Who Is Exempt From the Australian Citizenship Test?
A general guide to who must sit the Australian citizenship test and who may not need to, including age-based rules and other special cases.
Not everyone who applies for Australian citizenship has to sit the citizenship test. Whether you need to depends mainly on your age, the type of application you make, and in some cases your health. This article gives a general overview. Because the rules are detailed and can change, always confirm your situation with the Department of Home Affairs.
Who Generally Must Sit the Test?
Most applicants for citizenship by conferral who are aged 18 to 59 at the time they apply are required to sit the test. This includes the majority of skilled migrants, partners and many former refugees who have become permanent residents.
Who Generally Does Not Have to Sit the Test?
Children
Children under 18 are generally not required to sit the test. Children under 16 are often included in a parent's application, while 16- and 17-year-olds may apply in their own right, usually without a test.
Older Applicants
Applicants aged 60 and over are generally not required to sit the test. They usually still attend an interview as part of the process, where the Department can confirm their identity and other details. For many older people in migrant communities — including Vietnamese-Australian grandparents — this is welcome news.
People With Certain Permanent Conditions
People who have a permanent or enduring physical or mental incapacity that means they cannot understand the nature of the application or demonstrate the required knowledge may not need to sit the test. Supporting medical evidence is usually required.
Other Application Types
Some pathways do not involve the test at all, such as citizenship by descent (for people born overseas to an Australian citizen parent) and some other special categories.
What About a Hearing or Vision Impairment?
Having a disability does not automatically exempt you, but the Department may be able to provide assistance or alternative arrangements for the test. If you have a hearing, vision or other impairment, let the Department know when you apply or when you receive your appointment.
What About Limited English or Literacy?
Limited English or limited schooling is not a reason for exemption. The test is only available in English, and a basic knowledge of English is a requirement for citizenship. However, the Department has at times offered additional support pathways for people who have trouble passing the standard test. Ask the Department about current options if this applies to you.
Even If You Are Exempt, the Knowledge Matters
Even if you do not have to sit the test, understanding Australia's values, history and system of government helps you participate fully as a citizen. You will vote, you may be called for jury duty, and you will make the Australian Citizenship Pledge at your ceremony, promising to uphold Australia's laws and share its democratic beliefs.
Check the Official Rules
For the current rules on who must sit the test, visit the Department of Home Affairs website at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. If you are unsure, seek advice before applying.
Studying for the Test?
If you do need to sit the test — or you want to help a family member who does — CitiZen AU offers practice questions in English and Vietnamese, organised by category, plus full mock tests that match the real 20-question format.