Australian Citizenship Test: Format, Values Questions and Pass Mark

Short answer: The Australian citizenship test is a 45-minute computer test with 20 multiple-choice questions. To pass, you need at least 75% overall and you must answer all 5 questions about Australian values correctly. Questions come from the official resource Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond.

Australian citizenship test at a glance

Why the Australian values questions matter so much

The values rule is what makes the Australian test different. You could get 19 out of 20 right, but if the one you get wrong is a values question, you fail. So the values chapter deserves more attention than any other part of the book.

The values section covers ideas such as freedom of speech and religion, equality of men and women, the rule of law, parliamentary democracy, equality of opportunity, and the “fair go”. Read that part of Our Common Bond slowly and make sure you understand the reasoning, not just the words.

Australian values questions and answers: examples

The five values questions are drawn from the “Australian values” part of Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond. They test whether you understand principles such as equality, freedom and the rule of law, so the right answer is usually the one that treats everyone equally under the law. These examples are written by us in the same style; they are not the official questions.

1. Can a person be treated differently by the law because of their religion? No. Everyone is equal before the law, whatever their religion, gender, race or background.
2. Are men and women equal in Australia? Yes. Men and women have equal rights, including in work, education, voting and family life.
3. Can Australians criticise the government? Yes, peacefully. Freedom of speech and association lets people protest and express opinions within the law, but not incite violence or hatred.
4. Is it acceptable to use violence to change someone’s mind? No. Australians resolve disagreements peacefully; violence and intimidation are against the law.
5. Do religious laws override Australian law? No. People are free to follow any religion or none, but Australian law applies to everyone and takes precedence.
6. What does “a fair go” mean? Everyone should have equal opportunity, and what people achieve should come from their own effort and talent, not their background or connections.

Because you must answer all five values questions correctly to pass, practise them until you never miss one: our Australian citizenship practice test includes values questions in every mock exam, and all Australian citizenship questions and answers are grouped by section.

What topics are on the Australian citizenship test?

• Australia and its people: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the states and territories, national symbols and days.
• Australia’s democratic beliefs, rights and liberties: freedoms, equality and the responsibilities of citizenship.
• Government and the law in Australia: the Constitution, the three levels of government, Parliament and the courts.
• Australian values: the five questions you must get right.

Who has to take the test?

Most people applying for citizenship by conferral aged 18 to 59 must sit the test. Applicants under 18 or aged 60 and over, and people with a permanent physical or mental incapacity, do not take it. You sit the test at an appointment with the Department of Home Affairs, where your identity and documents are also checked.

How to prepare for the Australian citizenship test

1. Read Our Common Bond. Only the testable sections are examined, so focus on those.
2. Master the values chapter first. Our Australian citizenship practice test tracks the values questions separately so you can see if any are slipping.
3. Learn the levels of government. Questions about which level is responsible for what are common.
4. Take mock exams with the values rule turned on. Our mock exams fail you if you miss a values question, just like the real test.

Tip: Values questions are rarely tricky if you read them carefully. Most wrong answers describe something that conflicts with equality, freedom or the rule of law, so look for the option that respects everyone’s rights.

What happens if I fail?

You can sit the test again. The Department of Home Affairs will tell you how and when you can take your next attempt. Read our guide on failing and retaking citizenship tests.

Official sources

• Department of Home Affairs: Prepare for the citizenship test

Start with a free Australian citizenship practice quiz.