@OP_POP ; will be a good move if you can!
Thanks!
@latitudeofgratitude
Thanks!
OK friends, arrived home, so here is the full report of today's events...
Done my test today at Scarborough Centre, 19/20 score. Nothing too stressful as thought, both test and interview went smooth and fine. The staff at SC center appeared very professional, pleasant and nice in nature. One thing I love about this country's govt. servants; to be honest!
Arrival
We started much earlier thinking about the current extreme weather conditions here (-30C, 40km/h wind plus some snow fall) and to avoid traffic conditions; so reached there much earlier than the appointment. Just to mention that I stopped reading the book and test practices two day ago so that I get some time to relax and mentally prepare with whatever I learned so far. Just a side note for those who are not familiar; this is a huge govt building and houses PP Canada and other service Canada offices also. So lobby is open early morning and there is a large hall on building reception floor, enough space for shelter but no seats.
We were at ease on arriving early, no hurry worries and enough time to look around. CIC test center is on 3rd floor, there were about ten people already lined up before us in elevator lobby. Reception staff allowed us in after checking(just visual) test invite letters after opening doors at 7.30AM.
Waiting
There is a large enough waiting area and it looked like about 40-50 test takers arrived, were sitting there by 8:00 am, some looked very nervous and others doing final round of q&a session with instant friends made minutes earlier! Then around 8:00am test room staff asked us to line up for the test hall. Those exempted from test (above 55) were asked to go another room. No pencil, pen, phone(switch off) or other stuff allowed. You are free to choose any seat but family members are not allowed in nearest seats.
Test
At test start time (8:15) staff briefed very well how to fill up name and ID (last name) on the answer sheet (almost same like the computer read PSC (India) answer sheet). Also informed that the questions are not allowed to share to keep the secrecy of the test. 30 minutes test started at 8:25, i.e. up to 8:55am.
I understand there are many different question sets but my set was totally off from almost every online test I have tried, mentioned earlier under this thread. Actually most questions were pretty easy but some tricky. Online tests are good to practice but don't expect anything from there.
Nothing to worry or scare but don't take it too easy. All questions are based on the contents of the CIC provided study guide only. As mentioned earlier by others you don't need to be a pundit of everything in Canada, read the book couple of times and you are good to go. Try to "understand" what is in there NOT by-heart as is, as questions were tricky. No dates or names asked on my set. It took around 5 mins. to answer all the questions correct, but I choose to stay few more minutes reviewing (& it was like -30C out side), this is when I "corrected" one answer to wrong!
In my opinion the test seemed befitting the purpose; checking the basic knowledge about Canada.
Some people may find it hard to understand the questions rightly, one lady failed the test and were given re-test date on 13th or so...
Interview
Waited for the interview after test. I have very nice and pleasant lady CO called my name.
Interview remained chit chat (family, weather, driving etc.) while CO checking the passport, mostly stamps thoroughly. And one glimpse of landing paper, nothing else. There was nothing abnormal or that needed further explanations; although have some longer "vacations" and a baby born outside after becoming PR(2008). She mentioned about the long stays outside and seemed happy on my description and didn't go any further on it or anything else.
All this took around five minutes to finish and then she took the renowned pink papers (three pages, first page with printed --actually xerox-- date and venue of oath & name portion blank, second page for media consent and page three with some general info about citizenship) wrote our names (family, three applications) by pen on it.
I am relieved and happy that all this process close to finish line without much waiting or hassles. I wish all others still waiting a happy ending soon. Thanks to everyone for the wishes and reading. I will be back with another report on oath day.
Have a nice weekend and see you then friends.