What language level and test do I need for Canadian citizenship?

Checked on 2026-10-26

Applicants aged 18 to 54 must prove CLB/NCLC 4 in English or French speaking and listening, and pass a 20-question citizenship test with 15 correct out of 20 within 45 minutes. You get three attempts. Accepted proof includes IELTS, CELPIP, TEF or a diploma from an English or French programme.

Key facts

What	The rule	Source
Ages covered	18 to 54 years old on the day you sign	IRCC, Eligibility
Language level	CLB/NCLC 4 or higher in speaking and listening	IRCC, Language proof
Accepted language proof	Designated test (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, TEFAQ) or diploma/transcript from English/French program	IRCC, Language proof
Test format	20 multiple-choice and true/false questions	IRCC, Test results
Pass mark	At least 15 correct (75%)	IRCC, Test results
Time limit	45 minutes	IRCC, Test results
Attempts	Up to three; after three failures an oral hearing may follow	IRCC, Test results
Exempt ages	Under 18 and 55+ exempt from both language and test	IRCC, Eligibility

Language: CLB 4 in speaking and listening

Only speaking and listening are assessed for citizenship — reading and writing are not. The level required is Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) 4 in English or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) 4 in French. This is a basic conversational level: you can handle everyday situations, give simple descriptions and follow short instructions.

IRCC accepts several forms of proof. The most straightforward is a test result from an approved language test — IELTS General, CELPIP General (English), TEF or TEFAQ (French) — showing CLB 4 or higher in both speaking and listening. Test results do not expire for citizenship purposes. Alternatively, you can submit a diploma, transcript or certificate from a secondary or post-secondary program conducted in English or French, in Canada or abroad. A degree or diploma by itself, without a transcript or certificate, is not enough.

The citizenship test

The test is taken online. It has 20 questions — multiple-choice and true/false — and you have 45 minutes to complete it. You must answer at least 15 correctly (75%) to pass. The questions are based on Discover Canada, IRCC’s free study guide covering Canadian history, geography, government, economy, symbols and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.

You can take the test up to three times. If you fail all three attempts, IRCC may invite you to an oral hearing with a citizenship officer. The officer will ask you questions similar to those on the test to decide whether you meet the knowledge requirement.

Who is exempt

Applicants under 18 on the day they sign the application, and applicants 55 or older, do not need to prove language ability or take the citizenship test. These age thresholds have been in place since Bill C-6 came into force in 2017.

Physical presence: you must have been in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years) in the 5 years before you apply.
You must also have filed income tax in at least 3 of those 5 years, if required.

Sources

IRCC: Language proof for citizenship checked 2026-10-26
IRCC: Citizenship test results checked 2026-10-26
IRCC: Check adult citizenship eligibility checked 2026-10-26

Change history

2026-10-26: Page created

This is general information, not legal advice, and Lumen is not a law firm. Rules change and offices differ: check the official sources above before you act. Found something wrong or out of date? Write to support@lumen.observer.