How the Australian citizenship test is scored
The Australian citizenship test has clear, fixed requirements — no curve, no partial credit. Knowing exactly what you need to achieve makes it easier to prepare with the right focus.
The pass mark
The test has 20 multiple-choice questions and a 45-minute time limit. To pass, you need to:
- Answer at least 15 questions correctly — that's 75% of the total
- Answer all 5 Australian values questions correctly — all five, not four out of five
Both conditions must be met. Getting 14 or fewer right overall means a resit, but so does getting even one values question wrong — regardless of how well you did on everything else.
Pass/fail scenarios
| Overall score | Values questions correct | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 15/20 | 5/5 | Pass |
| 16/20 | 5/5 | Pass |
| 20/20 | 5/5 | Pass |
| 19/20 | 4/5 | Fail (values requirement not met) |
| 15/20 | 4/5 | Fail (values requirement not met) |
| 14/20 | 5/5 | Fail (overall score too low) |
| 14/20 | 4/5 | Fail (both conditions failed) |
This table makes clear why the values section deserves extra study time. A single missed values question overrides everything else — even a near-perfect overall score.
Why the values questions are different
Five of the 20 questions are specifically about Australian values, and you must get all five right to pass — that's a separate requirement from the 75% pass mark.
That means you could answer 19 out of 20 correctly and still fail if one of your wrong answers was a values question.
Australian values questions tend to cover:
- Respect for the rule of law
- Equality of men and women
- Freedom of religion and speech
- Mutual respect and tolerance of others
These questions often use scenarios — a situation is described and you pick the response that best reflects Australian values. To answer them well, you need to understand why Australia holds these values, not just what they are.
For a detailed guide to how these questions work, see Australian citizenship test values questions explained.
Frequently asked questions
Can I fail with 19 out of 20? Yes. If the one question you got wrong was a values question, you haven't met the separate values requirement. Overall score and values score are assessed independently.
How many values questions are in the test? Five. All five must be answered correctly to pass.
Can I resit if I don't pass? Yes. Your application stays active and the Department will arrange another test opportunity. See what happens if you fail the citizenship test for what to expect.
Is there negative marking? No. A wrong answer scores zero — you're not penalised for incorrect answers. Answer every question.
How long do I have? 45 minutes for 20 questions — over 2 minutes per question. There's no need to rush.
What this means for your study
The practical implication is straightforward: don't treat the values section as an afterthought. Study the whole Our Common Bond booklet thoroughly, but spend extra time on the Australian values chapter until you're consistently getting them right in practice tests.
If you're doing practice tests and occasionally missing a values question, keep going — but address the values gap specifically before your real appointment.
For a structured study plan, see the Our Common Bond 14-day study plan and Australian citizenship practice test strategy.
Start practising now: Practice Test 1
If you don't pass first time
Not passing doesn't end your application. You'll generally get another opportunity to sit the test. Before your next attempt, use your result to identify which areas let you down and concentrate your study there.
Most people who prepare properly — reading the official resource and doing plenty of practice tests — pass on their first attempt. The test is designed to be fair, not a trap.
Official source
immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/citizenship/test-and-interview/australian-citizenship-test
Related guides
- Australian citizenship test values questions explained
- Recent changes to the Australian citizenship test
- What happens if you fail the citizenship test
- Australian citizenship practice test strategy
- Practice Test 1
This guide reflects current test requirements. Always verify with the Department of Home Affairs before your appointment.