What Happens If You Fail the Canadian Citizenship Test?

Failing the Canadian citizenship test is more common than you might think — about 12-13% of test-takers do not pass on their first attempt. If this happens to you, do not panic. Here is exactly what happens next and how to succeed on your second try. CitizenPass makes mastering this easy — read on, then start practicing for free.

When you fail the citizenship test (scoring 14 or below out of 20), the following happens:

1. You are informed of your result — Usually on the same day
2. IRCC schedules a second test — Automatically, without you needing to do anything
3. You receive a new Notice to Appear — Typically within 4 to 8 weeks
4. Your application stays active — You do not need to reapply or pay again

Important: This Is Normal

Failing does not mean your citizenship application is rejected. It simply means you need to try again. IRCC understands that the test covers a lot of material, and many successful citizens passed on their second attempt.

Your second test is essentially the same as the first:

• 20 multiple-choice questions
• 45 minutes
• 75% passing score (15 out of 20)
• Based on the Discover Canada guide

However, some second attempts may be conducted as an oral test — a one-on-one interview with a citizenship official who asks you questions verbally. This is actually often easier because:

• The official can clarify questions if you are confused
• You can explain your understanding in your own words
• It feels more like a conversation than an exam

If you fail both the first and second attempts, your case is referred to a citizenship hearing. This is not another formal test — it is a meeting with a citizenship judge or senior official who will:

• Ask you questions about Canada in a conversational format
• Assess your overall knowledge and understanding
• Make a decision on your application

The citizenship official has the discretion to approve your application even after two failed tests if they believe you have adequate knowledge of Canada.

Common Reasons for Failing:

1. Not studying the full guide — Skipping chapters that seem boring
2. Focusing only on memorization — Not understanding concepts
3. Canadian history dates — The most commonly missed topic
4. Government structure confusion — Mixing up federal/provincial roles
5. Not taking practice tests — Reading without testing yourself

Your Comeback Plan

If you failed, here is a proven study plan for your second attempt:

Week 1: Identify Weak Areas

• Take 5 practice tests on CitizenPass
• Note every question you get wrong
• Categorize your mistakes by topic

Week 2: Deep Study

• Focus 70% of study time on your weakest topics
• Re-read the relevant Discover Canada chapters
• Create flashcards for facts you keep forgetting

Week 3: Practice Under Test Conditions

• Take a full 20-question mock test every day
• Set a 45-minute timer
• Aim for 18+ correct answers consistently

Week 4: Final Review

• Quick review of all chapters
• Focus on commonly confused facts
• Take 2-3 final mock tests
• Rest well the day before your test

Failing a test can be discouraging, especially when it is connected to something as important as your citizenship. Remember:

• You are not alone — Thousands of people take a second test every year
• It is not a reflection of your worth — The test covers specific facts that anyone might forget
• You will get there — With better preparation, the vast majority pass on their second try
• Your journey to citizenship is not over — This is just a small setback

CitizenPass is designed to help you pass the citizenship test. After a failed attempt, our AI coach analyzes your weak areas and creates a personalized study plan focused on exactly what you need to learn. With 600+ practice questions, detailed explanations, and progress tracking, CitizenPass gives you the tools to pass with confidence on your next attempt.

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

Your Canadian dream is one test away. Join thousands of successful new Canadians — start your free CitizenPass preparation today.