How Many Times Can You Retake the Canadian Citizenship Test?

The rule is simple: you get up to 3 attempts within the 30-day test period on your invitation, and a clear sequence of steps follows if you do not pass.

The retake sequence, step by step

Your invitation gives you a 30-day test period. Within it you have up to 3 chances to pass the 20-question, 45-minute test (15 correct answers are needed). If you fail an attempt, you use another chance, for example by logging in again to the online test. If you fail all 3 attempts, IRCC invites you to a hearing with a citizenship officer.

The hearing is not a fourth chance at the same test

The hearing is a different format: depending on its type, the officer may orally ask you questions about your knowledge of Canada (an oral knowledge test with 20 questions, of which you must pass 15), about your residence in Canada, and about your English or French language skills (up to 9 questions, of which you must pass 6). IRCC says a hearing lasts 30 to 90 minutes.

What happens if the hearing does not go well

After your hearing, IRCC sends you a letter with the result. If you fail the hearing, your application is refused. To become a citizen you must then reapply and pay the fees again, effectively restarting the process rather than simply "trying again" on the same file.

The practical takeaway

Because the hearing carries real consequences, and a failed hearing means starting over with a new application and new fees, the highest-leverage moment to prepare thoroughly is before your very first attempt, not after a failure.