Helping Vietnamese Parents and Older Learners Prepare for the Citizenship Test

For many Vietnamese-Australian families, the citizenship test is a family project. Parents who arrived in Australia later in life may be working hard, caring for grandchildren, and still building their English — all while preparing for a test in a second language. With the right approach and support, older learners and English learners can absolutely pass. Here is how.

Who Needs to Sit the Test?

In general, applicants for citizenship by conferral aged 18 to 59 must sit the test. Applicants aged 60 and over are generally not required to, although they usually attend an interview. So if your parents are in their 40s or 50s, they will most likely need to sit the test. Check the current rules on the Department of Home Affairs website (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au).

The Test at a Glance

20 multiple-choice questions, in English only
45 minutes
Pass mark 75% (15 correct answers)
All 5 Australian values questions must be answered correctly

Study Tips for Older Learners

Short, Regular Sessions

Memory works best with repetition over time. Fifteen to twenty minutes a day is more effective than a long session once a week. Choose a regular time — after breakfast or after dinner — and make it a habit.

Understand First, Then Memorise

Older learners often remember information better when it makes sense. Explain why things are the way they are — for example, why the Senate has equal numbers from each state — rather than just repeating facts.

Large Text and a Comfortable Setup

Use a phone or tablet with a larger font size, good lighting, and reading glasses if needed. Reduce distractions such as the television.

Rest and Repetition

It is normal to forget and relearn. Encourage your parents to revisit earlier topics regularly, not just move forward.

Study Tips for English Learners

Learn the concept in Vietnamese first, then learn the English words for it
Build a vocabulary list of key terms: Parliament (Quốc hội), Constitution (Hiến pháp), referendum (trưng cầu dân ý), equality (bình đẳng), the rule of law (pháp quyền)
Watch for small words that change meaning, such as "not", "always", "only" and "all"
Read questions aloud in English to build confidence with pronunciation and meaning
Consider free English classes — the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) offers free classes to many eligible migrants

How Children and Grandchildren Can Help

Quiz them over dinner — one or two questions a night keeps learning light and fun
Explain difficult words in Vietnamese, then switch back to English
Be patient and encouraging — avoid showing frustration; confidence matters as much as knowledge
Help with the technology — set up a study app, increase the font size, and show them how to review mistakes
Practise a mock test together in the final week, with a timer, just like the real thing
Help prepare for the appointment — organise documents, plan transport, and go with them if allowed

Focus on the Values Questions

Values questions can be tricky for people who grew up with different social norms. Talk through ideas such as equality of men and women, freedom of religion, and that no one is above the law. Make sure your parents understand these principles, not just the correct answers.

Tóm tắt bằng tiếng Việt

Người từ 18 đến 59 tuổi thường phải thi quốc tịch Úc. Bài thi gồm 20 câu hỏi trắc nghiệm bằng tiếng Anh, làm trong 45 phút; cần đạt 75% và phải trả lời đúng cả 5 câu hỏi về giá trị Úc. Con cháu có thể giúp cha mẹ bằng cách học cùng nhau mỗi ngày, giải thích các từ khó bằng tiếng Việt và luyện thi thử thường xuyên.

A Family Study Tool

CitiZen AU was made with families like yours in mind. Parents can read every question and explanation in both English and Vietnamese, practise one category at a time, and take full mock tests when they are ready — while progress tracking shows the whole family how far they have come.