What Is the Australian Citizenship Test?
The Australian citizenship test is a computer-based test designed to assess whether you have a basic knowledge of Australia's history, culture, values, and the responsibilities and privileges of being an Australian citizen. It is a requirement for most people aged 18 to 59 applying for Australian citizenship by conferral.
Test Format
- Number of questions: 20 multiple-choice questions
- Time limit: 45 minutes
- Pass mark: 75% (15 out of 20 correct)
- Language: English only
- Delivery: Computer-based at a Department of Home Affairs office
Question Types
All questions are multiple-choice with one correct answer. Questions are drawn from the official resource booklet Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond and cover five key areas:
- Australia and its people — Indigenous history, the First Fleet, federation, national symbols
- Australia's democratic beliefs, rights and liberties — Freedom of speech, freedom of religion, democratic values
- Government and the law in Australia — The Constitution, the three levels of government, the rule of law
- Australian values — Mateship, equality, fairness, respect for the law
- Becoming a permanent resident and citizen — The application process, the pledge of commitment
What Happens on Test Day
You will need to bring your original passport and any other identity documents requested by the Department of Home Affairs. The test is taken on a computer at a DHA office. You will have 45 minutes to answer 20 questions. Your result is displayed immediately after you finish.
What Happens If You Fail?
If you do not pass the first time, you can attempt the test again. There is no limit on the number of attempts. However, you must continue to meet all other eligibility requirements. We recommend studying thoroughly before each attempt using the official Our Common Bond resource.
Who Needs to Take the Test?
Applicants for Australian citizenship by conferral who are aged 18 to 59 at the time of application are required to sit the test. You are exempt if you are:
- Under 18 years of age
- 60 years of age or older
- Have a permanent physical or mental incapacity that means you cannot understand the test
- Were born to an Australian citizen parent overseas
Tips for Success
- Read Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond thoroughly — all test questions are based on this booklet
- Take practice tests to familiarise yourself with the question style
- Focus on understanding Australian values — they form a significant portion of the test
- Manage your time — you have over 2 minutes per question
Costs and Fees in 2026
The citizenship test itself has no separate fee — it is included in your citizenship application. For applications lodged under the general eligibility pathway (Form 1300t), the standard fee is AUD $595 from 1 July 2026, up from $575 in the 2025–26 year. A concession fee of $85 applies to eligible card holders, and children under 16 applying on the same form as a responsible parent pay nothing.
Fees have risen steadily in recent years: $490 in 2021–22, $540 in 2023–24, $560 in 2024–25, and $575 in 2025–26. Budget separately for supporting costs such as accredited translations of foreign-language documents, penal clearance certificates, and passport photos, which are not covered by the application fee. The fee is non-refundable, so check your eligibility carefully before lodging.
How Long Does the Whole Process Take?
Processing times vary by location and application volume, but recent Department of Home Affairs figures show most applications are decided within 7 to 14 months. Around 75% of citizenship by conferral applications are processed within 7 months, and 90% within 14 months. Your local council then schedules your ceremony, which can add several more months.
You can shorten the wait by lodging a complete application: double-check your residency calculations, provide all requested documents in the correct format, and respond quickly to any requests for further information. You should also avoid travelling overseas for long periods while your application is being assessed, and keep your ImmiAccount contact details current so you do not miss the invitation to book your test.
Test Day Checklist
Small oversights on test day cause unnecessary stress, so prepare the night before. Bring your original passport and any identity documents the Department asked for in your test invitation — photocopies are not accepted. Arrive at least 15 minutes early, because late arrival can mean losing your appointment slot. You cannot bring phones, smartwatches, or notes into the testing room; lockers are usually provided. If you need to reschedule, do it through your ImmiAccount as early as possible rather than simply not turning up.
On the day itself, read each question carefully and pace yourself: 45 minutes for 20 questions gives you plenty of time, so use it. Your result appears on screen the moment you finish, and the test officer will explain what happens next.