The Australian citizenship test: 15 of 20, but 5 of 5 on values
Most people applying for Australian citizenship by conferral aged 18 to 59 sit the citizenship test: 20 multiple-choice questions in 45 minutes, on a computer, in English. To pass you need 15 of 20 (75%), and all 5 of the Australian values questions right. Miss one values question and you fail, whatever your total.
Everything below was read on the Department of Home Affairs' citizenship test pages on 5 October 2026. Where a comparison with other countries' tests is ours, it says so.
The pass rule has two parts
Home Affairs states three conditions: answer 20 multiple-choice questions, answer 5 of 5 (100%) of the Australian values questions correctly, and reach an overall mark of at least 15 of 20 (75%). You have 45 minutes.
So 19 out of 20 can fail. A candidate who gets every other question right but misses one values question has 19 of 20, 95%, and has not passed.
The questions cover Australia and its people, Australia's democratic beliefs, rights and liberties, government and the law in Australia, and Australian values based on freedom, respect and equality.
The finding: the only citizenship test compared here where a pass mark is not enough
This comparison is ours, from each test body's own pages, all read on 5 October 2026.
Every other citizenship test on our comparison passes on a single total: France's examen civique at 80%, the UK, Canada and Norway at 75%, Spain's CCSE and the US civics test at 60%, Germany's Einbürgerungstest at about 52%. Australia is the only one with a section you must get completely right.
It is also the only one whose own pages say it tests your language. Home Affairs says passing shows a basic knowledge of the English language, and the test is conducted in English only. Canada says its test has no language questions, the UK, Spain, Germany, Norway and France each set a separate language requirement for citizenship, and the US gives a separate English test at the same interview. Australia's Citizenship Act makes the test the way that English requirement is met, as set out on the citizenship language page.
And there is no separate fee. Home Affairs says the application fee you paid includes the test.
How to prepare with Home Affairs' own material
All questions are based on one booklet, Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond. It is available in English and, according to Home Affairs' video, in 40 community languages. The test itself is in English only.
Home Affairs also offers an Our Common Bond podcast, an official practice test (a sample whose questions will be different on the day), and free AMEPOnline citizenship modules for people still learning English.
Home Affairs does not endorse any external course or paid app that claims to prepare you for the test, and says Our Common Bond is all you need.
If you do not sit the test
Applicants who do not need to sit the test may have an interview instead, to confirm identity and discuss the application.
At that interview, applicants aged 16 or 17 may be asked to show they understand their application, have a basic knowledge of English, and understand the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship. Applicants aged 60 or over, or with a hearing, speech or sight impairment, may be asked to show they understand the nature of the application, and Home Affairs can arrange an interpreter.
Bring an original photo ID: an Australian driver licence, a passport or an Australian proof-of-age card. Home Affairs does not accept certified copies or electronic images, and without photo ID the appointment is moved to a later date.
Mistakes worth avoiding
Aiming for 15 out of 20 and treating values as one topic among four.
Treating the values section as pass-or-fail on its own.
All 5 values questions must be right. Missing one fails the test even with 19 of 20.
Paying for a citizenship test app or course.
Using Our Common Bond, the podcast and the official practice test.
Home Affairs says Our Common Bond is all you need and does not endorse external courses or paid apps.
Memorising the practice test.
Studying the booklet the questions come from.
The practice test is a sample; Home Affairs says the questions will be different on the day.
Planning to sit it in your own language.
Preparing to sit it in English.
The booklet exists in many languages, but the test is conducted in English only.
Bringing a photo of your passport on your phone.
Bringing the original document.
Home Affairs does not accept certified copies or electronic images of photo ID.
Questions
What is the pass mark for the Australian citizenship test?
At least 15 of 20 (75%) overall, and all 5 of the Australian values questions correct. Both conditions must be met, so 19 of 20 with one values question wrong is a fail.
How long is the Australian citizenship test?
45 minutes for 20 computer-based multiple-choice questions.
How much does the Australian citizenship test cost?
Nothing extra. Home Affairs says the citizenship application fee includes the test.
Who has to sit the Australian citizenship test?
Most applicants for citizenship by conferral aged 18 to 59. Others may have an interview instead, where applicants aged 16 or 17 may need to show basic English and applicants 60 and over may be asked to show they understand their application.
Can I take the Australian citizenship test in another language?
No. The test is conducted in English only, and Home Affairs says passing it shows a basic knowledge of English. The preparation booklet, Our Common Bond, is available in English and a range of community languages.
What should I study for the Australian citizenship test?
Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond. All test questions are based on it. Home Affairs also offers a podcast, a practice test and free AMEPOnline modules, and does not endorse external courses or paid apps.
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