Canadian Citizenship Test: Online vs In-Person - What to Expect in 2026

Omran Ismail | April 2026

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has offered the citizenship test in two formats: online and in-person. As of 2026, both options remain available, and applicants are typically assigned one format based on their location, application timeline, and IRCC's scheduling capacity. Understanding what each format involves can help you prepare more effectively and reduce test-day anxiety. Here is a detailed comparison of both experiences.

How IRCC Assigns Your Test Format

You do not get to choose whether you take the test online or in person. IRCC determines the format when they schedule your test and notifies you by email or through your online account. The notification letter will specify the date, time, and format. In general, online tests have become more common in recent years as IRCC has expanded its digital infrastructure, but in-person tests are still regularly scheduled at local IRCC offices across the country.

If you have a strong preference for one format over the other, there is no official mechanism to request a switch. However, if you have a documented reason - such as a disability that makes one format difficult, or a lack of reliable internet access - you can contact IRCC to discuss accommodations.

The Online Test Experience

The online citizenship test is taken from your home or another private location using a computer with a webcam and microphone. Here is what to expect from start to finish.

Before your test date, you will receive an email from IRCC with instructions and a link to access the test platform. You will need to verify your identity by showing your permanent resident card or other identification documents to the webcam. A test proctor monitors you remotely throughout the session.

The test itself consists of 20 multiple-choice questions drawn from Discover Canada. You have 30 minutes to complete it. The questions appear one at a time on your screen, and you select your answer by clicking the appropriate option. You can go back and change your answers before submitting. Once you submit, you receive your result almost immediately - either a pass or a notification that you will need to attend a hearing with a citizenship officer.

Technical Requirements for the Online Test

Taking the test online requires some technical preparation. You need a desktop or laptop computer - tablets and smartphones are not permitted. Your computer must have a functioning webcam and microphone, both of which must remain on throughout the test. You need a stable, high-speed internet connection. IRCC recommends a minimum download speed of 5 Mbps, though faster is better to avoid disruptions.

You should use a recent version of Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or Mozilla Firefox. Make sure your browser allows pop-ups from the IRCC test platform. Close all other applications and browser tabs before starting. Find a quiet, well-lit room where you will not be interrupted. The proctor needs to see your face clearly throughout the test, so position your webcam at eye level and ensure there is adequate lighting in front of you, not behind you.

The In-Person Test Experience

The in-person test takes place at a local IRCC office or a designated testing centre. You will receive a notification letter specifying the exact address, date, and time. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes early, as there are check-in procedures before the test begins.

When you arrive, an IRCC officer will verify your identity by checking your permanent resident card, passport, and other identification documents. You may also need to provide photographs. The officer will confirm your personal information and may ask you a few basic questions in English or French to assess your language ability.

You will then be directed to a testing room along with other applicants. The test is administered on paper in most locations, though some offices have transitioned to computer-based testing. The format is the same - 20 multiple-choice questions, 30 minutes, 75% passing grade. An invigilator is present in the room throughout the test.

After completing the test, you may receive your results the same day or within a few weeks by mail or through your online IRCC account. If you pass, you will eventually be scheduled for the oath of citizenship ceremony.

Pros and Cons of Each Format

The online format has several advantages. You take the test in familiar surroundings, which can reduce nervousness. There is no travel time or transportation cost. You receive results immediately. And the scheduling tends to be more flexible since IRCC can accommodate more applicants simultaneously through online testing.

However, the online format also has drawbacks. Technical issues can be stressful - if your internet drops during the test, you may need to reschedule. The remote proctoring can feel intrusive, as someone is watching you through your webcam the entire time. Some people find it harder to concentrate at home due to household noise or distractions. And if you are not comfortable with technology, the setup process itself can be anxiety-inducing.

The in-person format offers its own benefits. You do not need to worry about technology or internet connections. The testing environment is controlled and quiet. Some people find that being in a formal setting helps them focus better. And the human interaction with IRCC officers can feel more personal and reassuring.

On the other hand, in-person testing requires travel to the IRCC office, which can be inconvenient if you live far from a testing centre. Wait times at the office can be long. You may not receive your results immediately. And the formal setting makes some people more nervous rather than less.

How to Prepare Differently for Each Format

The content you need to study is identical regardless of format. The questions come from the same pool and are based on the same material from Discover Canada. However, there are format-specific preparation steps you should take.

For the online test, do a technology check well before your test date. Test your webcam, microphone, and internet speed. Run a practice session in the browser you plan to use. Make sure your computer is fully charged or plugged in. Inform household members about your test time so they do not interrupt you or use bandwidth-heavy applications. Place a "do not disturb" sign on your door. Have your identification documents ready and easily accessible.

For the in-person test, plan your route to the IRCC office in advance. Check traffic and transit schedules for your test time. Bring all required identification documents plus photocopies. Arrive early to account for security screening and check-in. Bring a bottle of water and any permitted materials. Dress comfortably but appropriately.

What to Do If You Experience Technical Issues

If you encounter technical problems during the online test, do not panic. If your video or audio disconnects briefly, the proctor may pause your session and allow you to reconnect. If the disconnection is prolonged or you cannot resolve the issue, your test may be rescheduled without penalty. IRCC understands that technical issues happen and will not hold them against you.

If you experience a technical issue, try to reconnect immediately. If that fails, contact IRCC as soon as possible to report the problem and request rescheduling. Keep a record of what happened, including screenshots if possible, in case you need to reference the incident later.

Final Thoughts

Whether you take the citizenship test online or in person, the key to success is thorough preparation. Both formats test the same knowledge, and applicants pass at comparable rates regardless of format. Focus your energy on studying the material rather than worrying about the format. Use practice tests to build your confidence, review Discover Canada thoroughly, and you will be well positioned to pass on your first attempt regardless of how IRCC asks you to take it.