Australian Citizenship Test: Eligibility and Requirements
Who needs to sit the citizenship test?
Most applicants for Australian citizenship aged between 18 and 59 (inclusive) must sit and pass the citizenship test. The test is required for the citizenship by conferral pathway, which is the most common route to Australian citizenship.
Who is exempt?
The following people are exempt from sitting the citizenship test:
- Applicants under 18 years of age
- Applicants 60 years of age or older
- Applicants with a permanent physical or mental incapacity that prevents them from understanding the nature of their citizenship application
- People applying under certain special residence categories
General eligibility requirements for citizenship by conferral
To be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship by conferral, you generally need to:
- Be a permanent resident
- Have been present in Australia for at least 4 years before applying
- Have been a permanent resident for at least 12 months immediately before applying
- Have been absent from Australia for no more than 12 months in the 4-year period (including no more than 90 days in the 12 months immediately before applying)
- Demonstrate that you are of good character
- Pass the citizenship test (if required)
- Make the Australian Citizenship Pledge
How to book the citizenship test
You book the citizenship test as part of the citizenship application process through the Department of Home Affairs. Once your application is accepted, you will be invited to sit the test at a Department of Home Affairs office near you. The test is conducted on a computer; no prior computer experience is required, and staff can assist you.
What to bring on test day
- Photo identification (passport, driver's licence, or other government-issued ID)
- Your Department of Home Affairs appointment letter or booking reference
The test format
- 20 multiple-choice questions
- 45 minutes to complete
- You need to answer at least 15 questions correctly (75%) to pass
- Both mandatory Australian values questions must be answered correctly
- Results are available immediately after you finish