The Australian Citizenship Test
Twenty multiple-choice questions, forty-five minutes, and a pass mark of fifteen out of twenty — but the five questions on Australian values must all be answered correctly, whatever your total.
At a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Format | 20 multiple-choice questions, computer-based |
| Pass mark | 15 of 20 (75%) — including all five values questions |
| Time limit | 45 minutes |
| Language | English only |
| Fee | Included in the citizenship application fee; no separate charge |
| Booking | Online through ImmiAccount once invited |
| Retakes | Unlimited; you wait for the next available appointment |
How the test is marked
The pass mark is fifteen correct answers out of twenty. But the values section is pass-or-fail on its own: all five values questions have to be right. Someone who answers nineteen correctly but misses one values question has not passed. This is the single most common reason applicants are surprised by a fail, and it is why the official wording of the Australian Values Statement is worth memorising rather than paraphrased.
There is no time pressure beyond the forty-five minute limit, and you cannot return to change an answer once you move to the next question. If you sit the test and fail, there is no limit on how many times you can sit it again, and no extra charge for retaking — you simply book the next available slot.
The five sections
Australian values — 5 questions (must pass all 5)
The five core values and the Australian Values Statement. This is the section that catches people out.
Australian history — about 5 questions
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, colonisation from 1788, federation in 1901, the world wars, and the Vietnam War.
Australian government and law — about 5 questions
The Constitution, the three levels of government, Parliament, voting, how laws are made, and the court system.
Australian symbols — about 3 questions
The national flag, the anthem, the coat of arms, the national colours, and Australia Day on 26 January.
Rights and responsibilities — about 2 questions
Obeying the law, voting, jury duty, paying taxes, and the expectation of defending Australia if required.
Booking and test day
You can only book once you have lodged a citizenship application and been invited. Log in to ImmiAccount, open your application, and choose "Book citizenship test". Test centres operate in every state and territory, and popular slots fill up weeks ahead, so booking early matters.
On the day, bring your test confirmation email and a photo ID, and arrive fifteen minutes early. Phones are switched off and stored, and pens are provided. The result is given on screen immediately after the test.
If you need adjustments
If you need extra time, a reader or scribe, a separate room, or assistive technology because of a disability or medical condition, request it when you book or contact the test centre directly. Medical evidence may be required.