Australian Citizenship Test Preparation 2026
The Australian citizenship test is a 20-question multiple-choice exam that you must pass to become an Australian citizen (unless exempt). You need to answer at least 15 questions correctly (75%) and get all 5 "Australian values" questions right. The test is based on the official resource booklet "Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond," which is available free online. The pass rate is over 95% for well-prepared candidates. Tests are conducted at citizenship test centres across Australia and can be booked through ImmiAccount.
Test Format
Structure:
- 20 multiple-choice questions
- Each question has 3 answer options (A, B, C)
- 45 minutes to complete
- Computer-based test at a designated testing centre
- Available in English only (with some accommodations for hearing/visual impairment)
Passing requirements:
- Score at least 75% overall (15 out of 20 correct)
- Answer ALL questions in the "Australian values" section correctly
- There are 5 Australian values questions mixed into the 20 questions
The Australian values questions are the critical component. Even if you get 19 out of 20 correct overall, failing a single values question means failing the entire test.
What happens if you fail:
- You can resit the test
- There's a waiting period before resitting (typically 2-4 weeks)
- You can attempt the test up to 3 times within a defined period
- After 3 failures, your citizenship application may be refused, though you can reapply
Study Material: "Our Common Bond"
The official study resource is the booklet "Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond," published by the Department of Home Affairs. All test questions are drawn from this booklet.
The booklet covers:
Part 1: Australia and Its People
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples (the first Australians)
- European settlement and development
- Migration waves and multiculturalism
- Australia's national symbols (flag, coat of arms, national anthem, national colours)
- Important national days (Australia Day, Anzac Day, etc.)
Part 2: Australia's Democratic Beliefs, Rights, and Liberties
- Parliamentary democracy
- The rule of law
- Freedom of speech, religion, and association
- Equality of opportunity
- Tolerance, mutual respect, and compassion
- The Australian way of life
- Responsibilities and privileges of citizenship
Part 3: Government and the Law in Australia
- The Constitution
- Three levels of government (federal, state/territory, local)
- The role of the Governor-General
- Federal Parliament (Senate and House of Representatives)
- State and territory governments
- How laws are made
- The role of the courts
- Voting and elections
Part 4: Australian Values
- Freedom of the individual
- Dignity and mutual respect
- Freedom of religion and secular government
- Freedom of speech and expression
- Freedom of association
- Support for parliamentary democracy and the rule of law
- Equality under the law
- Equality of men and women
- Equality of opportunity ("fair go")
- Peacefulness
- Tolerance, mutual respect, and compassion
Focus your study on Part 4. The values questions are mandatory-pass, and they come from this section. Know these values thoroughly.
Sample Questions
Here are examples of the types of questions you'll encounter:
Australian Values Questions:
1. Which of the following is an Australian value?
- A) Everyone should follow the same religion
- B) Men and women have equal rights
- C) Only certain people have freedom of speech
Answer: B
2. What does "freedom of religion" mean in Australia?
- A) Everyone must follow the majority religion
- B) People are free to follow any religion or no religion
- C) Religious leaders make the laws
Answer: B
3. What is the "fair go" in Australian values?
- A) Only some people deserve opportunities
- B) Everyone deserves equal opportunity regardless of background
- C) Opportunity depends on who you know
Answer: B
General Knowledge Questions:
4. What are the colours of the Australian flag?
- A) Red, white, and green
- B) Red, white, and blue
- C) Blue, white, and yellow
Answer: B
5. Who is the head of state of Australia?
- A) The Prime Minister
- B) The King of Australia (represented by the Governor-General)
- C) The Chief Justice
Answer: B
6. What is Anzac Day?
- A) Australia's national day
- B) A day to honour Australians who served in wars
- C) The day Australia became a federation
Answer: B
7. How many states and territories does Australia have?
- A) 6 states and 2 territories
- B) 7 states and 1 territory
- C) 5 states and 3 territories
Answer: A (6 states: NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA, TAS; 2 territories: ACT, NT)
8. What system of government does Australia have?
- A) Monarchy
- B) Parliamentary democracy
- C) Republic
Answer: B
Study Strategy
Week 1-2: Read the Booklet
Read "Our Common Bond" cover to cover. Don't try to memorise everything on the first pass. Focus on understanding the concepts, particularly the values section.
Week 3: Focus on Values
Go back and study Part 4 (Australian Values) intensively. These are the questions you cannot get wrong. Create flashcards for each value and its meaning.
Week 4: Practice Tests
Take as many practice tests as possible. The Department of Home Affairs website offers official practice tests. Third-party websites also offer practice questions, but stick to those based on the official booklet content.
Key Facts to Memorise
National symbols:
- Flag: Union Jack (top left), Commonwealth Star (below Union Jack), Southern Cross (right side)
- National anthem: "Advance Australia Fair"
- National colours: Green and gold
- Coat of arms: Kangaroo and emu
- National flower: Golden wattle
- National gemstone: Opal
Important dates:
- Australia Day: 26 January
- Anzac Day: 25 April
- Federation: 1 January 1901
- Constitution: Enacted 1 January 1901
Government structure:
- Federal Parliament: Senate (76 senators) + House of Representatives (151 members)
- Prime Minister: Head of government (leader of the party with majority in the House)
- Governor-General: Represents the King (head of state)
- Three levels: Federal, state/territory, local
- Voting is compulsory for Australian citizens aged 18 and over
- Australia uses preferential voting
Booking Your Test
How to book:
- Submit your citizenship application through ImmiAccount
- Once the Department processes your application and determines you need to sit the test, you'll receive an appointment notification
- You may be assigned a test date or given the option to book one
- Tests are held at citizenship test centres in major cities and regional towns
What to bring:
- Valid identification (passport or ImmiCard)
- Your test appointment letter
- No electronic devices, notes, or study materials are allowed in the testing room
Test day:
- Arrive 15 minutes early
- Complete identity verification
- Sit the computer-based test (45 minutes)
- Receive your result immediately after completing the test
- If you pass, you'll be invited to a citizenship ceremony (usually within 1-6 months)
Exemptions From the Test
You don't need to sit the citizenship test if you are:
- Under 16 years of age
- Over 60 years of age
- Have a significant physical or mental incapacity that prevents you from understanding the nature of the application
- Born stateless in Australia
People over 60 and under 16 still need to meet the other citizenship requirements but are exempt from the test itself.
The Citizenship Ceremony
After passing the test and being approved for citizenship, you attend a ceremony where you make the Australian Citizenship Pledge:
"From this time forward, under God [optional], I pledge my loyalty to Australia and its people, whose democratic beliefs I share, whose rights and liberties I respect, and whose laws I will uphold and obey."
Ceremonies are held by local councils, and you'll receive your citizenship certificate at the ceremony. After the ceremony, you're officially an Australian citizen and can apply for an Australian passport.
FAQ
How hard is the citizenship test? With adequate preparation, the test is straightforward. The pass rate exceeds 95% for prepared candidates. The questions are based entirely on the "Our Common Bond" booklet, so there are no surprises if you've studied the material.
Can I take the test in a language other than English? No. The test is conducted in English only. Basic English comprehension is considered part of the citizenship requirement. However, interpreter assistance is available for the citizenship interview (which is separate from the test).
How long does the entire citizenship process take? From application to ceremony: typically 3 to 12 months. Application processing takes 1-6 months, then you sit the test, and the ceremony is usually scheduled within 1-6 months after that.
Do I lose my original citizenship when I become Australian? Australia allows dual citizenship. You don't need to renounce your original citizenship. However, check whether your home country allows dual citizenship, as some don't.
What if I fail the test three times? Your citizenship application may be refused. You can reapply for citizenship, which starts the process over. Consider using study aids, practice tests, and potentially an English language course if language is a barrier.
