| Questions | 20 multiple choice, in English. |
|---|---|
| Time | 45 minutes. |
| Pass mark | At least 75% (15 out of 20), and all 5 Australian values questions correct. |
| Study material | The testable section of Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond. |
| Who sits it | Generally applicants aged 18 to 59. |
| Before the test | You must meet the eligibility requirements, including residence, and lodge your application. |
Am I eligible to apply?
Most permanent residents apply under the general eligibility pathway. You generally need to have lived in Australia lawfully for 4 years immediately before applying, including the last 12 months as a permanent resident. Your total absences in those 4 years must be no more than 12 months, including no more than 90 days in the last 12 months. You must also be of good character.
Use the Home Affairs residence calculator to check your dates before you apply. A miscount of a few days can lead to a refusal.
What the test covers
- Australia and its people.
- Australia's democratic beliefs, rights and liberties.
- Government and the law in Australia.
- Australian values, such as freedom, respect, equality and the rule of law.
The values questions
Five of the 20 questions are about Australian values. You must answer all five correctly, even if your overall score is above 75%. This is the most common reason people fail. Read the values chapter of Our Common Bond carefully and make sure you understand the ideas, not just the wording.
How to prepare
- Read the testable section of Our Common Bond in full. It is free and available in many languages, but the test is in English.
- Do the official practice test until you are comfortable with the format.
- Focus on the values chapter. Practise explaining each value in your own words.
- On the day, bring the identity documents listed in your appointment letter.
What happens after the test
If you pass, Home Affairs continues to process your application. If it is approved, you are invited to a citizenship ceremony, where you make the Australian Citizenship Pledge. You become a citizen at the ceremony, not when your application is approved. If you do not pass, you can usually sit the test again.
Frequently asked questions
How many times can I sit the citizenship test?
If you do not pass, you can usually book another attempt. Review the values chapter and the practice test before you try again.
Do I need to sit the test if I am over 60?
Applicants aged 60 and over, and those under 18, generally do not sit the test. Other exemptions can apply, for example for some people with a permanent physical or mental incapacity.
Is the test only in English?
Yes. You can read Our Common Bond in other languages to prepare, but the test is conducted in English.
When do I become a citizen?
At your citizenship ceremony, when you make the pledge. Approval alone does not make you a citizen.
Official sources
Updated October 2026. Visa rules, fees and processing times change often, so always check the official sources before you act.