How to prepare for the Australian citizenship test

Checked 6 Oct 2026

Everything in the test comes from one free booklet. A calm plan, a few weeks of short sessions, and practice in the test format are enough for most people. Here is how we would do it.

In short

Read the four Parts of Our Common Bond one at a time, check yourself after each, give the values extra time, and sit full practice tests in 45 minutes before the day. The core resources are free from Home Affairs.

The free resources from Home Affairs

Our Common Bond: the booklet every question is based on, in English and 40 other languages. What is in it.
Our Common Bond podcast: five episodes, one about the test and ceremony and one for each Part.
The practice test: 20 questions in 45 minutes, designed to look and feel like the test. A sample only: the questions on the day are different.
AMEPOnline citizenship modules: for English learners, with characters, stories and activities.

Home Affairs says Our Common Bond is all you need, and does not endorse paid courses or apps, including ours. We build on those free resources: plain English summaries, sample questions with sources, and a free practice test in the same format.

A study plan in 6 steps

Know the format20 questions, 45 minutes, 15 right to pass, and all 5 values questions right. Read the test format once, so nothing surprises you.
Take a first practice test coldBefore studying, sit our free practice test. Your score by Part shows where to start. A low first score is normal.
One Part at a timeRead our plain English summary of a Part in the study guide, then the same pages in Our Common Bond. Look up hard words in the glossary.
Check yourself after each PartTry the 30 sample questions for that Part. For every miss, open the guide page and read the paragraph again.
Values every weekValues questions decide the result on their own. Read Part 4 and the values topics of Part 2, and practise until you get the values questions right for the right reason.
Full tests in test conditionsIn the last week or two, sit full practice tests in 45 minutes, without notes or your phone. Review every mistake, not just the score.

What helps most

Short and often. 15 to 20 minutes a day sticks better than three hours on a Sunday.
Understand, do not memorise answers. The questions in the test are not published, and practice questions are written by others. If you know why an answer is right, a new wording will not catch you.
Read the question twice. Words like "not" and "must" change the answer.
Your language, then English. If English is your second language, read a page in your language first, then in English. See help in other languages.
Listen. On the day, text-to-speech can read the questions to you. Practise listening with the podcast too.
Skip and come back. In the Home Affairs practice test you can answer in any order. Do the easy ones first.

When are you ready?

Home Affairs does not publish a readiness standard. Our training target, used in the Cal app: 18 or more out of 20, with all 5 values questions right, on tests you have not seen before, at least three times in the last few weeks. Retaking the same test inflates your score, because you remember the answers. This is our suggestion, not a prediction of your result.

Before the day

Read what happens at your appointment: photo ID, your letter, arrive 10 minutes early. And if things do not go to plan, a second appointment is free.

Start now, free

20 questions in 45 minutes, in your browser, no account. All answers explained with their page in Our Common Bond.

Take the full free test: 20 questions Short on time? 10 questions

Sources

Department of Home Affairs: Prepare for the citizenship test (updated 23 February 2026), Citizenship test and interview, Our Common Bond podcast and the citizenship practice test. Read by us on 6 October 2026. The study plan, time estimates and readiness target are our own suggestions.

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 long does it take to prepare for the citizenship test?

Home Affairs does not give a number. Our suggestion: about 2 to 4 weeks of short daily sessions if your English is confident, and longer if English is new to you. Start when you apply, not when the letter arrives.

What should I study for the citizenship test?

Parts 1 to 4 of Our Common Bond, the testable section: Australia and its people, democratic beliefs, rights and liberties, government and the law, and Australian values. All test questions are based on it.

Is the Home Affairs practice test the same as the real test?

No. Home Affairs says its practice test is designed to look and feel like the test, but it is a sample only and the questions will be different on the day.

Do I need a paid app or course?

No. Our Common Bond, the podcast, the Home Affairs practice test and AMEPOnline are free, and you can prepare with them alone. Home Affairs does not endorse paid apps, including this one. Our web practice test and explanations are free too.

How do I know I am ready?

Our rule of thumb: you are close when you score 18 or more out of 20, with all 5 values questions right, on practice tests you have not seen before, more than once. That is a training target, not a prediction of your result.

Step 2 of the plan: your first practice test

Start the free practice test

Coming soon toApp StoreComing soon toGoogle Play

Independent app, not affiliated with the Department of Home Affairs or the Australian Government.