About the citizenship test

Who sits the test

If you apply for citizenship by conferral and you’re aged 18 to 59 on the day your application is received, you’ll generally need to sit the test. People under 18 or 60 and over, and some others (for example, people with a permanent incapacity or a substantial loss of hearing, speech or sight), usually don’t — they may have an interview instead.

You don’t book the test yourself: after you apply, Home Affairs sends you a letter with the date, time and place. They advise being ready for the test before you lodge your application, as the appointment can come soon after. There’s no extra fee — it’s included in your application fee.

The test itself

The test is in English and taken on a computer or tablet at a Home Affairs office or some Services Australia offices. You see your result on screen straight away. Questions cover the four parts of the testable section of Our Common Bond:

1. Australia and its people
2. Australia’s democratic beliefs, rights and liberties
3. Government and the law in Australia
4. Australian values — freedom, respect and equality

A Test Facilitator can show you how to use the device, read questions aloud or select answers you say out loud. An Assisted Test with 90 minutes is available for some people — for example after 400 hours of English classes through the Adult Migrant English Program, or with a physical or cognitive impairment — if you ask for it in your application.

On the day

• Arrive about 10 minutes early with your original photo ID (such as a passport or Australian driver licence — copies aren’t accepted) and your appointment letter, printed or on your phone.
• Your identity is confirmed and your photo taken before the test.
• No phones, smart watches, notes or talking during the test, and no children in the test centre — arrange childcare beforehand. Breaking the rules can mean your application is refused.

After the test

If you pass and your application is approved, you’ll be invited to a citizenship ceremony — usually with about four weeks’ notice. You become a citizen when you make the pledge at the ceremony.

If you don’t pass, it doesn’t affect your visa. Home Affairs books another appointment at no extra cost. If you don’t pass after three appointments, your application may be refused — so it pays to walk in fully prepared.