Taking the step towards becoming an Australian citizen is a proud and exciting moment. It represents a deeper commitment to Australia’s way of life and a future filled with new opportunities. But before you can officially become an Aussie, there’s an important milestone to clear — the Australian Citizenship Test.
The good news is that the test is straightforward if you prepare properly. It’s not just about facts and figures; it’s about understanding the values, responsibilities, and history that shape life in Australia. With a little time and the right strategies, you’ll be well on your way to passing with confidence.
The Australian Citizenship Test is designed to assess your knowledge of Australia’s national values, history, traditions, and the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship. It ensures that everyone who becomes a citizen shares a common understanding of what it means to belong to this community. The test consists of 20 multiple-choice questions. To pass, you must answer at least 15 questions correctly, achieving a minimum score of 75%. Since late 2020, five of these questions specifically test your understanding of Australian values, and you must answer all five values questions correctly to pass the test, even if you score more than 75% overall.
Many people wonder what kind of questions are actually asked. Questions are drawn from four main areas based on the official resource book, Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond. Understanding these areas will help you know where to focus your study efforts.
First, you’ll be tested on Australian values. This includes topics like respect for the freedom and dignity of the individual, equality of men and women, freedom of religion, and the importance of democracy and the rule of law. For example, you might be asked whether people in Australia have the right to express their opinions even if others disagree with them. The answer, of course, is yes — freedom of speech is one of Australia’s core values.
Secondly, you’ll need to have some knowledge of Australian history. Questions could cover anything from Indigenous culture, the arrival of the First Fleet, the gold rush era, the Federation of Australia, and significant national events like Anzac Day. You could be asked, for instance, who was the first Prime Minister of Australia, or when the Australian Constitution came into effect.
Government and law form another important part of the test. It’s important to understand how Australia’s political system works, including the separation of powers between the federal, state, and local governments. Questions might cover topics like the role of the High Court, how elections are run, and the responsibilities of voters. For example, you might be asked to name the three levels of government or explain whether voting in Australia is compulsory.
Finally, the test covers the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. New citizens are expected to understand the benefits of being an Australian — like the right to vote and to work in any occupation — but also the responsibilities, such as serving on a jury if called and defending Australia if the need arises. You might encounter questions asking if obeying the law is a responsibility of Australian citizens (spoiler: yes, it absolutely is).
Now, how do you prepare effectively for the test? It all starts with the Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond booklet. This booklet is freely available online and contains all the information you need to pass. Make sure you read it carefully, more than once if possible. Take notes on key dates, important historical figures, government structures, and the description of Australian values.
After you’ve reviewed the booklet, start practicing with online mock tests. There are many free resources that simulate the real exam environment. Doing practice tests not only familiarises you with the style of the questions but also helps you manage your timing. Remember, you’ll have 45 minutes to answer the 20 questions on the real test, but most candidates finish much earlier when well-prepared.
Focus particular attention on the Australian values questions. Unlike the general knowledge questions, missing even one values question means you cannot pass the test, no matter how high your other scores are. Practice these until you are absolutely confident.
A smart strategy is to break your study into daily chunks. Spend 20-30 minutes a day reviewing one part of the booklet and doing a short practice quiz. Gradual, consistent study is far more effective than cramming the night before. Try discussing the topics with friends or family members too — explaining concepts out loud can help reinforce your memory.
If English isn’t your first language, make sure you practice reading and understanding information quickly and accurately. The questions are in plain English, but familiarity with typical wording can really boost your confidence on test day. Some migrants find it helpful to join free citizenship classes run by local councils or community organisations, which can also provide support and practice in a relaxed environment.
When it’s time to take the test, arrive early, stay calm, and read each question carefully. Use common sense if you’re unsure — sometimes you can eliminate one or two obviously wrong answers and increase your odds of choosing correctly. Remember that you can skip questions and return to them later during the test if needed. Managing your nerves is just as important as knowing the content.
Passing the Australian Citizenship Test is a proud achievement, but it’s also much more than a test. It’s a celebration of everything Australia stands for — democracy, equality, fairness, and mateship. By studying and understanding these principles, you’re preparing not just to pass a test, but to become an active and informed citizen who will contribute positively to Australia’s future.
Good luck on your citizenship journey — your new life as an Australian is just around the corner!