Chapter CP 4 - Grants

Section 5 - Assessing language and knowledge - written test

5.1 This section is about

• The written test is used to assess an applicant's ability to communicate in English or French
• assess an applicant's knowledge of Canada and the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship.

5.2 Authorities

5.3 Applicants between 18 and 59 write the test

All applicants 18 to 59 applying for citizenship must write the citizenship test.An applicant who fails the written test must pass an oral interview with a citizenship judge on the knowledge and language requirements.

5.4 Applicants over 60

Applicants 60 and over do not have to write the test. They may, however, write the test if they wish.If an applicant 60 years old or older writes the test and fails, the language and knowledge requirements are automatically waived. Do not schedule the applicant for an oral interview to test knowledge and language.

See Waivers.

5.5 Assessment based on A Look at Canada

CPC-Sydney mails all adult applicants for a grant of citizenship a copy of A Look at Canada, the study guide. The citizenship test is based on A Look at Canada.

Language, knowledge requirements

5.6 Language

Applicants for a grant of Canadian citizenship must have an adequate knowledge of either English or French. This means being able to communicate in everyday situations, such as shopping, using public transport, understanding simple questions, and conveying information reliably.

5.7 Literacy not required

Applicants do not have to be literate.

5.8 Knowledge

Applicants for a grant of citizenship must show that they have an adequate knowledge of Canada and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.The citizenship test asks questions about voting, Canada's history, geography, and government; and about the rights and responsibilities of Canadian citizenship. All questions are based on the study guide A Look at Canada.

Notifying applicants

5.9 Notifying applicants

Send each applicant for a grant of citizenship a notice of the test, by regular mail, at least 14 days before the test date.

Note: You must notify applicants about the test at least a week before the date of the test. Mailing notices 14 days before the test date ensures that applicants receive their notices a week before the test date.

5.10 Include in notice

Include the following information in the notice about the test:

• the time for the test
• the place for the test
• that the test will be a written test
• the identification and supporting documents the applicant must bring to the test.

5.11 Applicant doesn't appear for written test

If an applicant does not appear for a scheduled written test give the applicant another appointment at least 14 days later.

If the applicant does not appear for the second appointment, then refer to the section on Abandonment in Chapter 13.

The test

5.12 Purpose of the test

The written test determines if the applicant:

• meets the minimum language requirement for citizenship, as 5(1)(d) requires
• has a sufficient knowledge of Canada, as 5(1)(e) requires.

5.13 Format of test

All citizenship tests are developed by Integration Branch. Questions and pass marks are approved by the Minister. Current tests are in multiple choice format. Tests consist of 20 questions and a score of 12 out of 20 is considered a pass.

5.14 Giving the test

The following is the procedure for giving applicants the citizenship test:

5.15 If you suspect cheating

If you suspect cheating, take the test away from the applicant and schedule an oral interview for the applicant.

5.16 Passing the test

The pass mark for the citizenship test is 12 out of 20.

5.17 Recording marks

Enter the applicant's mark on the CARF (Citizenship Application Review Form).

5.18 Applicants who pass

If the applicant passes the written test and is granted citizenship, shred the applicant's test.

5.19 Applicant fails

If the applicant fails the test (scores less than 12 right answers out of 20), schedule the applicant for an oral interview with a citizenship judge.

Put the completed test in the applicant's file for the judge.

5.20 Do not review test with applicant

Do not review the test with an applicant, whether the applicant has passed or failed.

5.21 Integration Branch may ask for tests

The Policy and Program Unit—Integration Branch occasionally asks in advance for tests to sample results.You will be asked for tests for both approved and non-approved applicants.

5.22 Tests are secure documents

The integrity of the citizenship testing process is compromised when the tests are released in public records. The tests themselves are treated as protected \ secret material in NHQ and at the local offices. Tests are kept in a secure place and the bank of tests is changed on a regular basis. CIC receives many requests from the media, elected officials and members of the public for copies of the tests. Under no circumstances are tests released.

Tests for non approved clients are retained on file so that the actual questions a person was not able to answer can be provided as evidence in an appeal if warranted but the tests themselves are meant to be kept exempt from the certified tribunal record. See chapter on appeals.

The A Look at Canada does not refer to specific tests; only that tests are based on material in the book. The list of questions at the back of the book are not in the same format as the questions on the test. The questions in the book serves as a learning tool for clients.