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Canada · Citizenship test

The Canadian citizenship language test: proving English or French

There isn’t a separate exam to book. If you’re 18 to 54 when you sign, you send proof with your application that you can speak and listen in English or French at Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) or NCLC level 4. For the Canadian citizenship language test, that proof can be a diploma, a language test result or a training certificate you may already have.

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Updated October 2026 · Written from official sources, listed at the bottom of this page

Which English test is accepted for Canadian citizenship?

If you took one of these for permanent residence, or since, you can send a copy of the results with your application, even if they’ve expired. IRCC sets these minimums for listening and speaking:

TestMinimum for citizenship
CELPIP-G (from April 1, 2014)4 in listening and speaking
IELTS General Training (from November 28, 2008)4.5 listening, 4.0 speaking
PTE Core28 listening, 42 speaking
TEF Canada (from July 1, 2012)B1
TCF CanadaB1

IELTS Academic isn’t accepted, only General Training. IRCC’s checker also lists older score scales for CELPIP, IELTS and TEF results from before the dates above.

Other proof that counts

If none of these fit, see the tests you can book in the next section. Missing or unreadable proof gets your application returned.

  • A diploma, transcript or certificate from a secondary or post-secondary program taught in English or French, in Canada or abroad. Documents in another language need a certified translation
  • A LINC or CLIC certificate showing CLB 4 or higher in speaking and listening, for training finished on or after November 1, 2012. For training between January 2008 and October 2012, tick the box on your application and IRCC checks it

Don’t have proof yet? Tests you can book

IRCC accepts results from these tests, at these levels in listening and speaking:

TestResult needed
CELPIP-G or CELPIP-G LS4 or higher
IELTS General Training4.5 listening, 4.0 speaking
PTE Core28 listening, 42 speaking
TEF Canada, TEFAQ, TEF IRN, TCF Canada or TCFQ (French)B1 or higher
DELF (French)B1 or higher
DALF (French)Any result

Some provinces’ own language programs also count, in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario and Quebec, if the certificate shows the right level.

CELPIP →TEF and TCF Canada →IELTS →PTE →

Is the Canadian citizenship test itself a language test?

No. You take the knowledge test in English or French, your choice, and IRCC says it doesn’t assess your language skills. Two other steps can: if you’re invited to an interview, the officer notes how well you communicate in English or French, and the hearing after 3 failed tests can include language questions.

The citizenship interview →The hearing →

Who doesn’t need language proof

Children under 18 and adults 55 and older. Adults 18 to 54 can ask IRCC for a waiver if their situation stops them from meeting the requirement.

Who takes the test, and waivers →
Sources: IRCC and 7 more. Checked October 2026.

Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.

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