canada guide.
Choosing French for Your Test
When to Choose
You select your preferred language on your citizenship application form. This determines:
- The language of your test
- The language of official communications from IRCC
- The language of your ceremony
Can I Change My Choice?
If you submitted your application in English but want to take the test in French (or vice versa), contact IRCC as soon as possible. Changes may be possible before your test is scheduled.
Studying in French
The Official Guide: Découvrir le Canada
The French version of the Discover Canada guide is called Découvrir le Canada: Les droits et responsabilités liés à la citoyenneté. It is available:
- Free download from the IRCC website
- All 12 chapters translated
- Same content, same facts, same testable material
Study Tips for French-Language Test Takers
- Study in French — Do not study in English and try to translate during the test
- Learn key terms in French — Government terminology, historical terms
- Take practice tests in French — CitizenPass offers a full French experience
- Review both versions — If bilingual, reading both can reinforce learning
Key Terms in French
| English | French |
|---|---|
| Citizenship test | Test de citoyenneté |
| Charter of Rights | Charte des droits et libertés |
| House of Commons | Chambre des communes |
| Senate | Sénat |
| Prime Minister | Premier ministre |
| Governor General | Gouverneur général |
| Confederation | Confédération |
| Permanent resident | Résident permanent |
| Oath of Citizenship | Serment de citoyenneté |
The Test Experience in French
Test Day
- The test booklet and answer sheet are in French
- Questions and all four answer options are in French
- Instructions from the citizenship official may be bilingual
- You have the same 45 minutes for 20 questions
The Oath in French
At the ceremony, you can recite the oath in French:
« Je jure fidélité et sincère allégeance à Sa Majesté le Roi Charles Trois, Roi du Canada, à ses héritiers et successeurs et je jure d'observer fidèlement les lois du Canada, y compris la Constitution, qui reconnaît et confirme les droits — Loss ancestraux ou issus de traités — des peuples autochtones, soit combattent les Premières Nations, les Inuits et les Métis, et de remplir loyalement mes obligations de citoyen canadien. »
CitizenPass Pro Tip: Our platform supports English and French with 80+ lessons and 600+ questions. Study in whichever language you are most comfortable with — switch anytime.
Resources for French-Language Study
Official Resources
- Découvrir le Canada — IRCC official guide (free)
- IRCC website — Available entirely in French
- Service Canada — Assistance in French at all offices
CitizenPass in French
CitizenPass is fully available in French:
- 80+ lessons in French
- 600+ practice questions in French
- AI coaching in French
- Study plans and progress tracking in French
Why Take the Test in French?
Advantages:
- If French is your stronger language, you will comprehend questions more easily
- No translation needed in your head during the test
- Ceremony communications will be in French
- Shows proficiency in one of Canada's official languages
Consider Your Strongest Language:
- If you are equally comfortable in both, choose the one you studied in
- If you are a native French speaker, take it in French
- If you learned English in Canada, you may be more comfortable with English terms for Canadian government
You Have the Right to Choose
Canada's bilingual nature means you are fully supported in either language. There is no advantage or disadvantage to choosing French over English — both are equally valid. Choose the language you are most comfortable with, study in that language, and pass with confidence.
Pass Your Citizenship Test — With CitizenPass
Thousands of newcomers have used CitizenPass to pass their citizenship test on the first attempt. Here is what you get — completely free to start:
- 600+ Practice Questions — Same format as the real IRCC test, with detailed explanations for every answer
- AI-Powered Coach — Identifies your weak areas and builds a personalized study plan just for you
- 80+ Bite-Sized Lessons — All 12 Discover Canada chapters, broken into 10-minute study sessions
- Real-Time Progress Tracking — See exactly when you are ready to pass
- Bilingual Support — Study in English or French, switch anytime
- Mobile + Desktop — Available on iOS, Android, and web — study anywhere
CitizenPass users score an average of 18/20 on their first attempt — well above the 15/20 passing score.
Your Canadian dream is one test away. Join thousands of successful new Canadians — start your free CitizenPass preparation today.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1How do I request the test in French?
When filling out your citizenship application, you indicate your preferred official language. If you choose French, your test and ceremony communications will be in French.
2Is the French test easier or harder?
The test is the same difficulty in both languages. It has the same 20 questions in multiple-choice format. The content is identical, just translated.
3Where can I get the Discover Canada guide in French?
The French version, 'Découvrir le Canada,' is available free on the IRCC website. It covers the exact same content as the English version.