What is on the Australian citizenship test
The Australian citizenship test is a computer-based exam that you complete at a Department of Home Affairs office. It is conducted entirely in English, and there is no option to take it in another language. The test consists of 20 multiple-choice questions, and you are given 45 minutes to finish.
All questions are drawn from the official booklet Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond, which the Department of Home Affairs publishes as a free resource for applicants. You do not need to study any other material. If you read and understand this booklet thoroughly, you will have covered everything that can appear on the test.
How the test format works
The test is straightforward in structure. You will sit at a computer screen and select one answer for each of the 20 questions. There is no writing, speaking, or listening component. The passing score is 75%, which means you need at least 15 out of 20 questions correct to pass.
However, there is one important rule that many applicants overlook. Five of the 20 questions are specifically about Australian values. You must answer all 5 of these Australian values questions correctly, regardless of your overall score. Even if you get 19 out of 20 correct overall, you will not pass if you miss one of the values questions. This is why the values section deserves special attention in your preparation. You can read more about this requirement in our values section guide.
The Australian Values requirement
The Australian government places great importance on shared values as a foundation for citizenship. The five values questions on the test assess your understanding of principles such as respect for individual freedom and dignity, freedom of speech and association, freedom of religion and secular government, and rule of law and equality under the law.
These questions are clearly identified during the test, so you will know which ones they are. Because the requirement is strict — a perfect five out of five — it is wise to spend extra time studying this section of the Our Common Bond booklet. Make sure you understand not just the names of the values, but what they mean in everyday Australian life.
What topics come up on the test
The 20 questions are spread equally across four topic areas, with roughly five questions drawn from each. The first area is Australian democratic beliefs, which covers how democracy works in Australia, the importance of voting, and why democratic principles matter. The second is laws and government, which includes questions about the Australian Constitution, the three levels of government — federal, state, and local — and how laws are made and enforced.
The third area is Australian values, which focuses on the shared principles mentioned above. The fourth area is Australia and its people, which includes questions about the national symbols such as the flag and coat of arms, Indigenous heritage, significant national days like Australia Day and Anzac Day, and the diversity of Australian society. Because the questions are drawn equally from all four areas, it is best to give each topic balanced attention rather than focusing on just one or two.
What the computer interface looks like
The test runs on a simple computer interface that does not require any technical skills. You will see one question on screen at a time, with multiple-choice answer options displayed below it. You select your answer by clicking on it with the mouse, and then click a button to move to the next question.
A timer at the top of the screen shows how much of your 45 minutes remains, and a question counter tells you which question you are on — for example, "Question 7 of 20." You can navigate back to previous questions at any time and change your answers before you submit. The test does not auto-submit when the timer runs out, so you choose when to hand in your responses. If you have practised with an online full mock test, the real interface will feel familiar and straightforward.
Tips for test day
Arrive at the Department of Home Affairs office early and bring the identification documents listed in your appointment letter. The staff will guide you to a computer and explain the process before you begin. There is no need to rush — 45 minutes is generous for 20 questions, so take your time reading each question carefully before selecting your answer.
If you are unsure about a question, move on and come back to it later. Eliminate any answer options that are clearly wrong, and choose the best remaining option. Pay close attention to the values questions and read them more than once if needed. When you have answered all 20 questions, review your responses before submitting. You will receive your result shortly after finishing.
The best way to build confidence is to practise with questions that mirror the real test. For a step-by-step walkthrough of the entire day, see our guide on what to expect on test day.