Getting permanent residency is a big moment, but for many migrants the real finish line is becoming an Australian citizen. For most adult applicants, one step stands in the way: the Australian citizenship test. The good news is that the test is short, it is based on one free official booklet, and you can prepare for it at home.
This guide explains who has to sit the test, how it works, the pass mark, what topics come up, how to study, and what happens on test day. All rules and fees below were checked on the Department of Home Affairs website in October 2026. Rules and fees can change, so always confirm the latest details before you apply.
Quick Summary
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Who sits the test | Most applicants for citizenship by conferral aged 18 to 59 |
| Format | 20 multiple choice questions on a computer, in English only |
| Time limit | 45 minutes |
| Pass mark | At least 15 out of 20 (75%) and all 5 Australian values questions correct |
| Study material | The free official booklet Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond (testable section, Parts 1 to 4) |
| Cost of the test | No extra cost. It is included in your citizenship application fee |
| Application fee (general eligibility) | $595 (Form 1298i, 2026). Fees usually rise on 1 July each year |
| Main residence rule | 4 years living in Australia on a valid visa, including the last 12 months as a permanent resident |
What Is the Australian Citizenship Test?
The Australian citizenship test is part of the application process for most people who apply for citizenship by conferral. This is the usual way a permanent resident becomes a citizen.
The test checks four things. You need to show that you have:
- a basic knowledge of the English language
- an understanding of what it means to become an Australian citizen
- an adequate knowledge of Australia and the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship
- an understanding of, and commitment to, Australian values based on freedom, respect and equality
If you pass, Home Affairs treats you as meeting both the knowledge requirement and the English language requirement for citizenship. You do not need a separate English test such as IELTS for citizenship.
Who Needs to Sit the Citizenship Test?
Most applicants for citizenship by conferral who are aged between 18 and 59 will get an appointment to sit the test.
Some people do not sit the test. Instead, they may have an interview so Home Affairs can confirm their identity and talk about their application. This can include:
- applicants aged 16 or 17, who may need to show they understand their application, have basic English and understand the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship
- applicants aged 60 or over
- people with a hearing, speech or sight impairment
- people with a permanent or enduring physical or mental incapacity
Children aged 15 or younger who are included on a parent’s application do not sit the test.
Am I eligible to apply for citizenship?
You can only sit the test after you apply for citizenship, so check your eligibility first. Under the general residence requirement, on the day you apply you must:
- have been living in Australia on a valid visa for 4 years immediately before you apply
- have held a permanent visa (or a New Zealand Special Category visa) for the last 12 months
- not have been absent from Australia for more than 12 months in total in those 4 years, including no more than 90 days in the 12 months before you apply
You must also be of good character (if you are 18 or over), and intend to live in Australia or keep a close and continuing link with Australia. Home Affairs has a free Residence Calculator on its website. Use it before you apply, because time spent overseas is easy to underestimate.
If you are still working towards permanent residency, see our guide to Australian PR pathways.
How the Citizenship Test Works
The test is simple in format, but you need to know the rules.
Test format and pass mark
- The test has 20 multiple choice questions.
- It is done on a computer and is in English only.
- You have 45 minutes to finish.
- 5 of the questions are about Australian values. You must get all 5 right.
- Your overall score must be at least 15 out of 20 (75%).
Both rules apply at the same time. For example, 19 out of 20 is not a pass if the one wrong answer was a values question. On the other hand, 15 out of 20 is a pass as long as all 5 values questions are correct.
Text-to-speech is available during the test, so you can listen to the questions and answer choices if you find reading in English harder than listening.
How much does the test cost?
There is no extra fee for the test. It is included in your citizenship application fee.
According to Home Affairs Form 1298i (2026), the fee for an application under general eligibility (Form 1300t) is $595. A concession fee of $85 may apply if you hold a valid Pensioner Concession Card. Children under 16 on the same form as a responsible parent pay nothing. Fees are indexed on 1 July each year, and a payment surcharge may apply, so check the current form before you pay.
What Topics Are on the Citizenship Test?
Every question comes from the testable section of the official booklet Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond. It has four parts.
Part 1: Australia and its people
This part covers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788, federation, and Australia’s states and territories. You should know, for example, that there are six states and two mainland territories, that Canberra is the national capital, and the capital city of each state. It also covers national symbols such as the golden wattle (the national flower) and important days such as Australia Day (26 January) and Anzac Day (25 April).
Part 2: Australia’s democratic beliefs, rights and liberties
This part explains parliamentary democracy, the rule of law, and freedoms such as freedom of speech, association and religion. It also lists the responsibilities and privileges of citizens, such as voting, defending Australia if needed and serving on a jury if called.
Part 3: Government and the law in Australia
This part explains the Australian Constitution, which set up the federal Parliament (the House of Representatives and the Senate) and the High Court. You need to understand the separation of powers, the three levels of government (federal, state or territory, and local) and what each one does. Voting is compulsory in federal and state or territory elections.
Part 4: Australian values
This is the most important part because of the 5 values questions. It covers ideas such as respect for the equal worth and freedom of every person, equality of men and women, equality of opportunity (often called a “fair go”), freedom of speech and religion, the rule of law, and English as the national language.
How to Prepare for the Citizenship Test
You do not need a paid course or app. Home Affairs says it does not endorse or recommend external courses or paid apps. Everything you need is free.
Step 1: Read the official booklet
Download Our Common Bond from the Home Affairs website and read the testable section (Parts 1 to 4) carefully. The booklet is available in English and around 40 community languages, including Korean, Japanese, Simplified Chinese and Traditional Chinese.
A good method is to read each part first in your own language so you fully understand it, then read it again in English, because the real test is in English only.
Step 2: Listen to the official podcast
Home Affairs has a free Our Common Bond podcast series with written transcripts. It is useful if you prefer listening, or if you want to study during your commute.
Step 3: Do the official practice test
The official citizenship practice test on the Home Affairs website is designed to look and feel like the real test. The questions on test day will be different, so use it to learn the format and find your weak areas, not to memorise answers.
Step 4: Focus on the values questions
Because you must get all 5 values questions right, spend extra time on Part 4. Read every sentence, and make sure you can explain each value in your own words.
Step 5: Improve your English if you need to
If English is a barrier, the free AMEPOnline citizenship modules explain the booklet in easier language with stories and activities. You may also be able to enrol in the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP).
What Happens on Test Day?
Getting your appointment
After you apply online in ImmiAccount, Home Affairs will send you a letter with the date, time and place of your citizenship appointment. Tests are held at departmental offices and some regional locations. The time between applying and your appointment varies and can take several months.
What to bring
Bring an original photo ID, such as an Australian driver licence, a passport or an Australian proof of age card. Certified copies and photos of your ID on your phone are not accepted. If you do not bring photo ID, your appointment will be moved to a later date.
If your licence is from overseas, our overseas driver licence guide explains when you need to switch to a local licence.
After the test
If you pass, Home Affairs continues processing your application. If you don’t pass, follow the instructions you are given on the day about sitting the test again, and keep studying the booklet.
When your application is approved, most people must attend a citizenship ceremony and make the pledge of commitment. You usually get an invitation letter about four weeks before your ceremony. You become a citizen on the day you make the pledge, and you receive your citizenship certificate at the ceremony.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions are on the Australian citizenship test?
There are 20 multiple choice questions, including 5 questions on Australian values. You have 45 minutes to finish.
What is the pass mark for the citizenship test?
You need at least 75% overall (15 out of 20) and you must answer all 5 Australian values questions correctly.
Can I take the citizenship test in my own language?
No. The test is in English only. However, you can study the official booklet in many languages, including Korean, Japanese and Chinese, and text-to-speech is available during the test.
Do I have to pay extra to sit the test?
No. The test is included in your citizenship application fee. In 2026 the general eligibility application fee is $595, and it usually increases on 1 July each year.
Do people over 60 need to sit the test?
Usually not. Applicants aged 60 or over may have an interview instead, so Home Affairs can confirm their identity and check that they understand their application.
Are paid practice apps worth it?
They are not needed. Home Affairs does not endorse any paid course or app. The official booklet, podcast and practice test cover everything on the test.
Final Thoughts
The Australian citizenship test is very manageable if you prepare with the right material. Read the four testable parts of Our Common Bond, pay extra attention to Australian values, try the official practice test, and bring your original photo ID on the day.
Before any of that, use the Residence Calculator to make sure you meet the 4-year residence rule, because the test only comes after a valid application.
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- Overseas Driver Licence in Australia
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