Can you sit the citizenship test in your language?
No: the test is in English only. But you can study in your own language, listen to the questions on the day, and some people get extra time. Here is the help that exists.
The citizenship test is in English only, and passing it shows a basic knowledge of English. To prepare, Our Common Bond is free in 40 community languages. On the day, text-to-speech and a Test Facilitator can read the questions to you. People with 400 hours of AMEP English classes may get the Assisted Test, with 90 minutes.
Why the test is in English
Home Affairs says passing the test shows you have a basic knowledge of the English language, along with knowledge of Australia and its values. So the questions and answers are in English for everyone. What you can choose is how you prepare.
Our Common Bond in 40 languages
Home Affairs publishes the testable section of Our Common Bond free in these 40 community languages:
Albanian, Amharic, Arabic, Bosnian, Burmese, Chinese Simplified, Chinese Traditional, Croatian, Dari, Dinka, Farsi (Persian), French, German, Greek, Hakha Chin, Hindi, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Karen, Khmer, Kirundi, Korean, Macedonian, Nepali, Nuer, Portuguese, Russian, Serbian, Sinhalese, Somali, Spanish, Swahili, Tagalog, Tamil, Thai, Tigrinya, Turkish, Urdu and Vietnamese.
Download the guide in your language from Home Affairs. More about the booklet on our page Our Common Bond explained.
A study tip. Read a page in your language first, so you understand the idea. Then read the same page in English, because the test uses the English words. Our glossary explains 73 of the hard English words from the guide in plain English.
Help on the day
- Listen instead of read. Text-to-speech can read the questions and the answer choices to you.
- A Test Facilitator can show you how to use the computer or tablet, use it for you, give you headphones, read the questions aloud, or select your answers if you say them aloud.
- On your own. You cannot bring anyone to help you during the test, and no books, notes or other materials.
The Assisted Test and AMEP
The Assisted Test gives 90 minutes instead of 45. You may be offered it if you asked for it in your application and you have completed at least 400 hours of English classes in the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP). You do not need to ask your AMEP provider for proof of your hours: Home Affairs checks your AMEP participation after you apply. It is also open to people with a physical or cognitive impairment.
Home Affairs gives a rough guide to how long 400 hours takes: about 6 to 9 months full time (15 to 20 hours a week), or more than a year part time.
Free English help
AMEPOnline has free citizenship modules that help English learners work through the guide with characters, stories and activities. Home Affairs also suggests the general AMEP program if you want to improve your English before the test. The Our Common Bond podcast, in five episodes, lets you listen to the main points.
Interpreters at interviews
Applicants who do not sit the test may have an interview instead. If you are 60 or over, have a hearing, speech or sight impairment, or have a permanent or enduring incapacity, Home Affairs can arrange an interpreter at your appointment if you need one. See the citizenship interview.
Practise in English
Our free practice test is in English, like the test, and every answer comes with a short explanation and its page in the guide, so you can look up the same page in your language.
Sources
Department of Home Affairs: Read Our Common Bond booklet (the 40 language downloads), Prepare for the citizenship test, Learn about the citizenship test (updated 30 September 2026), Learn about the citizenship interview and Our Common Bond podcast. Read by us on 6 October 2026.
Independent app, not affiliated with the Department of Home Affairs or the Australian Government. Found a mistake? Write to hello@calaustralia.com.
Common questions
Can I do the Australian citizenship test in another language?
Is there an interpreter for the citizenship test?
Is Our Common Bond available in Arabic, Vietnamese, Chinese or Urdu?
What if my English is weak?
Practise the English questions, free
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