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The Australian citizenship test
Format, pass mark, what's on it and how to prepare
In short: 20 multiple-choice questions with three answers each, in English, on a computer, in 45 minutes. To pass you need at least 75% (15 of 20) and all 5 questions on Australian values right. Every question comes from Parts 1 to 4 of the official booklet, Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond.
Who sits the test
Most people applying for Australian citizenship by conferral who are aged 18 to 59 sit the test as part of their citizenship appointment with the Department of Home Affairs. Home Affairs tells you if you need to sit it, and some people, for example those with a permanent physical or mental incapacity, may not have to.
The format
- 20 questions, each with three possible answers and one right one.
- 45 minutes to answer them, on a computer at your appointment.
- In English. Text-to-speech is available, so you can listen to each question.
- 5 of the questions are about Australian values, mixed in with the rest.
The two rules to pass
You need a score of at least 75%, and you must answer every values question correctly. These are separate rules: a high score doesn't make up for a missed values question. That's why CitizenOz marks every practice test by both rules and has a dedicated values drill.
What's on the test
Only the testable section of Our Common Bond: Parts 1 to 4. Part 5 is useful reading but isn't tested.
| Part of the booklet | What it covers | Sections |
|---|---|---|
| Part 1: Australia and its people | First Australians, European settlement, the states and territories, national days, flags, symbols and the anthem. | 9 |
| Part 2: Democratic beliefs, rights and liberties | Parliamentary democracy, the Rule of Law, our freedoms and equalities, and the responsibilities and privileges of citizens. | 6 |
| Part 3: Government and the law | Voting, the Constitution, the King and the Governor-General, Parliament, the three levels of government, courts and police. | 13 |
| Part 4: Australian values Must pass | Freedom, respect, fairness and equality in everyday life. All 5 values questions on the test must be right. | 9 |
How to prepare
- Read the booklet, Parts 1 to 4. It's free from Home Affairs, in English and 40 community languages, but the test itself is in English.
- Practise with questions until you score well above 75% across every part. Try our free practice test.
- Make the values automatic. Learn Part 4 until you'd get every values question right without thinking.
- Sit timed practice tests under test conditions, then review every miss.
If you don't pass
You can sit the test again; Home Affairs tells you how and when. Practise the parts you missed, especially the values, before your next attempt.
Practise the way the test is marked. CitizenOz has 444 questions from the booklet, practice tests that check both rules, and every question read aloud.
Requirements are set by the Department of Home Affairs and can change. Check Prepare for the citizenship test before your appointment. CitizenOz is not affiliated with the Australian Government.