Australian Citizenship Test: Preparation Guide 2026

Test Structure and Pass Mark

The Australian citizenship test: (1) 20 multiple-choice questions; (2) 45 minutes time limit (generous — most applicants finish in 15-25 minutes); (3) Held at a Department of Home Affairs office, scheduled after application is processed; (4) Pass mark: 75% overall (15 of 20 correct) AND 100% on Australian values questions (5 of 5 correct). The values requirement is the key change from earlier test versions. Failing any of the 5 values questions means failure regardless of overall score. Questions are drawn from the official resource book 'Our Common Bond — Australian Citizenship'. The book is the only authoritative source — questions don't go beyond it but can test detailed comprehension. Test administered in English. Applicants with disabilities can request reasonable adjustments. Failing the test allows retake (typically within a short period) — many applicants take 2-3 attempts to pass.

Our Common Bond — The Official Resource

The Our Common Bond resource book is the only required preparation material. It's available free in PDF from the Department of Home Affairs website and in print at libraries. Structure: (1) Part 1 — Australia and its people; (2) Part 2 — Australia's democratic beliefs, rights and liberties; (3) Part 3 — Government and the law in Australia; (4) Part 4 — Australian values. Part 4 is the values section directly tested in the mandatory values questions. Each chapter has 'testable section' marked content — those are the parts that may appear as test questions. The book is around 50 pages of testable content. Reading carefully — twice through — is the minimum preparation. Many applicants read 3-5 times before testing. The book is updated periodically; use the current version. Practice tests are available through the Department and many free online resources, but practice questions are useful for pattern recognition only — the official book content is what matters.

Australian Values Questions (Mandatory Correct)

The 5 mandatory values questions cover content from Part 4 of Our Common Bond. Key topics: (1) Respect for the freedom and dignity of the individual; (2) Freedom of religion (including the freedom not to follow a religion) and secular government; (3) Commitment to the rule of law; (4) Parliamentary democracy; (5) Equality of men and women; (6) Equality of opportunity for individuals regardless of their race, religion or ethnic background; (7) The spirit of egalitarianism that embraces mutual respect, tolerance, fair play and compassion for those in need and pursuit of the public good; (8) Equality of opportunity for all people. Specific values question topics include: (1) Whether Australian values include particular beliefs (e.g., must include freedom of religion, must include equality of men and women); (2) Whether specific behaviours are consistent with Australian values; (3) Acceptable forms of disagreement (through democratic process, not violence). The values questions are typically straightforward if you've read Part 4 carefully. Trick: don't choose 'edgy' or extreme answer options — the values are widely shared mainstream principles.

Common Topics in the General Questions

The other 15 questions cover Parts 1-3 of Our Common Bond. Common topic areas: (1) Australian Federation — when Australia federated (1901), what were the colonies that joined, why federation; (2) Indigenous Australians — Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, traditional owners concept, Reconciliation; (3) National symbols — flag (when adopted, what the elements represent), Coat of Arms, national anthem, floral emblem, gemstone; (4) Government structure — three levels (Federal, State/Territory, Local), separation of powers, executive/legislative/judicial functions; (5) Federal Parliament — bicameral structure, House of Representatives and Senate, how laws are made; (6) The Constitution — when adopted, how it can be changed (referendum), basic content; (7) States and Territories — names of states and territories, capital cities; (8) Voting — compulsory voting, preferential voting; (9) Australian Defence Force; (10) Public holidays — Australia Day (26 January), Anzac Day (25 April), Christmas, etc.; (11) Australian Honours system; (12) Notable Australians (in some test versions). Memorise specific facts (federation date, voting age 18, etc.) — these come up directly.

Study Strategy and Test-Day Tips

Effective preparation: (1) Read Our Common Bond completely at least twice. Focus on testable sections; (2) Make notes on specific facts: dates, names, structure; (3) Take 5-10 free practice tests online to build familiarity with question style; (4) Focus extra attention on Part 4 (values) — every question must be correct; (5) For native English speakers, 4-8 hours of study is typically enough. For non-native speakers, allow 15-30 hours; (6) If English is challenging, the spoken test interview adjustment isn't available — you read the questions yourself. Allow extra preparation time. Test day: (1) Arrive 30 minutes early — bring identification and citizenship test appointment letter; (2) Bring reading glasses if needed; (3) Read each question carefully — multiple-choice questions often have subtle distinguishing details; (4) If unsure on values question, choose the most inclusive/mainstream answer (Australian values emphasise inclusion, equality, freedom — not extremes); (5) You can review and change answers within the time limit; (6) Don't rush — you have 45 minutes for 20 questions. After passing: citizenship ceremony scheduled within typically 3-6 months. Migratio is Australia's marketplace for finding and comparing MARA-registered migration agents. Migratio matches applicants with MARA-registered agents who handle citizenship applications including supporting test preparation. Submit your brief describing your visa, residence history, and timing.

What happens if I fail the test?

You can retake the test. There's typically a short waiting period (sometimes immediately, sometimes a few weeks). Multiple attempts are common — focus preparation on the topics you got wrong.

Is the test in English?

Yes — the citizenship test is conducted in English. There is no language exemption for the test, though there are exemptions from citizenship test for applicants over 60 or with significant disabilities.

How are the values questions identified?

All 20 questions are mixed — values questions are not labeled. The test system tracks which questions are values questions for scoring. You must answer correctly without knowing which is which.

Can I get the test in another format?

Reasonable adjustments are available for applicants with disabilities — large print, separate room, extended time, etc. Apply for adjustments in advance with supporting medical evidence.

How long does the test result take?

Results are usually communicated immediately or within minutes after completion. The next step (citizenship ceremony) is then scheduled by the Department in coming months.