What's on the Australian Citizenship Test?

Test format and structure

The citizenship test is administered on a computer at a Department of Home Affairs service centre and is conducted entirely in English. You have 45 minutes to answer 20 multiple-choice questions. Each question presents a statement or scenario and asks you to choose the correct answer from four options. The test is conducted one applicant at a time, so you sit it alone at a dedicated computer terminal under supervision.

The test is compulsory for most citizenship applicants aged 18 to 59. People under 18 or aged 60 and over are generally not required to sit it, though they may be asked to do so in certain circumstances.

The pass rule explained

To pass the citizenship test, you must meet two requirements. First, you must score at least 75%, which means you need to answer at least 15 out of the 20 questions correctly. Second, and equally important, you must answer all five Australian-values questions correctly. This means if you get even one values question wrong, you will not pass, regardless of how well you did on the other questions. This dual requirement emphasises the importance that Australia's core values hold within citizenship.

If you do not pass, you can rebook and sit the test again. Contact the Department of Home Affairs to find out the conditions and fees for retakes, as these may change.

What the four parts of "Our Common Bond" cover

All questions on the citizenship test come from the first four parts of "Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond". This is the only official study material you need.

Part 1: Australia and its people covers the first nations and oldest cultures of Australia (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples), Australia's states and territories, national symbols (including the green and gold colours, the golden wattle emblem, and the kangaroo and emu on the Coat of Arms), and national days (Australia Day on 26 January and Anzac Day on 25 April). It also introduces Australia as a multicultural society.

Part 2: Australia's democratic beliefs, rights and liberties explains that Australia is a parliamentary democracy where citizens elect representatives to make laws. This section covers core freedoms such as freedom of speech and expression, freedom of association, and freedom of religion. It also covers equality before the law and the secret ballot system for voting.

Part 3: Government and the law in Australia describes the three levels of government (federal, state/territory, and local), the two houses of the federal Parliament (the House of Representatives and the Senate), and the roles of the Head of State (the King, represented in Australia by the Governor-General) and the Prime Minister. This section also covers the courts, the rule of law, and the principle that everyone, including government, is equal before the law.

Part 4: Australian values is the fifth section, covering five specific values that you must answer all questions about correctly. These values are discussed in detail in the next section of this article.

Why Australian values matter

Part 4 of "Our Common Bond" focuses on the five core Australian values. These values form the foundation of Australian law and society. The citizenship test requires that you understand and endorse these values as part of becoming an Australian citizen. Because of their importance, all five values questions must be answered correctly, even if you achieve a high score elsewhere on the test.

The five values are: respect for the equal worth, dignity and freedom of the individual; equality of men and women; freedom of religion and freedom of speech and association; equality of opportunity and a fair go for all; and peaceful, democratic resolution of disagreements, with the understanding that violence, including family violence, is against the law and against Australian values.

Responsibilities and privileges of citizenship

The test also covers the responsibilities and privileges that come with being an Australian citizen. Responsibilities include obeying the law, voting in federal and state or territory elections and referendums, defending Australia if required, and serving on a jury if called. Privileges include the right to vote, applying for an Australian passport, seeking election to parliament, asking for help from an Australian official while overseas, and registering children born overseas as citizens.

What the test does not cover

The test does not include questions from Part 5 of "Our Common Bond" (which covers additional information about Australian history and culture but is not tested). The test is also not an interview; it is a straightforward multiple-choice exam. You will have a separate citizenship interview and identity check at a different appointment.

How to prepare

The Department of Home Affairs publishes a free practice test on its website. Using this practice test is the best way to familiarise yourself with the format, the types of questions, and the time pressure. You should download and read the full "Our Common Bond" guide, as it contains all the information you need to answer correctly. There is no additional reading or external knowledge required; the test only covers material in this one resource book.

Who must sit the citizenship test?

Most people applying for Australian citizenship by conferral and aged 18 to 59 must sit the test. People under 18 or aged 60 and over are generally exempt, though there are exceptions. Confirm your own requirement with the Department of Home Affairs.

How many questions are on the citizenship test?

There are 20 multiple-choice questions. You have 45 minutes to complete them all.

What is the pass mark for the citizenship test?

You must score at least 75%, which means 15 out of 20 questions correct. Additionally, all five Australian-values questions must be answered correctly. If you miss even one values question, you do not pass.

What material do I need to study?

All questions come from the first four parts of "Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond", which is free to download from the Department of Home Affairs website. This is the only official study material you need.

Can I retake the test if I fail?

Yes, if you do not pass, you can rebook and sit the test again. Contact the Department of Home Affairs for current information about conditions and fees.

Is the test in English?

Yes, the test is conducted entirely in English. Interpretation is not provided, and there are no exceptions for language.