How to Pass the Australian Citizenship Test

What is the Australian citizenship test?

The Australian citizenship test is a computer-based, multiple-choice test administered by the Department of Home Affairs. It contains 20 questions drawn from the official booklet Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond. You must answer at least 15 questions correctly (75%) to pass, and you must answer both mandatory Australian values questions correctly.

Step 1: Know what you're being tested on

The test covers four topic areas:

• Australia and Its People — History, geography, national symbols, and Indigenous peoples
• Democratic Beliefs, Rights and Liberties — Australian democracy, freedoms, rights, and civil liberties
• Government and the Law in Australia — Parliament, courts, federal/state/local government structure, and law
• Australian Values — Mateship, equality, multiculturalism, and civic participation

About 75% of test questions come from the Government and Law, and Australia and Its People sections. Focus extra attention there.

Step 2: Read "Our Common Bond"

The official study resource — Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond — is the only authoritative source for test content. Every question in the official test is drawn from this booklet. Download it free from the Department of Home Affairs website and read it cover to cover at least twice.

Step 3: Use practice tests strategically

Don't just take the full test repeatedly. Instead, use category-specific practice tests to identify your weak spots, then re-read the relevant sections of Our Common Bond before testing again.

• Australia and Its People practice quiz
• Democratic Beliefs, Rights and Liberties practice quiz
• Government and the Law in Australia practice quiz
• Australian Values practice quiz

Step 4: Focus on commonly tested facts

Certain facts appear on the test repeatedly. Make sure you know:

• Australia became a federation on 1 January 1901
• The first ANZAC Day was commemorated on 25 April 1916 (the Gallipoli landing was 25 April 1915)
• Australia's six states and two territories and their capitals
• The three levels of government and what each is responsible for
• The two houses of the federal Parliament and what they do
• The national symbols: flag, anthem ("Advance Australia Fair"), floral emblem (wattle), colours (green and gold)

Step 5: Book your test when you're ready

Once you're consistently scoring 85%+ on practice tests, you're ready to book. Contact the Department of Home Affairs to arrange your test appointment at your nearest office.