How many questions are on the Australian citizenship test?

Question breakdown across the four parts

All 20 questions come from Parts 1 to 4 of the official booklet, Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond. The test is generated by computer, drawing randomly from each part. While the exact mix varies between sittings, the distribution across topics is predictable:

Notice that Part 3 (Government and the law) and Part 4 (Australian values) together make up over half the entire examination. If you are pressed for study time, prioritize Parts 3 and 4.

The two pass rules: how many can you get wrong?

Because there are 20 questions and the overall pass mark is 75%, you need at least 15 correct answers. In theory, that allows you to get up to 5 questions wrong. However, the mandatory values rule limits where those mistakes can occur:

• Values questions (5 questions): You cannot get any wrong. You must score 5 out of 5 (100%). A single error on a values question causes an automatic fail.
• General questions (15 questions): You can miss up to 5 of these questions and still pass, provided all 5 values questions are correct.

The values questions are mixed throughout the test and are not labelled separately. That is why you must treat every question with the same high level of care.

What are "Practice Test 10" and "Practice Test 12"?

When searching online for citizenship practice exams, you will often encounter search results titled "Australian citizenship practice test 10", "practice test 12", or "Oz test". These names do not refer to official government exam papers:

• Sample batch numbers: Many prep websites divide their question databases into arbitrary 10-question mini-quizzes labelled "Test 1", "Test 2", ... "Test 10", or "Test 12".
• Sampler quizzes: On this site, our free practice test contains 12 questions (three sampled from each of the four booklet parts) to give visitors a quick diagnostic assessment across every topic.
• The real test is always 20 questions: When you sit the official test at the Department of Home Affairs, you will never receive a 10-question or 12-question paper. You will always sit a full 20-question exam.

Bite-sized quizzes are helpful for quick daily revision, but you should always sit full 20-question practice tests before your actual appointment so you know you can maintain focus across the full paper.

Is 45 minutes enough for 20 questions?

Yes. You have 45 minutes to answer 20 questions, which works out to 2 minutes 15 seconds per question. Because every question is a multiple-choice question with only three options and no essays or math calculations, most candidates finish their first pass in 10 to 15 minutes.

Use the remaining 30 minutes productively:

1. Flag questions you are unsure about: The computer testing software lets you flag any question and return to it before final submission.
2. Reread every question stem: Ensure you did not misread words like "not", "except", or "compulsory".
3. Double-check all values questions: Look at each question covering equality, religious freedom, or the law, and confirm that your answer aligns strictly with Our Common Bond.

What the test looks like on screen

The test takes place in a quiet, supervised testing room at a Department of Home Affairs office or Services Australia centre. You sit at an individual workstation with a computer or touch-screen tablet:

• Each screen shows one question at a time with three clearly marked radio buttons (A, B, and C).
• You can click or tap your chosen answer, then click "Next" or "Previous".
• A progress bar shows how many questions you have answered and how many minutes remain.
• Headphones are connected to each terminal. If you prefer to listen, you can click an audio icon to hear the question stem and each option read aloud in clear Australian English.
• When you complete the final question, you are given a review screen showing any unanswered or flagged questions. Once you click "Submit Test", your result displays on the screen immediately.

Sample questions to test your knowledge

Try these four questions covering democratic responsibilities and Parliament:

From application to test day

If you are exploring how to get Australian citizenship by conferral, the citizenship test is one step in a clear process:

1. Check your eligibility: Most adult applicants must have lived in Australia on a valid visa for at least four years, including at least 12 months as a permanent resident, with absences of no more than 12 months total (and no more than 90 days in the past 12 months).
2. Submit your application: Apply online through your ImmiAccount, upload identity and character documents, and pay the fee.
3. Receive your test invitation: Home Affairs sends an appointment letter with your test date, time, and location.
4. Sit the test and interview: Bring your original photo ID and appointment letter. If you pass, your result is recorded immediately.
5. Attend your ceremony: After your application is formally approved, you will receive an invitation to attend a ceremony at your local council, take the citizenship pledge, and receive your certificate.