How the citizenship test works

Who sits the test

Most people applying for Australian citizenship by conferral sit the test if they are aged 18 to 59 on the day Home Affairs receives their application.

You generally do not sit it if, when you apply, you are:

• 17 or younger, or 60 or older
• living with a permanent or enduring physical or mental incapacity
• living with a permanent loss or substantial impairment of hearing, speech or sight

A few other groups are exempt too, such as people born in Australia who are stateless. People who do not sit the test may have an interview instead, so Home Affairs can confirm who they are.

What the test is

• 20 multiple-choice questions
• 45 minutes
• In English
• On a computer or tablet, at your citizenship appointment
• No extra cost: your application fee already includes it

Every question comes from the testable section of the official booklet, Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond. It has four parts: Australia and its people; Australia's democratic beliefs, rights and liberties; Government and the law in Australia; and Australian values.

How to pass

You need both of these:

• at least 15 of the 20 questions right (75%)
• all 5 of the Australian values questions right

The values rule decides many results: 19 out of 20 is not a pass if the one you missed is a values question.

Help during the test

You sit the test on your own and cannot bring anyone to help. A Test Facilitator at the centre can:

• show you how to use the computer or tablet, or use it for you
• give you headphones so you can listen to the questions
• read the questions aloud
• select your answers if you say them aloud

An Assisted Test gives you 90 minutes instead of 45, and you must ask for it in your application. It is for people who have completed at least 400 hours of English classes in the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP), or who have a physical or cognitive impairment that stops them sitting the standard test, with evidence from a registered health practitioner.

The rules on the day

• no phones, smart watches, cameras or other electronic devices
• no talking to anyone except the Test Facilitator
• no books, notes or other material
• no copying another person's answers
• finish within the time: 45 minutes, or 90 for an Assisted Test

If you break the rules, Home Affairs may decide you did not pass and refuse your application.

After the test

Your result appears on the screen as soon as you finish.

If you pass and your application is approved, you are invited to a citizenship ceremony, usually about four weeks ahead. You become a citizen at the ceremony.

If you do not pass, it does not affect your visa and you can keep living in Australia. Home Affairs books another appointment for you at no extra cost. If you do not pass after three appointments, your application may be refused.