Study guide
Australian citizenship test format and pass mark
There are two requirements to pass: your overall score must be high enough, and every Australian values answer must be correct. Understanding both makes your practice results much more useful.
By AusCitizenReady · Reviewed
Quick answer
The standard test format
- Questions
- 20 multiple choice
- Time available
- 45 minutes
- Overall pass mark
- 15 out of 20 (75%)
- Australian values
- 5 out of 5 correct
The five values questions are included in the 20-question total. You must satisfy both score requirements in the same test. These figures come from the Department of Home Affairs citizenship test guidance.
Eligible applicants may be offered a 90-minute Assisted Test. If you need support, check the Department's Assisted Test eligibility and support guidance and follow your appointment instructions. Our timed mocks use the standard 45-minute format.
How the two pass requirements work together
Treat the result as two checks: first the total, then the values answers. A strong total cannot make up for an incorrect values answer. The examples below simply apply the published rules; they are not predictions of your test result.
| Total correct | Values correct | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 15/20 | 5/5 | Pass: both requirements met |
| 19/20 | 4/5 | Does not pass: one values error |
| 14/20 | 5/5 | Does not pass: total below 15 |
In your revision notes, record both numbers. Writing only a percentage can hide the reason an attempt did not pass. If values are the gap, use the Australian values guide before another timed attempt.
What to study and which language to use
The official test is conducted in English. Its content is based on Our Common Bond: Australia and its people; democratic beliefs, rights and liberties; government and law; and Australian values. Home Affairs also provides translated booklets, an audio podcast, a sample practice test and English-learning resources. Find them on the official preparation page.
One practical approach is to use a translation to clarify a difficult concept, then return to the English section. Keep a short vocabulary list of terms you keep confusing. For each term, write its meaning in your own words and a simple example. This gives you something more useful to revise than a list of answer letters.
Use the timer to learn about your reading pace
Dividing 45 minutes by 20 questions gives an average of 2 minutes 15 seconds per question. This is a planning calculation, not a separate time allowance for each question. Some answers will take much less time; unfamiliar wording may take longer.
- Read a section of the booklet without a timer and check your understanding first.
- Take a timed mock without notes so you can observe your usual reading pace.
- Afterwards, note whether you ran out of time, rushed, or spent time on unfamiliar vocabulary.
- Work on that specific difficulty before repeating the timed exercise.
Avoid making speed the goal of an untimed learning session. Being able to explain an answer is a more useful check of understanding than recognising a familiar screen quickly. When you practise under timed conditions, allow yourself the full session instead of fitting it between interruptions.
Turn the result into a next step
A mock score describes that practice attempt. Repeating the same set can make its wording familiar, so also test whether you can explain each idea without looking at the options. Use our mistake review routine to choose a small revision task instead of immediately starting another test.
You can browse the mock tests, including the free options, or explore topic practice (Premium). Use the official resources above alongside any independent practice tool. Follow your Home Affairs appointment instructions for the real test.