Who has to sit the Australian citizenship test, and who does not

Checked 6 Oct 2026

Most people applying for citizenship by conferral who are 18 to 59 sit the test. Younger and older applicants, and some people with an incapacity or impairment, usually have an interview instead.

In short

If you are 18 to 59 on the day Home Affairs receives your application for citizenship by conferral, you generally sit the test. If you are 17 or younger, or 60 or over, when you apply, or you have a permanent incapacity or a serious impairment of hearing, speech or sight, you generally do not, and you may have an interview instead.

Who sits the test

Applicants for citizenship by conferral aged 18 to 59 on the day Home Affairs receives their application are generally required to sit the test. If that is you, Home Affairs sends you a letter with the date, time and place of your appointment. Your age on the day you apply is what counts.

Who generally does not sit the test

Home Affairs lists these situations. You generally do not need to sit the test if you:

are aged 17 or younger when you apply
are aged 60 or over when you apply
are the child of a former Australian citizen who lost their citizenship in specific circumstances
were born in Papua before 16 September 1975 to an Australian citizen born in Australia (as Australia is now)
were born in Australia and are stateless
have a permanent or enduring physical or mental incapacity
have a permanent loss or substantial impairment of hearing, speech or sight.

Applicants who do not sit the test may have an interview instead, so Home Affairs can confirm their identity and ask about their application. Read what happens at the citizenship interview.

If you are 60 or over

You generally do not sit the test. At an interview you may need to show you understand the nature of your application. A family member or another person can come with you, and if you need an interpreter, Home Affairs can arrange one at your appointment. The eligibility rules for applicants 60 and over are on a separate Home Affairs page, linked from Become a citizen: permanent resident.

If you have an incapacity or impairment

There are two different paths, and it helps to know which one fits:

No test: a permanent or enduring physical or mental incapacity, or a permanent loss or substantial impairment of hearing, speech or sight. Home Affairs may need to verify the incapacity at an interview.
A test with more time: a permanent or temporary physical or cognitive impairment that stops you sitting the Standard Test even with help may make you eligible for the Assisted Test, with 90 minutes instead of 45. You ask for it in your application, with evidence from your registered health practitioner on the Assisted Test request form.

Home Affairs gives examples of impairments for the Assisted Test, including ADHD, dyslexia, autism, anxiety, depression, epilepsy and stroke, as a guide only. The Assisted Test is also open to people who have completed at least 400 hours of English classes in the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP).

Children and teenagers

Applicants aged 17 or younger when they apply generally do not sit the test. At an interview, 16 and 17 year olds may need to show they understand the nature of their application, have a basic knowledge of English, and understand the responsibilities and privileges of Australian citizenship. A parent can include a child aged 15 or younger on their own application.

Not sure which applies to you?

Ask Home Affairs, or wait for your letter: it tells you whether you have a test appointment. If you will sit the test, see the test format and pass mark and how to prepare, then try the format for free.

Take the full free test: 20 questions

Sources

Department of Home Affairs: Learn about the citizenship test (updated 30 September 2026), sections "Who sits the test", "Who doesn't sit the test" and "Assisted Test"; Learn about the citizenship interview; Become a citizen: permanent resident. Read by us on 6 October 2026. This page is general information, not advice on your case.

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

Common questions

Do I need to do the citizenship test if I am over 60?

Generally no. If you are 60 or over when you apply, you usually do not sit the test. You may have an interview instead, where you may need to show you understand your application. A family member can come with you, and Home Affairs can arrange an interpreter.

What is the age limit for the Australian citizenship test?

The test is generally for applicants aged 18 to 59 on the day Home Affairs receives their application for citizenship by conferral. Your age on the day you apply is what counts, not your age on the day of the appointment.

Can I get a medical exemption from the citizenship test?

People with a permanent or enduring physical or mental incapacity, or a permanent loss or substantial impairment of hearing, speech or sight, generally do not sit the test. Home Affairs may need to verify the incapacity. People with an impairment who can sit a test with more time may be offered the 90 minute Assisted Test instead.

Do children sit the citizenship test?

No. Applicants aged 17 or younger when they apply generally do not sit the test. 16 and 17 year olds may have an interview and may need to show basic English and an understanding of citizenship. Children under 16 can be included on a parent's application.

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