When I got to the office for the test, the clerk checked my appointment form to be sure I was there on my scheduled day, then he handed me what is essentially a verification form. On it, I had to inform the CIC if anything had changed since my application that would make me ineligible for citizenship. Once I filled out the form, I simply had to wait to be called for the test.
There were about 40 others in the waiting room for the test and after a short time, a man came out and announced that those of us with blue forms (the appointment form) should follow him to the exam room. We lined up and another person looked at the date on our forms and handed each of us a "scantron" card (it's a card used to mark answers for multiple choice tests). I entered the test room, which was like a small classroom and took a seat at a desk. They had provided a pencil for everyone.
The proctor then explained the test (multiple choice, 20-questions) and that you needed to get 15 questions right out of 20 to pass. He also put everyone at ease. If you don't pass the first time, they will schedule you for a second exam. If you don't pass the second time, they schedule you for an interview with a citizenship officer. Either way, there are multiple chances to make it through.
Next, we filled out the test scantron with our name, application number and date and then the test booklet was handed out (there are multiple booklets and your test will not be the same test anyone around you is taking - that ensures no one cheats). The test lasts for 30-minutes, which is plenty of time to answer all the questions. While of course, I cannot share any questions, I can tell you that if you study the Discover Canada booklet, you will not have any problems passing.
After the test, it was back to the waiting room. After a while, my name was called by an immigration officer who took me into a back office to review my application. First she checked the original documents I had brought with me (see the previous post). Then, she asked me a couple of questions about my travels and my work, and then I signed my application in front of her, basically testifying that all the information I had provided was true and accurate. If you lie, and they find out later, your citizenship can be revoked. So - don't lie!
At the end of the interview, she told me I had passed! The next steps are a final review of my file, which she would conduct, and if all was well, she would sign off on it and I will get a letter (within one year, though she said it's typically only a few months) telling me when and where my citizenship ceremony will be held. At that point, I will take my oath in front of a citizenship judge and then...I'll be Canadian!
And that's it. So you see, there's nothing to worry about. It all just takes time and patience and preparation - like every step in this wonderful journey.
If you've been down this road too, please share your story in the comments.
I'm almost there, and it means so much to me!
