Test of citizenship is required to become an Australian citizen.
This test is designed to assess your understanding of Australia, including its people, traditions and geography as well as symbols and beliefs, as well as laws and government. It will also examine the privileges and responsibilities of Australian citizenship.
It is a computerized test in English.ย The test will consist of 20 questions that you must answer within 45 minutes.
The test is multiple choice, meaning that each question has three possible answers. (Unless it’s a True/False question with two answers only).ย It is necessary to correctly answer 15 out of 20 questions. You are permitted to make up to five mistakes.
This test was developed using the resource bookย Australian Citizenship – Our Common Bond.
Update: the Australian government is planning to implement a new test of citizenship.ย This new citizenship test, which is subject to legislation being passed, will include questions taken from “Australian Citizenship – Our Common Bond. It will also have new questions regarding the applicants’ understanding and commitment to Australian Values.
New questions could test migrants’ views on gender equality, religious freedom and other issues.ย New questions include topics such as female genital cutting, violence against children and women and issues like forced marriage.
You must be able to:
You have successfully applied for Australian Citizenship
You must be an Australian permanent resident.
You must provide proof of identity when registering for the test
You can either provide your own photo or let the government take it
This test is not mandatory for everyone. The following are exceptions:
If you’re under 18 years old or older than 60
If you are unable to complete the test because of a significant cognitive or physical impairment
If one of your parents was a citizen of Australia
If you were born before the 16th September 1975 in Papua and your parent is an Australian who was born there, then this applies to you.
If you’re a stateless individual but were born in Australia
There are no extra fees associated with this test. The fee for the test is included in your application to become a citizen.
You will receive a notification from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, indicating the time, date and place of the citizenship test. The waiting period for this letter will depend on the local test center.
What to bring with you to the Australian citizenship test
You will need to provide all original documents you submitted with your application for citizenship. You will also need your identity declaration completed and a photograph.
Arrive on time to the test center for your Australian citizenship test
Arrive on time to your citizenship test. Otherwise, you will not be allowed to test. You should know the best way to reach your test site and estimate how long it will take you to arrive before test day.
Australian citizenship test – Children
Please do not bring your children to the testing centres as there is no child care.
What happens at the Australian citizenship test center?
You will be asked to go to the counter when you arrive at the centre to register. A citizenship officer will check your documents to confirm your identity, and will also verify the details you entered on the citizenship application. The registration process will confirm that you’re eligible to sit the test on that particular day. The officer may take your picture if you don’t have an approved picture.
You will be given a password by the officer to log into the computer on the opposite side of the room.
Rules for the Australian Citizenship Test in the testing room
You will have 45 minutes to complete your Australian Citizenship Test
You cannot bring resource materials (notes or resource books, etc.).
All personal items must be stored under your desk when you are taking your exam
All electronic devices must be switched off
You can only talk to the test administrator.
You may be asked to leave a test center if you do not follow the rules.
What happens in the Australian citizenship test?
A test officer will be able to show you the basics of using a computer if you are not familiar with it.
If you are unable to complete your test on your own due to a physical or cognitive disability, a member of staff will be able assist you. If you are unable to read or use the mouse on the computer, for example, you can ask a member of staff for assistance.
You can ask the staff to read out the answers and questions for you if you are unable to understand English.
Please contact the Department (Telephone 131 880) for more information about assistance during the test.
The Standard Test will be administered to all other applicants (the same exam but without any assistance).
You can also take the course-based test if you are unable to take either the Standard Test or the Assisted Testing. The Course-Based Test is what it’s called. You can only take this course-based exam if you have failed the Standard Test or Assisted test three times. Click to learn more about the course-based exam, or call the department at (131 880).
Australian Citizenship Test – Tips for Passing the Test
Before your exam, read through the study guide several times. You should be familiar with the material.
Take a number of practice exams prior to your exam day.
Eat before you do the test to avoid being distracted or hungry.
Sleep well before your test
Arrive on time to the testing centre
You can get 5 answers wrong, but it’s better to answer all the questions. You can choose any answer you think might be correct if you do not know the answer to a particular question. The chance that you will choose the correct answer is 33% (or 50% for True/False questions). Incorrect answers do not result in a penalty.
Take your time. Take your time and carefully read all the questions. You should have 45 minutes to complete the test.
Australian Citizenship Test – After the test
Your test results will appear on the screen of your computer at the conclusion of our Australian Citizenship Test. The results of your test will automatically be recorded in the citizenship application.
All your documentation will be returned to you by the citizenship officer.
The outcome of the citizenship application will be notified to you. You will receive an approval letter if you have met all of the requirements for citizenship. After your application has been approved, you will receive a letter giving the time, date and place of your ceremony.
Attend your citizenship ceremony. The Australian Citizenship Pledge is required to become an Australian citizen. To learn more, click Here.
The citizenship ceremony must be attended within a year of receiving approval for your application. There are exceptions if you have a good reason. If you are unable to attend the ceremony, please contact your department.
If you:
You have a cognitive or physical disability that is permanent
One of your parents is a former Australian Citizen
You were born in Papua
You were born stateless in Australia
You must be 15 years old or younger
You can acquire citizenship through descent or adoption
You are renewing your Australian Citizenship
If you fail your Australian citizenship test
You can take another test on the same date, if possible. Or you can schedule another test if you want to have some extra time for studying.
Update: The new rule stipulates (subjected to legislation being passed, the rule is set to come into force on the 1st of July 2018), that if the test fails three times, then the applicant will have to wait two years to take the test again (currently, applicants can retake it as many time as they like). This new rule will apply to any citizenship application made after or on 1 July 2018.
No additional fees are charged for retaking the test.
Need help with your Australian Citizenship Test? Check out our Australian Citizenship Test Complete Online Training program. We’ve helped thousands pass the test.
