About the citizenship test

The Australian citizenship test plays a valuable role in encouraging people to find out more about Australia, as well as understanding the responsibilities and privileges being an Australian citizen brings. All the information you need to pass the test is in the Australian citizenship test resource book.

Before you can sit a citizenship test, you must apply for citizenship.

Types of test and results notification

The test:

• is in English
• consists of 20 multiple choice questions
• has a pass mark of 75 per cent.

The test is normally computer based. You can be shown how to use the computer if you have not used a computer before. Sometimes the test may be done on paper if a computer is not available.

There will not be a separate English language test. You will need a basic understanding of English to pass the test.

Once you have finished the test, the computer will immediately tell you if you have passed. If you have not passed, you can ask to sit the test again. Wherever possible, you will be allowed to sit the test again on the same day. Otherwise, you may make an appointment to sit the test at another time.

If you do a paper test, the results are not available immediately.

Sitting the test

You can sit the test as many times as you need to, until you pass. Failing the citizenship test does not affect your permanent residence visa or your ability to continue living in Australia. Most people pass the test on their first or second try.

If you do not follow the rules of the test, you will be asked to leave and you may have to sit your test again.

There are no child care facilities at the test centres, so please make sure someone else can mind your children while you take the test.
See: Citizenship testing centre locations

Help with the test

You will not be able to refer to study aids or the test resource book during your test.

You may talk with the test administrator but you cannot talk with other people during your test.

People with a disability

If you have a minor disability that cannot be supported with specialist medical evidence you will still need to sit the test.

If your disability means you are unable to read the computer screen, or use a computer mouse, our staff will provide you with assistance to complete the test. If this applies to you, please attach a note requesting a standard assisted test to your application form.

You will still be required to give the correct answers to the test questions to meet the requirements for citizenship.

If you are not sure whether or not you need to sit the test, please contact the department for more information. Telephone: 131 880

People with low levels of English literacy skills

It is expected that most people will need to be able to speak and read basic English to complete the citizenship test without assistance. If you have problems with reading in English, our staff will provide assistance by reading the questions and possible answers to you.

You will still be required to give the correct answers to the test questions to meet the requirements for citizenship.

To be eligible for this assistance, you will need to have completed at least 400 hours of English language tuition under the Adult Migrant English Programme (AMEP), and be assessed by the AMEP provider as not having the English language reading skills necessary to complete the test unassisted. If this applies to you, please attach a note requesting a 90 minute assisted test to your application form.

For more information on the assisted test, please contact the department.
Telephone: 131 880