Australian Citizenship Test: Official Rules and Unofficial Practice

Check your route before studying

The test is one part of citizenship by conferral. Most applicants aged 18–59 are asked to take it; 16–17-year-olds may be interviewed instead, and those aged 60 or over usually follow interview arrangements. Some disability or incapacity provisions require specific evidence. Low English literacy alone is not a blanket exemption. Check the appointment rules.

Permanent residents and eligible NZ SCV holders can use the conferral pathway. Ordinary residence checks involve four years of lawful residence, the final 12-month PR period for citizenship purposes and absence limits of 12 months over four years and 90 days over the final year. Check dates using Home Affairs’ calculator; do not use a two-year-presence shortcut. See our residence and application guide for worked planning examples.

Format and the two pass requirements

The official test is computer-based, in English, with 20 multiple-choice questions and 45 minutes to complete it. You must answer all five Australian-values questions correctly and score at least 15 out of 20 overall. The application fee includes sitting the test. Source: Home Affairs test rules.

Score examples: 15/20 with 5/5 values meets both score requirements. 19/20 with 4/5 values does not. 14/20 with 5/5 values does not. These examples explain the marking rule; they do not represent an applicant’s result or a prediction of success.

Map your study to all four parts

• Part 1: Australia and its people. Build a short set of notes on the people, symbols and history described in the current booklet.
• Part 2: Australia’s democratic beliefs, rights and liberties. Practise explaining a right in ordinary language and how it coexists with the rights of others.
• Part 3: Government and the law in Australia. Separate levels of government, elections and the role of the law.
• Part 4: Australian values. Explain freedom, respect and equality through everyday situations, including disagreement and equal opportunity.

The values material is Part 4, not “Chapter 2”. Download the current testable Our Common Bond booklet rather than relying on an old question bank.

Five unofficial practice examples

Unofficial learning examples: These questions were written for this guide. They are not questions supplied or endorsed by Home Affairs and do not predict the live test.

Practice 1: Why is voting by secret ballot important?

A. It lets other people choose your vote. B. It allows you to vote without someone checking your choice. C. It removes the need for elections.

Practice 2: Can a person’s religion excuse breaking Australian law?

A. Yes, whenever a religious leader agrees. B. Only at religious events. C. No, everyone must follow Australian law.

Practice 3: Which level of government is generally responsible for local rubbish collection?

A. Local government. B. The High Court. C. The Governor-General.

Practice 4: A person disagrees with a government policy. Which response fits Australian democratic values?

A. Peacefully express an opinion within the law. B. Use violence against opponents. C. Prevent others from voting.

Practice 5: Should men and women have equal rights and opportunities?

A. Only in paid work. B. Yes. C. Only after citizenship.

Learn the reasoning behind values answers

For each practice scenario, write two lines: which value is relevant, and why the tempting wrong answer conflicts with it. A useful exercise is to change the people in the scenario while keeping the principle the same. If your answer changes because of their religion, gender or background, reread the relevant section.

Keep a mistake log with the topic, the answer you chose and the sentence in your own words that explains the correction. Do not copy a list of answer letters: the official questions will differ from the practice test.

A preparation plan you can adapt

• First pass: read each of the four testable parts and flag unfamiliar words. Use a community-language version alongside the English text if helpful.
• Second pass: create a one-page map of government responsibilities and a separate values example sheet. Check your notes against the booklet.
• Practice: use the official practice test and record mistakes by topic.
• Review: return to the source section for each mistake, then explain the answer aloud without looking at it.
• Before the appointment: practise in English and review any appointment instructions, identity requirements and assistance arrangements.

Home Affairs also provides a podcast and AMEPOnline citizenship modules through its preparation page. Home Affairs does not endorse external courses or apps. Paid preparation is not a condition of taking the test.

Prepare for your appointment

Read the appointment letter for your location, time, documents and any support arrangements. Bring the original photo ID requested: Home Affairs says certified copies and electronic images are not accepted as photo ID at the interview. If your name differs between documents, follow the supporting-evidence instructions before the day. Official interview checklist.

Arrange travel with enough margin for the appointment and check how to reschedule if you cannot attend. Tell Home Affairs beforehand if you need help or have an impairment; do not assume an interpreter can answer the English test for you. The identity/application interview and test arrangements in your invitation take priority over a generic timetable.

After the test and an unsuccessful attempt

After an unsuccessful attempt, use the feedback and Home Affairs’ instructions about any further appointment. This guide does not promise an unrestricted number of attempts or a change to an oral test after a particular number of attempts.

Passing is not approval. Home Affairs continues assessing the application; most successful applicants then receive a ceremony invitation and become citizens on making the pledge. Ceremony waits vary. Avoid paying for non-refundable travel based on an assumed approval or ceremony date.

Your final preparation checklist

• I used the current official testable booklet, including Part 4.
• I can explain why each practice answer is correct.
• I know the test requires both 15/20 overall and 5/5 values.
• I read my own appointment instructions and have the required original ID.
• I asked Home Affairs about any necessary assistance or rescheduling.
• I understand that a practice score is not a citizenship eligibility decision.

Frequently asked questions

What score do I need?

At least 15 out of 20 overall, including all five Australian-values questions. A score of 19 out of 20 still fails if the missed question is a values question.

Can I take the test in another language?

The test is in English. Our Common Bond is available in community languages to help preparation; a translated booklet does not change the test language.

What if I do not pass?

Follow Home Affairs’ instructions about another appointment and preparation. Do not assume an unlimited-retake entitlement, automatic refusal after one attempt or an automatic oral test after three attempts.

Are New Zealand citizens exempt from the test?

No blanket exemption applies because you are a New Zealand citizen or SCV holder. Most conferral applicants aged 18–59 need the test, subject to the applicable individual provisions.

Do I need a permanent visa to apply?

The conferral route also includes eligible New Zealand Special Category (subclass 444) visa holders. Check the citizenship-specific PR deeming dates, residence and other requirements before applying.

Source review: 30 September 2026. General information, not a personal assessment. Test rules; Official booklet; Preparation resources; Conferral pathway; Interview guidance. Check the current official pathway before paying or applying.