Discover Canada: the Canadian citizenship test book, chapter by chapter

Discover Canada is the booklet the Canadian citizenship test is based on. Its full title is Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship. Every test question comes from it, so reading it chapter by chapter is the best way to prepare.

Last checked: 31 October 2026.

What the book is

Discover Canada first came out in November 2009. The edition in use today is the 2012 one. It replaced an older booklet called A Look at Canada. It is not a long book. It is written in plain language, with pictures, and it covers Canada from the oath to the economy.

Is a new edition coming?

A new guide is being prepared. As of 31 October 2026 it is not public, and no release date is known. The test still follows the 2012 book. When a new guide appears, the test will change with it, and we will update our practice to match.

Chapter by chapter

Here is what each part covers, in our own words.

The Oath of Citizenship. The promise new citizens say at the ceremony. Learn what it says and what it means. See the oath of citizenship.

Applying for Citizenship. Who can apply, and the steps. It is useful background even though the test rarely depends on it.

Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship. What citizens are free to do, and what the country expects from them, such as obeying the law and voting. Questions here are usually about the difference between a right and a responsibility.

Who We Are. Canada's Indigenous peoples, the two official languages, and the make-up of the country's people.

Canada's History. From the first peoples and early settlers to Confederation and the wars. This chapter holds many dates and names, and many people find it the heaviest.

Modern Canada. The 20th century and today: big changes in society and the country's place in the world.

How Canadians Govern Themselves. Canada's system of government, the roles of the Crown, the Prime Minister, Parliament and the courts, and the three levels of government. People often mix up who does what.

Federal Elections. Who can vote, how a vote works and how a government forms.

The Justice System. Laws, courts and the police, and how disputes are settled.

Canadian Symbols. Flags, animals, buildings and traditions that stand for the country.

Canada's Economy. What Canada makes, trades and depends on.

Canada's Regions. The provinces and territories, their capitals and what each is known for. Facts here are easy to learn but easy to confuse.

There is also a chapter of study questions and a list of memorable quotes. The study questions are a good reminder of the style of the test.

Which parts do people find hardest

Most people say history, because of the dates, and regions, because of the names. Government is third: the three levels, and who is responsible for what. Our guide to the hardest topics goes deeper.

A word on out-of-date facts

The 2012 text names people who held office in 2012. Some of that has changed. The test is still based on the book, but you should also know who holds the main offices today. Our practice follows the same chapters as the book and uses today's office holders and facts where the 2012 text is out of date, so you learn what is true now.

How to study it chapter by chapter

1. Read one chapter. Do not rush.
2. Close the book and write down five facts from memory.
3. Check them against the chapter.
4. Take a short practice quiz on that chapter.
5. Go back to the facts you missed the next day.

When you have finished all the chapters, take full 20-question practice tests with a 45-minute timer. See the study plan and how the test works.

One thing to avoid

Do not rely on a summary written by someone else for facts you cannot check. Read the book itself, in your own time, and use practice to see what has stuck.

Practise each chapter

Our free practice test gives you 20 questions with a timer: try the free practice test. If you want more, see the prices.