The Australian citizenship test format: questions, time and pass mark

Checked 6 Oct 2026

20 multiple choice questions, 45 minutes, in English. You need at least 15 right and all 5 values questions right. Here is what that means, and what the test checks.

In short

You answer 20 multiple choice questions in English on a computer or tablet, in 45 minutes. 5 questions are about Australian values. To pass, you need at least 15 of 20 right (75%) and all 5 values questions right. Your result shows on screen when you finish.

The test at a glance

Questions	20 multiple choice questions
Values questions	5 of the 20 are about Australian values, and all 5 must be right
Pass mark	At least 15 of 20 (75%) and 5 of 5 on values
Time	45 minutes for the Standard Test, 90 minutes for the Assisted Test
Language	English only
How	On a computer or tablet at your appointment
Result	On screen as soon as you finish
Based on	Parts 1 to 4 of Our Common Bond, the testable section
Cost	Included in your citizenship application fee

How the pass mark works

There are two conditions, and you need both:

15 or more of 20 right. That is 75%. You can miss up to 5 questions overall.
All 5 values questions right. A single wrong answer on a values question means the test is not passed, whatever your total.

An example. 19 of 20 right, with the one miss on a values question: not a pass. 15 of 20 right, with all 5 values questions right: a pass.

Home Affairs does not say which questions in the test are the values questions. In our practice material they come from Part 4 of the guide and the values topics of Part 2. Read our plain English guide to Australian values.

What the test checks

Home Affairs says passing the test shows you have:

a basic knowledge of the English language
an understanding of what it means to become an Australian citizen
an adequate knowledge of Australia and the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship
an understanding of, and commitment to, Australian values based on freedom, respect and equality.

The questions come from four topics, the four Parts of the testable section of Our Common Bond:

1Australia and its peopleGuide pages 7 to 16 2Rights and libertiesGuide pages 17 to 22 3Government and the lawGuide pages 23 to 32 4Australian valuesGuide pages 33 to 39

On the screen

The Home Affairs practice test shows how the test looks: a 45 minute timer, the questions numbered 1 to 20, and you can answer them in any order, skip a question and come back to it. Text-to-speech can read the questions and answers to you, and a Test Facilitator can help you use the computer, give you headphones or read the questions aloud.

You sit the test on your own. No phones, smart watches, books or notes, and no talking except to the Test Facilitator. What happens before and after is on our page about your test appointment.

The Assisted Test: 90 minutes

If you asked for it in your application, Home Affairs may offer you the Assisted Test, with 90 minutes instead of 45, if you have completed at least 400 hours of English classes in the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP), or you have a physical or cognitive impairment that stops you sitting the Standard Test even with help. The questions and the pass mark are the same.

Try the format before the day

Our free practice test works like the format: 20 questions, 45 minutes, any order, a "Review later" flag, and the same pass rule. At the end you see your score, the values check, your score by Part and every answer explained with its page in the guide. Our questions are written by us from Our Common Bond; they are not questions from the test.

Take the full free test: 20 questions Or browse 120 sample questions

Sources

Department of Home Affairs: Learn about the citizenship test (updated 30 September 2026), Prepare for the citizenship test and the citizenship practice test; Our Common Bond, testable section, pages 3 and 4. Read by us on 6 October 2026. Your letter and the Home Affairs pages come first.

Independent app, not affiliated with the Department of Home Affairs or the Australian Government. Found a mistake? Write to hello@calaustralia.com.

Common questions

How many questions are on the Australian citizenship test?

20 multiple choice questions. 5 of them are about Australian values. You have 45 minutes, or 90 minutes if Home Affairs gives you the Assisted Test.

What is the pass mark for the citizenship test?

At least 15 of 20 right (75%) and all 5 Australian values questions right. Both conditions must be met: 19 of 20 with one values question wrong is not a pass.

Is the Australian citizenship test 50 questions?

No. The test has 20 questions. Lists of 50 or more questions online are practice material written by other people. Every test question is based on Parts 1 to 4 of Our Common Bond.

Is the citizenship test multiple choice?

Yes. You pick one answer for each question on a computer or tablet. In the Home Affairs practice test you can answer in any order and skip questions to come back to them.

Is the Australian citizenship test hard?

Home Affairs does not publish a pass rate on its test pages. The questions are all based on one free booklet, so steady reading and practice help most. The hardest part for many people is the values rule: one values miss means no pass.

Try 20 questions in 45 minutes, free

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