Recent changes to the Australian citizenship test you need to know
Always check the Department of Home Affairs for the latest test information.
If you've seen older guides online, it's worth knowing which parts of the test have changed and which haven't. Some guides still describe earlier versions of the test — the values requirement in particular has been a source of confusion.
What the test currently looks like
The citizenship test is a 20-question multiple-choice exam, taken in English on a computer. You have 45 minutes to complete it.
To pass, you need to:
- Answer at least 15 out of 20 questions correctly (75%)
- Get all five Australian values questions right — this is a separate requirement, not part of the 75% calculation
That second requirement is the important one to understand. Missing even one values question means you haven't passed — regardless of your overall score. This is not a new rule, but many applicants still don't know about it until they've already sat the test.
Official test information: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/citizenship/test-and-interview/australian-citizenship-test
What has changed in recent years
| Feature | Current position |
|---|---|
| Number of questions | 20 (unchanged) |
| Time limit | 45 minutes (unchanged) |
| Language | English only (unchanged) |
| Format | Computer-based (unchanged) |
| Overall pass mark | 75% — at least 15 correct (unchanged) |
| Values requirement | All 5 values questions correct — mandatory separate condition |
| Source material | Our Common Bond (unchanged) |
The overall format has been stable. The key change in recent years was placing Australian values at the centre of the pass requirements — making them a non-negotiable separate condition rather than simply five of the twenty questions.
This rule was introduced to ensure applicants demonstrate a genuine understanding of Australian values, not just adequate overall knowledge.
What has not changed
- The test still has 20 questions
- The time limit is still 45 minutes
- All questions still come from Our Common Bond
- The test is still taken on a computer at a Department of Home Affairs office
- Exemptions for under-18s and over-60s still apply
- You still cannot book your own test date — the Department sends you an appointment invitation
The increased focus on Australian values
The most significant ongoing shift is the mandatory nature of the values requirement. Five of the 20 questions are specifically about Australian values:
- Gender equality
- Freedom of religion and secular government
- Respect for the rule of law
- Freedom of speech and expression
- Tolerance and mutual respect
Values questions often present a realistic scenario and ask which response best reflects Australian values. You can't memorise your way through them — understanding how these values apply in real situations is what gets you the right answer.
See Australian citizenship test values questions explained for how these questions are structured and how to study for them effectively.
What this means for your study
If you're preparing for the test now, the single most important thing to understand is the values requirement. The pass mark and format haven't changed, but the mandatory 5/5 values condition is where many applicants get caught.
Study approach:
- Read Our Common Bond in full: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/citizenship/test-and-interview/our-common-bond
- Pay extra attention to the Australian values chapter
- Do timed practice tests and track your values question score separately: Practice Test 1
- Confirm you're consistently getting all five values questions correct before your appointment
For the full pass/fail breakdown, see how the Australian citizenship test is scored.
If you sat the test under earlier rules
If you previously sat the test under an older format and are now resitting, the current format applies. The requirements described in this guide are what the test looks like now. Check the Department's website to confirm anything specific to your situation.
Official source
immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/citizenship/test-and-interview/australian-citizenship-test
Related guides
- How the Australian citizenship test is scored
- Australian citizenship test values questions explained
- The Australian citizenship resource book: Our Common Bond
- Practice Test 1
The Department of Home Affairs may update test requirements at any time — check the official website before your appointment.