The Course-Based Test

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Our Common Bond: A Course in Australian Citizenship, is a citizenship test in the form of a course that has been developed for applicants for Australian citizenship who are finding it difficult passing the Standard or Assisted Test.

For more information on the Standard or Assisted Test
See: Citizenship test

Eligibility

The Course-Based Test is designed to assist people who are finding it difficult preparing for and passing the Standard or Assisted Test, in particular individuals with a low level of English literacy and schooling.

Entry to the course is only by DIAC referral after three or more unsuccessful attempts at the Standard and/or Assisted Test. Applicants for citizenship are not able to self-select to undertake the Course-Based Test - DIAC identifies eligible clients for the course and makes contact with them.

Content

Our Common Bond: A Course in Australian Citizenship is based around the Australian Citizenship Pledge. It will cover information contained in the testable section of the resource book, including topics such as:

  • Australia and its people
  • Australia’s democratic beliefs, rights and liberties, and 
  • Government and the law in Australia.

The Course-Based Test comprises 20 hours of classroom-based tuition over seven sessions, of which sessions two to six are assessable.

The Course-Based Test is in English only and does not provide a pathway to citizenship if you do not speak basic English. It is conducted by a teacher in a classroom situation and is primarily audio-visual with a number of support resources to assist you in understanding important citizenship concepts.

The Course-Based Test is delivered through selected Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) service providers.  A qualified and experienced teacher who is also an Australian citizen delivers the Course-Based Test. The Course-Based Test is available within Australia only.

Assessment

As with the Standard and Assisted Test, the Course-Based Test assesses whether you meet the following legal requirements for citizenship:

  • a basic knowledge of the English language
  • an adequate knowledge of Australia and the responsibilities and privileges of Australian citizenship, and
  • an understanding of the nature of your application for citizenship.

In order to successfully complete the course, you will be required to:

  • attend all sessions unless you can provide a medical certificate
  • participate in basic English in all classroom activities and discussions, and
  • complete all assessment tasks and achieve at least 75% in each task. 

Course-Based Test Locations

The Course-Based Test locations are based on the distribution of eligible clients.  To date, they have been held in:

  • Sydney
  • Melbourne
  • Perth
  • Adelaide

Additional locations, including other states, territories and/or regional or rural areas are considered as sufficient demand emerges.

Childcare

Childcare is not provided while you are attending the Course-Based Test so you will need to make your own childcare arrangements.

For further information on the Course-Based Test, please contact the Citizenship Information Line on 131 880, 8.30 am to 4.30 pm Monday to Friday.