What Happens If You Fail the Australian Citizenship Test?
Failed the Australian citizenship test? Learn what usually happens next, how retakes work, and how to prepare so you pass on your next attempt.
Not passing the citizenship test can feel devastating, especially after months of waiting for your appointment. But it is important to know that failing is not the end of your citizenship journey. Many people who do not pass at first go on to pass with better preparation. Here is what generally happens and how to bounce back.
First, Understand Why You Failed
There are two ways to fail the test:
- Scoring below 75% — that is, fewer than 15 correct answers out of 20
- Getting any Australian values question wrong — you must answer all five values questions correctly, even if your overall score is 75% or higher
Many people are surprised to learn that they failed with a high overall score because of a single values question. If this happened to you, your next step is clear: focus closely on the values section.
Can You Take the Test Again?
Yes. If you do not pass, you can usually sit the test again. Depending on the current arrangements, you may be offered another attempt on the same day or you may need to book or be given a later appointment. The Department of Home Affairs sets the rules for retakes, and they can change, so check immi.homeaffairs.gov.au or follow the officer's instructions at your appointment.
It is important to keep attending test appointments. If you repeatedly fail or do not attend, your application may eventually be refused.
Is There Extra Help?
The Department has, at times, offered additional support for people who have difficulty passing the test, such as a course-based option for people who face particular challenges with the standard test, for example because of limited literacy or schooling. Eligibility is limited, so ask the Department about current options if you have tried several times.
How to Prepare for a Retake
1. Go Back to the Official Booklet
All test questions are based on Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond, especially the testable sections. Re-read these carefully, one part at a time, rather than skimming the whole booklet.
2. Master the Values Section
Study the Australian values topics thoroughly: respect for the equal worth of every person, freedom of speech and religion, the rule of law, equality of men and women, parliamentary democracy, English as the national language, and a "fair go" for everyone. Values questions often test whether you can recognise the answer that reflects these principles.
3. Practise Under Real Conditions
Take full 20-question mock tests without notes, timed, in a quiet space. Aim to score well above 75% consistently — not just once — before your next attempt.
4. Analyse Your Mistakes
Keep a list of every question you get wrong in practice. Group them by topic. Patterns will quickly show you where your weak spots are — perhaps government, perhaps history, perhaps vocabulary.
5. Work on English Vocabulary
Sometimes people know the facts but misunderstand a key word in the question. Learn the important terms — such as referendum, Governor-General, Senate, and rule of law — and make sure you understand them in both English and your first language.
Look After Yourself
Test anxiety is real. Get enough sleep before your next attempt, eat well, and arrive early. Remind yourself that you have done this before, and you now know exactly what the test looks like.
Come Back Stronger
CitiZen AU is built for exactly this situation. Track your progress by category to find weak areas, repeat full mock tests until your scores are consistently high, and read explanations in English and Vietnamese so every concept is clear. Your next attempt can be the one.