What Happens If You Fail the Canadian Citizenship Test? | 2025 Guide

Failing the Canadian citizenship test can feel like a major setback — especially after putting in hours of reading, studying, and preparing. It’s completely normal to feel frustrated, disappointed, or even anxious about what comes next. But here’s the truth: failing the test once doesn’t mean your journey to Canadian citizenship is over. In fact, the process is built with safeguards and second chances specifically to support applicants who may struggle on their first attempt.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) understands that not everyone passes right away. That’s why there are clear next steps in place — including the opportunity to retake the test or demonstrate your knowledge in other ways. The key is not to give up. Instead, treat the experience as feedback. What went wrong? Which topics were the hardest? What test-taking habits could be improved?

By understanding exactly what happens after a failed attempt — and knowing how to prepare smarter for the next one — you can reduce stress, regain your momentum, and move forward with confidence. This article breaks down the process step by step so you know what to expect and how to bounce back stronger.

📅 Step 1: You’ll Be Notified by IRCC

If you don’t pass the Canadian citizenship test on your first try, you won’t be left in the dark. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will send you an official notification outlining your result and what happens next. This notice is typically sent by mail or email, depending on how you received your original test instructions. Here’s what to expect in the notice: Confirmation of your result: It will clearly state that you did not meet the required passing score of 15 out of 20 questions (75%).

Reassurance that the process continues: You are not disqualified or rejected. You don’t need to submit a new application or pay any additional fees. The journey continues — and so does your opportunity to become a citizen.

Details about your second test attempt: The notice will include the date, time, and format of your next test. If it's online, you'll receive instructions on how to log in and access the portal. If it’s in person, you’ll get the location and what to bring with you.

Clear expectations and timelines: The IRCC typically allows applicants a reasonable window to prepare again. You may be asked to retake the test within a few weeks, giving you time to brush up on key topics.

This communication is designed to support you — not to punish you. The process recognizes that people make mistakes, get nervous, or need more time. As long as you respond to the instructions and show up for your rescheduled test, you’re still on track to becoming a Canadian citizen.

🔁 Step 2: You Get a Second Chance

Failing the first time isn’t the end — it’s part of the process. IRCC allows every applicant a second opportunity to pass the Canadian citizenship test. This second attempt follows the exact same format as the first, giving you another fair shot with clearer expectations.

Here’s what the second test looks like:

• 20 questions: Just like before, you’ll answer a mix of questions that test your knowledge of Canadian history, values, institutions, and geography.

• Multiple choice and true/false format: The structure remains the same, which means you can prepare confidently knowing what to expect.

• All questions are pulled from Discover Canada: No trick questions, no surprise topics. If you study the official guide well, you'll be fully prepared.

• A 75% score is still required: You’ll need to get at least 15 out of 20 questions correct to pass.

In most cases, you’ll be given 4 to 8 weeks between the first and second test. That buffer gives you a chance to regroup and study smarter. Use this time to focus on the areas that gave you trouble the first time — especially chapters you may have skimmed, or types of questions that confused you.

💡 Tip: Don’t waste the waiting period. Take targeted action by reviewing the Discover Canada guide again, practicing with new test versions, and using tools that reflect the 2025 format. Websites like Examzify offer realistic simulations and explanations that can help you turn your first setback into your success story.

⚠️ Step 3: What If You Fail the Test Twice?

If you don’t pass the citizenship test on your second attempt, you’re not out of options. Instead of another written test, you’ll be scheduled for an in-person interview with a citizenship officer from IRCC. This interview gives you a final opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding — this time, face-to-face.

Here’s what typically happens during the interview:

Oral questions based on Discover Canada: The officer will ask questions similar to those found on the written test, covering topics such as Canada’s political system, history, geography, and the responsibilities of citizenship. But this time, you'll answer aloud.

Demonstrating understanding, not just facts: You’re expected to show that you grasp the meaning and significance behind what you’ve learned — not just recite dates or definitions. The officer may ask things like, “Why is voting a responsibility?” or “What does multiculturalism mean in Canada?”

Follow-up questions are common: If an answer is unclear or incomplete, the officer may ask for clarification or ask a related follow-up. They’re looking for genuine comprehension and critical thinking, not perfection.

The setting is more relaxed: Unlike a timed test on a computer, this is a personal conversation. Many applicants find the interview less intimidating because they can ask questions, speak at their own pace, and explain their reasoning.

The purpose of the interview is not to punish or reject you — it’s to verify whether you’ve truly absorbed the core values and knowledge expected of a Canadian citizen. Many people who struggle with written tests, especially those with language barriers or test anxiety, find success during this step.

💡 Tip: Don’t give up. If you’re asked to attend an interview, treat it as your chance to connect with the material more deeply. Review Discover Canada out loud, practice explaining concepts in your own words, and focus on the sections that challenge you most. With effort and the right approach, many people pass at this stage and move on to the next chapter — becoming Canadian citizens.

🔁 Step 4: What If You Still Don’t Pass After the Interview?

If you’re unable to pass both the written test and the oral interview, your application for Canadian citizenship may be refused by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). While this outcome can feel disappointing, it’s not the end of the road — you can try again, but you’ll need to restart the process.

Here’s what happens if your application is denied:

You’ll receive an official refusal letter: This document explains why your application was rejected — in this case, not meeting the knowledge requirement through both the test and the interview.

You’ll need to reapply for citizenship: That means submitting a brand-new application, including updated personal details and supporting documents.

You must pay the fee again: The government fee must be paid with your new application. As of 2025, the adult application fee is $630 (subject to change).

You’ll re-enter the queue: Your new application goes back into the IRCC system, meaning you’ll need to wait for processing times all over again — which can take several months.

Fortunately, this situation is extremely rare. Most applicants either pass on their second written test or succeed during the oral interview with a citizenship officer. The test is not designed to exclude people — it’s designed to ensure applicants understand key aspects of Canadian history, law, values, and civic duties.

💡 Tip: If you’ve failed twice and reached the interview stage, don’t panic. Instead, treat it as an opportunity to shift how you study. Speak the material out loud. Teach it to someone else. Use updated study tools like Examzify to reinforce your weak points. Each attempt is a chance to improve, not a reason to give up. Many people go through multiple steps and still succeed in the end — and so can you.

🚀 Conclusion: One Failure Isn’t the End — It’s Just the Beginning

Failing the Canadian citizenship test can be tough, but it’s not the end of the road. You have another chance — and in many cases, multiple chances — to succeed. The difference lies in how you prepare between attempts.

👉 Ready to try again with confidence?

Take a realistic, free practice test today at Examzify. Practice with real-style questions, review your mistakes, and walk into your retest ready to succeed.

Don’t let one setback define your journey. Your path to Canadian citizenship is still open — and you're closer than you think.

Canadian citizen. You've already started the journey. Now finish strong.