Becoming an Australian citizen is one of the most meaningful milestones in a person's life. The citizenship test is the final step before your ceremony, and with the right preparation, it is entirely achievable. This guide covers everything you need to know — from what the test involves to how to study effectively and what to do if things do not go to plan on your first attempt.
The test is designed to confirm that you understand Australia's values, history, and system of government. It is not designed to trick you. The questions are fair, the content is clearly defined, and the resources you need to prepare are freely available. With a steady approach and some focused practice, you can walk into the test centre feeling calm and ready.
What the test covers
The Australian citizenship test is a computer-based exam taken at a Department of Home Affairs office. It consists of 20 multiple-choice questions, and you are given 45 minutes to complete it. The test is conducted in English only — there is no option to sit it in another language.
To pass, you need a score of 75%, which means at least 15 out of 20 questions correct. The questions are spread equally across four topic areas: Australian democratic beliefs, laws and government, Australian values, and Australia and its people. Each area carries equal weight, so it is important to study all four rather than focusing on just one or two.
For a detailed look at the question structure, time limits, and how the computer interface works, see our full breakdown of the test format.
The Australian Values section — the most important part
There is one rule about the citizenship test that catches many people off guard. Five of the 20 questions are specifically about Australian values, and you must answer all five of these correctly to pass — regardless of your overall score. This requirement is separate from the 75% passing threshold. You could score 19 out of 20 overall, but if you get even one values question wrong, you will not pass.
The values tested include respect for the freedom and dignity of the individual, freedom of speech and association, freedom of religion and secular government, and the rule of law and equality under the law. These are not abstract concepts — the test asks you to demonstrate that you understand what these principles mean in the context of everyday life in Australia.
Because of the strict five-out-of-five requirement, the values section deserves more study time than any other part of the test. Do not simply memorise the names of the values. Make sure you understand the meaning behind each one and can recognise them when they are described in different ways. Our complete values section guide walks you through each value in detail with examples of the kinds of questions you may encounter.
Your study source — Our Common Bond
Every question on the citizenship test is drawn from a single booklet: Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond. This is the official study resource published by the Department of Home Affairs, and it is free to download from their website. You do not need to buy any textbooks, enrol in a course, or study from any other source. If it is not in Our Common Bond, it will not be on the test.
The booklet covers all four topic areas in clear, accessible language. Read it from beginning to end at least once, and then revisit the sections you find most challenging. Pay special attention to the chapters on Australian values and the structure of government, as these tend to contain the most detail that applicants find unfamiliar.
While the booklet gives you all the knowledge you need, reading alone is not always enough to feel test-ready. Practising with realistic questions helps you apply what you have read and reveals any gaps before test day. You can practice by topic to strengthen specific areas, or take a full mock test to simulate the real exam experience. Short on time? See our 5-day study plan for a faster approach.
How long you need to prepare
There is no single answer to this, because it depends on your starting point. Most people need between one and four weeks of study to feel confident. If you are already comfortable reading English and have some familiarity with Australian history and government, you may be ready in a week of focused preparation. If English is your second language or the content is largely new to you, give yourself three to four weeks and study in shorter, regular sessions rather than trying to absorb everything at once.
A good benchmark is your score on practice tests. When you are consistently scoring above 80% overall and getting all five values questions correct across several attempts, you are likely ready to book your test. Do not wait until you feel perfect — a score of 75% is all you need, and most well-prepared applicants score well above that. For a detailed breakdown by background, see our guide on how long you need to study.
How to study effectively
Start by reading Our Common Bond cover to cover. Do not try to memorise it — focus on understanding the key ideas. After your first read-through, take a practice test to see where you stand. Your results will tell you which topic areas need the most attention.
From there, focus your study sessions on your weakest areas. If government and law feels unfamiliar, spend more time on that chapter. If you are confident about Australian history but unsure about democratic beliefs, adjust accordingly. Studying everything equally sounds logical, but targeted practice is far more efficient.
Always study the values section separately. Because you need a perfect score on those five questions, treat it as its own mini-exam. Practise values questions until you can answer them correctly every time, even when they are worded differently from what you expect.
Short, regular study sessions are more effective than long, irregular ones. Twenty to thirty minutes a day over two weeks will serve you better than a single weekend of cramming. Your brain retains information more effectively when it has time to rest between sessions.
Finally, practise under realistic conditions at least once before your test. Take a full mock test with the 45-minute timer running. This helps you get comfortable with the pacing, reduces anxiety about the format, and gives you an honest measure of your readiness.
On test day
The test takes place at a Department of Home Affairs office on a computer. You do not need any special computer skills — if you can click a mouse, you can complete the test. Arrive early with your identity documents, and leave your phone and any study materials behind. The staff will check you in, explain the process, and guide you to your workstation.
Take your time during the test. Forty-five minutes is generous for 20 questions, and most people finish with plenty of time to spare. Read each question carefully, and if you are unsure about one, skip it and return to it later. Pay special attention to the values questions — read them twice if you need to. When you have answered everything, review your responses before submitting.
You will receive your result immediately after finishing. For a complete step-by-step walkthrough of the day, including what to bring and what happens after you submit, see our guide on what to expect on test day.
If you don't pass first time
Not passing on your first attempt is more common than you might think, and it is not the end of the road. You are allowed up to three attempts, and there is no extra fee for rebooking after an unsuccessful result. Your permanent residence visa is not affected in any way, so your right to live and work in Australia remains exactly the same.
If you do not pass, use the time before your next attempt to identify the areas where you felt least confident. Focus your study on those topics, and take several more practice tests to build consistency. Many people who do not pass on their first try go on to pass comfortably on their second attempt simply by addressing a few specific gaps in their knowledge.
For detailed information on the rebooking process and how to make the most of your next attempt, see our guide on what happens if you don't pass.