Australian Citizenship Test 2026: Format, Pass Mark & Changes
The Australian citizenship test in 2026: 20 questions, 45 minutes, a 75% pass mark and five values questions you must get right. Here's what to know.
The Australian citizenship test in 2026 has 20 multiple-choice questions, you have 45 minutes to finish it, and the pass mark is 75% — at least 15 correct answers. There is one extra rule: you must answer all five Australian values questions correctly, whatever your overall score.
The questions are drawn from the testable section of the official booklet, Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond. This guide covers the format, who sits the test, whether it costs anything, and what has changed in recent years.
Australian Citizenship Test 2026 at a Glance
- Questions: 20, multiple choice (usually three options)
- Time limit: 45 minutes
- Pass mark: 75% (15 out of 20)
- Values rule: all 5 Australian values questions must be correct
- Language: English
- Format: computer-based, usually at your citizenship appointment
- Source material: Parts 1 to 4 of Our Common Bond
What the Questions Cover
Questions come from four areas: Australia and its people; Australia's democratic beliefs, rights and liberties; government and the law; and Australian values. Expect questions about national symbols, how Parliament works, the role of the King and the Governor-General, the rights and responsibilities of citizens, and the values of equality, freedom and respect.
Why the Values Questions Matter So Much
Because every values question must be correct, you could score 19 out of 20 and still fail if the one you missed was a values question. Treat Australian values as the most important topic in your study plan.
Who Has to Sit the Test?
In general, applicants for citizenship by conferral aged 18 to 59 sit the test. Applicants under 18 and those aged 60 and over generally do not, although older applicants usually attend an interview. Some people with a permanent physical or mental condition that affects their ability to understand the test may also be exempt.
Is the Citizenship Test Free in 2026?
There is no separate booking fee to sit the test — it forms part of your citizenship application, which has its own application fee. The official practice test on the Department of Home Affairs website is free, and so is the Our Common Bond booklet. For current application fees, check immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.
What Has Changed?
The biggest recent change came in November 2020, when the test was updated to include the Australian values questions and the rule that all of them must be answered correctly. The booklet was revised at the same time. Since then, the core format — 20 questions, 45 minutes, 75% — has stayed the same.
Government policy can change, and there is regular public discussion about citizenship requirements. If you read about a proposed change, check whether it has actually taken effect by visiting the Department of Home Affairs website. Articles labelled "2025" or "2026" usually describe the same test.
If You Do Not Pass
You can usually sit the test again. Depending on current arrangements, you may be offered another attempt on the same day or a later appointment. See what happens if you fail the citizenship test for next steps.
How to Prepare
- Read the testable parts of Our Common Bond carefully.
- Practise by topic until you are scoring well in every category.
- Take timed mock tests — our guide to passing first time explains how.
- Review mistakes and re-read the related section of the booklet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions do I need to get right?
At least 15 out of 20 (75%), and all five of the Australian values questions must be correct.
Can I take the citizenship test online at home?
No. The official test is taken under supervision, usually at your citizenship appointment. You can practise online at home as often as you like.
Is the test available in other languages?
No. The test is in English, because a basic knowledge of English is one of the requirements for citizenship by conferral.
Can I skip a question and come back to it?
You can generally move through the questions and review your answers before you submit, but follow the on-screen instructions on the day.
Practise the 2026 Format
CitiZen AU mirrors the real test with 20-question mock tests, category practice for each part of Our Common Bond and extra focus on values questions — all in English and Vietnamese, with progress tracking to show when you are ready.