By Arnela Tolic, Principal Solicitor, Tolic Lawyers, Parramatta · Current as at 25 September 2026
The Australian citizenship test is a 45-minute, computer-based test of 20 multiple-choice questions, conducted in English only. To pass, you must answer all five Australian values questions correctly and score at least 75% overall (15 out of 20). Every question comes from the testable section of the official booklet Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond. Most applicants aged 18 to 59 must sit it.
| Key facts: Australian citizenship test (as at 25 September 2026) Questions: 20 multiple choice, including 5 on Australian values. Time: 45 minutes. Pass mark: 5 out of 5 on the values questions and at least 15 out of 20 overall. Language: English only. The study booklet is available in community languages. Source material: the testable section of Our Common Bond. Who sits it: generally, conferral applicants aged 18 to 59. Official preparation: Home Affairs practice test, Our Common Bond podcast, AMEPOnline citizenship modules. |
How the Australian citizenship test works
The test is taken on a computer at your citizenship appointment, usually straight after an interview in which an officer checks your identity documents and your application. You answer 20 multiple-choice questions in 45 minutes.
Questions cover four areas:
- Australia and its people.
- Australia’s democratic beliefs, rights and liberties.
- Government and the law in Australia.
- Australian values, based on freedom, respect and equality.
The values rule that catches people out
The pass mark has two parts, and both must be met. You need at least 75% overall, and you must answer every one of the five values questions correctly.
That means a score of 19 out of 20 is a fail if the one wrong answer is a values question. A score of 15 out of 20 is a pass if all five values questions are right. Treat the values chapter of Our Common Bond as a section you cannot afford to lose a single mark on.
Who has to sit the Australian citizenship test?
Most people applying for citizenship by conferral under the general eligibility provisions are aged 18 to 59, and they must sit the test. The test is how the Department assesses that the applicant understands the nature of the application, has a basic knowledge of English, and has adequate knowledge of Australia and the responsibilities of citizenship.
People who generally do not sit the test include:
- applicants aged 60 or over;
- applicants under 18; and
- applicants with a permanent physical or mental incapacity that means they cannot understand the nature of the application.
These applicants still need to meet the other eligibility requirements, and adults may still be interviewed.
How to prepare for the Australian citizenship test
Home Affairs says that all test questions are based on Our Common Bond, and it does not endorse paid apps or external courses. The official, free tools are:
- The Our Common Bond booklet, in English and a range of community languages.
- The official practice test, designed to look and feel like the real test, with different questions.
- The Our Common Bond podcast.
- AMEPOnline citizenship modules for people who are still building their English.
A practical tip: 45 minutes for 20 questions is a little over two minutes each. The risk is not the clock, it is overthinking. Read each question slowly, especially those phrased “Which of the following is NOT…”.
What to bring to your appointment
Your appointment letter lists exactly what to bring. Typically that means original identity documents (the ones uploaded with your application), evidence of any name change, and your photographs if requested. Missing documents can mean the appointment does not go ahead, which pushes the whole timeline back.
After the Australian citizenship test
Passing the test does not make you a citizen. The Department still has to decide your application. If it is approved, most applicants are then invited to a citizenship ceremony run by their local council. You become an Australian citizen on the day you make the pledge.
If you do not pass, you can generally sit the test again at a later appointment. Your application stays open while you do.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are in the Australian citizenship test?
Twenty multiple-choice questions, five of which are on Australian values.
What is the pass mark?
At least 75% overall (15 out of 20), with all five values questions answered correctly.
Can I take the test in my own language?
No. The test is in English only, although the Our Common Bond booklet is published in community languages to help you study.
Do I need to sit the test if I am over 60?
Generally no. Applicants aged 60 or over apply under separate provisions that do not require the test.
Is the test the same as the citizenship interview?
No. The interview checks your identity and application. The test checks your knowledge. Both usually happen at the same appointment.
Get your citizenship application right the first time
The test is usually the easy part.
Most delays we see come from the residence requirement, identity documents and character issues.
Tolic Lawyers can assist with citizenship applications. Visit www.toliclawyers.com.au to book a consultation.
About the author: Arnela Tolic is the Principal Solicitor of Tolic Lawyers, a migration and employment law firm in Parramatta, and NSW Representative of Migration Alliance.
Disclaimer: This article is general information only and is not legal advice. It reflects the law and Home Affairs guidance as at 25 September 2026.
