English test for Canadian citizenship: who needs one in 2026

Do you need an English test for Canadian citizenship?

If you are 18 to 54 when you sign your application, you must show English or French skills at level 4 on the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB), or NCLC in French. This covers speaking and listening. You show it with a document, and a language test is only one choice. The citizenship test itself has no language questions.

Last checked: 31 October 2026.

This is general information to help you prepare. IRCC decides your own case.

Who must show language skills

Adults aged 18 to 54 on the day they sign the application. People aged 55 and over do not need to. Children under 18 do not either.

What level is asked

Level 4 on the CLB for English, or the same level on the NCLC for French. It applies to speaking and listening.

What proof is accepted

IRCC accepts several kinds of proof. Which one fits depends on your own history.

School or college in English or French

If you finished, or are now in, a secondary or post-secondary program taught in English or French, you can send proof. The proof is a diploma, a transcript or a certificate. The program can be in Canada or in another country.

If the document is in another language, add a certified English or French translation that shows the language of instruction.

A language test

Some people use a test result. These tests are named for English:

• CELPIP-General. A test taken on or after 1 April 2014 needs 4 or higher in listening and speaking.
• IELTS General Training. A test taken on or after 28 November 2008 needs 4.5 or higher in listening and 4.0 or higher in speaking.
• PTE Core. You need 28 or higher in listening and 42 or higher in speaking.

IELTS Academic is not accepted. Only IELTS General Training counts.

For French, the tests are TEF Canada and TCF Canada, at B1 or higher.

If your results meet the level, you send a copy with your application, even if the result is old. Older tests have their own score rules, so check the rules for your test date.

Other proof

If none of the above fits, IRCC has other ways to show your skills. An officer may also look at your skills during the process.

What the citizenship test does not do

The test does not have language questions. It asks about Canada. The topics are rights and responsibilities, history, geography, government, laws, the economy and symbols.

You read the test in English or French, so you need to understand the questions. The test does not score your language. See how the test works.

Plan your proof early

• Look for a diploma or transcript first. It costs nothing if you already have it.
• If you need a test, book it before you apply. Check the score rules above.
• Keep a copy of every document.

Read the full citizenship requirements and the application steps.

Practise for the test

Once your language proof is in hand, the next step is the test. Try our free 20-question practice test, or see prices.