Before you start the test
On this page
- How to start the test
- How the system will monitor you
- If you’re disconnected
- If you don’t complete the test due to technical issues or emergencies
How to start the test
When you’re ready to start the test, click the “Start the test” button.
- The 45-minute countdown will begin.
- You will not be able to stop or pause the timer.
- If you don’t finish the test in 45 minutes, the system will automatically submit your test with any answers you selected.
If you’re not ready to start the test after you take a photo of yourself,
- you may close your browser
- when you’re ready, sign in again to get a new test link
How the system will monitor you
Our system will use your webcam to take your photo at random times during the test. It will not record any audio or video.
We do this to
- make sure you complete the test by yourself
- confirm your identity
- monitor any unusual activities
To confirm your identity, we’ll compare the
- photo you took of yourself
- photos we randomly took while you completed the test
- photos you submitted in your citizenship application
What to do and not to do
What to do
Make sure
- your webcam is turned on throughout the test
- you’re alone
- your face is clearly and fully visible to the webcam
- your environment (location and lighting) is the same as when you took a picture of your ID and yourself
- use only 1 electronic device with Internet access (computer, laptop or tablet)
- you remove items with your personal information from the webcam’s view (to protect your privacy)
- you close all other tabs, windows or programs (they may interfere with your camera)
- you turn off your virtual private network (VPN)
What not to do
Make sure you do not
- communicate with other people by any means
- leave your room (because you cannot pause the test’s 45-minute timer)
- use any other devices other than your computer, laptop or tablet (for example, don’t use your phone or other listening devices)
- look at any study materials during the test (for example: Discover Canada, a dictionary or other reference documents)
Unusual activities
Examples of an unusual activity include
- no face visible
- no movement (for example, if you put a still picture of yourself in front of your webcam)
- many faces or a face other than your own
- opening of other windows, tabs, browsers and applications
If the system detects that you open other windows, tabs, browsers or applications, you
- will see a warning on your screen and instruction to fix it
- can still complete the test
After you submit the test
- our officer will review your results, photos and any unusual activities
- we’ll contact you if needed
If we find any unusual technical issues or suspect cheating
- your test result may be invalid
- our official will follow up with you
- we’ll invite you to take the test again
What to do if you’re disconnected
If you’re disconnected, return to your test as soon as possible because
- the 45-minute countdown continues while you’re disconnected
- the system will automatically submit your test if you go past the 45-minute time limit
To return to the test, use the same or latest test link you used to access the test (you have to sign in again if it expires). The questions may appear in a different order when you reconnect.
Make sure your Internet connection is stable during the test.
If you don’t complete the test due to technical issues or emergencies
The system will automatically submit the answers you selected.
- Your test result may be invalid.
- After the 45-minute time limit is up, you cannot access the test questions or get your result.
You can contact the email address in the “Rescheduling” section of your test invitation. In your email, tell us
- a detailed explanation of the issue
- that you want to get your test result
- your application number
- your unique client identifier (UCI)
You have 30 days from the start date in your invitation to contact us.
If needed, we’ll reschedule your test once we review your email. It takes us at least 45 days to reschedule your test. In your rescheduled test, you may have to
- do an interview with our officer, or
- retake the test via videoconference if necessary
Page details
- Date modified: