Introduction
The Australian citizenship test is an essential step in the journey towards becoming an Australian citizen. Introduced in 2007, the test is designed to assess applicants’ understanding of Australia, including its people, values, history, and national symbols. The test also measures the applicant’s grasp of the English language. The test underwent significant changes in 2009 to improve its effectiveness as a pathway for residents to become Australian citizens.
Preparation for the Test
In order to adequately prepare for the test, there are several steps you can take.
Firstly, read the “Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond” booklet, which is the official guide for preparing for the citizenship test. This booklet contains all the information you will need to pass the test, and is available in various languages to assist in your understanding.
You may also listen to the “Our Common Bond” podcast, which is another useful tool for learning about Australia. Lastly, it is highly recommended that you do a practice test. This will give you a better idea of what to expect on the actual test, and can help you identify areas where you may need to focus your study efforts more intensively.
The test is based on four key areas: Australia and its people, Australia’s democratic beliefs, rights and liberties, government and the law in Australia, and an understanding and commitment to Australian values based on freedom, respect, and equality. These areas should form the focus of your study and preparation for the test.
Test Format and Sample Questions
The citizenship test is a computer-based assessment comprising 20 multiple-choice questions. These questions are drawn randomly from a pool of 200 confidential questions. Applicants have 45 minutes to complete the test and need to score a minimum of 75% (or 15 out of 20 questions correct) to pass. Additionally, you must answer all 5 questions on Australian Values correctly. If you fail the exam but score more than 50%, you get two more attempts on the same day.
Here are some sample questions that might appear on the test:
- What is Australia’s national floral emblem?
- In what year did Federation take place?
- Who is the Queen’s representative in Australia?
- What are the colours on the Australian flag?
- In what year did the European settlement of Australia start?
- What do we remember on Anzac Day?
- Which official symbol of Australia identifies Commonwealth property?
- Which of these is an example of freedom of speech?
These questions and the answers to them can be found in the “Our Common Bond” booklet, which is the primary study resource for the test.
Scheduling the Test
Scheduling a time to take the test can be done through the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC). Please note that wait times can vary widely, and you may need to wait a considerable amount of time depending on your location.
Study Resources
- “Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond” booklet”; and
- “Our Common Bond” podcast and do the practice test.
Preparing for the Australian citizenship test requires a clear understanding of Australia’s history, values, and system of governance, and a good grasp of the English language. By using the resources provided by the Australian government, and dedicating sufficient time for studying and understanding the material, applicants stand a good chance of passing the test and moving one step closer to becoming Australian citizens.