How the Australian citizenship test works

Last checked: 12 October 2026. Rules can change, so always check Home Affairs before your test.

This is a plain-English guide to the Australian citizenship test: how many questions there are, how long you have, how it is marked, and how to prepare.

What the test is based on

The questions come from the testable section of the booklet Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond. You can download it free from Home Affairs (PDF). The testable section has four parts:

• Part 1: Australia and its people. History, states and territories, and national symbols. Sample Part 1 questions
• Part 2: Australia’s democratic beliefs, rights and liberties. Freedoms, equality, and the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship. Sample Part 2 questions
• Part 3: Government and the law in Australia. The Constitution, Parliament, the levels of government, voting and the courts. Sample Part 3 questions
• Part 4: Australian values. The values behind Australian society, such as freedom, respect, equality, the fair go and mateship. Sample values questions

The booklet also has a non-testable section. You don’t need it for the test, but it has useful information about life in Australia.

The two pass rules

To pass, you must meet both rules:

1. Get at least 15 of the 20 questions right.
2. Get all 5 Australian values questions right.

This means a score of 19 out of 20 can still fail, if the one wrong answer is a values question. Read more in our guide to the values questions.

What to bring and what to expect

Home Affairs sets the rules for your appointment, such as which identity documents to bring. These rules can change, so we don’t repeat them here. Before your appointment, read the Home Affairs page Learn about the citizenship interview and test and check the details in your appointment letter.

How to practise

1. Read the four testable parts of Our Common Bond once. If English is not your first language, you can also read it in your language.
2. Try the free Home Affairs practice test.
3. Take our timed practice tests. Each one has 20 questions, a 45-minute timer, and is marked on both pass rules.
4. Read the explanation for every question, especially the ones you got wrong.

For more ideas, see our 9 practical tips for passing.

Frequently asked questions