How to Prepare for the CIC Citizenship Test

Do you want to become a Canadian citizen? Are you eligible for the CIC citizenship test? Do you want to know how to apply for the Canadian written exam and gain tips on how to increase your chances of passing in your first attempt? Read on and find out what is involved in the Canadian written exam and how to pass it.

Covering 9.98 million square kilometers, Canada is a North American country and the second-largest in the world. It is the least corrupt country globally, and its inhabitants, often those speaking English, Mandarin, French, and Punjabi, are very friendly. Canada hosts some of the world’s most fascinating tourist attractions. They include Vieux-Quebec, Niagara Falls, Whistler, Banff National Park, and many others.

Deciding to become a Canadian citizen is an exciting experience. Once you have applied for citizenship and have met all the other requirements to become a Canadian citizen, you can now sit for the Canadian Written Exam. Applicants between the age of 18 and 54 have to take the test. So, it is best to begin preparations ahead of time to increase your chances of passing.

What is the Canadian Written Exam?

Administered by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada, the Canadian Written Exam is a thirty-minute multiple-choice test that consists of 20 questions. Passing this test means you have to answer at least 15 questions correctly. Often, the written exam occurs in person but can also take place online.

Once you meet all the eligibility requirements after applying for Canadian citizenship, you will receive a notice to begin preparing for your CIC Citizenship test. Some of the required eligibility criteria include:

•     You must be a permanent Canadian resident
•     You must be between 18-54 years
•     You must have lived in Canada for at least three of the last five years
•     You must have filed your taxes according to the law
•     You must prove your language skills

Suppose you cannot write or read easily in English or French or have any other hindrances that may prevent you from completing the written exam. In that case, you must go to a state venue with a Canadian citizenship officer for a 30-90 minute interview. You must also go to the written exam with the original documents whose copies you sent with your application. Also, attach your passport or any other travel documents you may have used in the last four years.

What Kind of Questions Are on the Canadian Written Exam?

The Canadian Written exam determines whether you have sufficient knowledge of the country and its processes. It also aids in determining your English and French proficiency and if you know about your rights and responsibilities as a Canadian citizen. Subjects covered on the CIC Citizenship test include:

•     Canadian Geography; both physical and political
•     The Canadian government, history, culture, and its aboriginal peoples
•     Events taking place in the Canadian society
•     The rights, duties, and freedoms of Canadian citizens
•     Canadian symbols
•     The monarchy and Canadian Democracy

Tips on How to pass your CIC Citizenship Test

Taking the Canadian written test is the final step in the immigration journey. Although it is a thrilling experience, it is a nerve-wracking process. Below are some tips to help you pass the test on the first try.

1.   Study ahead of time

It is advisable to start studying for the CIC Citizenship test early enough to avoid cramming a bulk load of information a few days before the exam. This is especially true for those who are yet to apply for citizenship. Ask your Canadian friends questions about the country’s history, culture, politics, and the current government.

It is also beneficial to keep up with the local and trending news until the day of your test. Read up on anything and everything Canadian to gain as much information as you possibly can. However, ensure that you get your information from credible sources.

2.   Take Citizenship Classes

There are plenty of free or low-cost citizenship classes that you can take. Learning in a classroom environment has proven to improve your attention span, which allows you to retain more information than when you study by yourself. There are also various class discussions around relevant and essential topics about Canadian society.

Among organizations that offer citizenship classes include English as a Second Language (ESL) Programs, settlement agencies, and community centers. Likewise, most organizations that have English Classes also offer citizenship classes.

3.   Consult the Official Study Guide

The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has an official study guide that you can use to prepare for the written exam. Its book, Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship, is available online to download in audio or pdf format, or you can opt to order a copy by mail from the site or simply read it online. Reading this book religiously every day before you go to bed increases your chances of passing the exam.

4.   Use Practice Tests

There are numerous Canadian Citizenship practice tests available for free online. Although they are not a shortcut to studying for the test, they serve as guides to prepare you to face the real CIC Citizenship test. When you take several practice tests, you gain the confidence to work on the actual test and develop a certain surety of your ability to pass.

5.   Get a Study Buddy

If you are taking the CIC Citizenship test with your partner, family, or friends, you can read about it together. Having someone to go back and forth with when reading about Canada can go a long way in helping you memorize important information. It also helps you not to miss any information, which you can when studying by yourself.

Set time aside regularly where you quiz each other on various topics and discuss important topics. Also, seek clarification on areas where you are unsure and your study buddy has a good understanding of it. Think of it as a free and fun class.

What happens if you fail the test for the first time?

After taking the CIC Citizenship tests, you will receive the results on the same day or later on by mail. If you have passed, you will get the date and time of your celebration ceremony. However, if you failed but met the eligibility criteria, you will have a second chance to take the test. The second test

often takes place within four to eight weeks after the first test, but it may take longer to reschedule.

Upon failing the second test, you will receive a notice that schedules you for a citizenship interview with a citizenship official. The interview can last anywhere between 30-90 minutes and can be in person or via videoconference. If you do not pass all three attempts, the IRCC will refuse your application, requiring you to try again by starting the application process afresh.

Conclusion

If you are a permanent Canadian resident seeking citizenship, there are plenty of resources to help you pass the CIC Citizenship test. By applying the tips mentioned above, you are sure to pass the written exam. However, you must dedicate your time and effort to study for this test, just like you would any other test.