One of the criteria for becoming an Australian citizen is to pass the Australian citizenship exam. The exam will evaluate your knowledge about Australia (its people, customs, geography, symbols, beliefs and values, government and laws), as well as the obligations and advantages that come with being an Australian citizen. Check Citizenshipaustralian.com for more information about this test.
The citizenship examination is given in English and is computer-based. You will have 45 minutes to answer 20 questions.
It is a multiple-choice exam, which means that each question has three potential responses (unless it is a True/False question with just two). The passing grade is 75%. You must properly answer at least 15 questions, but you may answer up to 5 incorrectly. As stated in the update below, you must properly answer all five questions on Australian values.
The test is based on the updated test resource booklet Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond, which was released recently. To answer the questions on the citizenship exam, you must know and comprehend the material in the testable part.
The new ‘values’ questions will put candidates to the test on issues such as gender equality, the significance of democracy, and religious freedom.
Criteria for Appearing in the Australian Citizenship Test
You must have applied for Australian citizenship in order to take the exam.
- Be an Australian permanent resident.
- During the exam registration process, you must provide evidence of your identification.
- submit a picture of yourself or enable the government to take one for you.
This examination is not mandatory for everyone. The following are the exceptions:
- if you are under the age of 18 or above the age of 60
- if you have a significant cognitive or physical impairment that prohibits you from taking
- if one of your parents was formerly an Australian citizenship exam
- If you were born in Papua before September 16, 1975, and one of your parents is an Australian citizen who was born in Australia, you are eligible.
- If you are a stateless person who was born in Australia.
There are no extra costs for this exam since the test price is included in your citizenship application.
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) will send you a letter or an email with the date, time, and place of your citizenship exam, depending on the mode of contact you choose. When you apply for citizenship, the time it takes to get this letter may vary based on your local test center.
What to bring to the Australian citizenship exam
You must include all of the original papers that you submitted with your citizenship application. You will also need to provide your completed identification declaration and a picture.
Arrive on time at the exam center for the Australian citizenship test
You must come on time for your citizenship exam, or you will not be allowed to take it that day. It is preferable if you know how to go to the exam site and how long it will take you to get there before your test day.
Children and the Australian Citizenship Test
Please do not bring children to the testing centers since there is no daycare available.
What happens when you arrive at the Australian citizenship exam center?
When you arrive at the testing center, you will be sent to a counter where a citizenship officer will review your paperwork to confirm your identification and the information you submitted on your citizenship application form. This registration process ensures that you are qualified to take the citizenship exam on that particular day. If you have not provided an approved photo of yourself, the officer will take one.
The officer will then provide you with a password so that you may access the computers on the opposite side of the room.
What occurs during the Australian citizenship test?
If you do not know how to use a computer, a test officer can teach you.
If you have a cognitive or physical impairment that prevents you from taking your exam alone, a member of the staff can help you. (For example, if you are unable to see the computer screen or operate the computer mouse)
If you have limited English reading abilities, you may use text-to-speech technology to listen to the questions and answers.
The Standard Test will be taken by all other candidates (the same test but without assistance).
After Passing the Citizenship Test:
After the exam, you will be able to apply for citizenship in Australia.
Your test result will be shown on your computer screen at the conclusion of our Australian citizenship exam. Your test results will be reflected immediately on your citizenship application.
All of your papers will be returned to you by the citizenship officer.
Then you will have to wait for the results of your citizenship application. If you satisfy all of the criteria for citizenship, you will get an Approval Letter stating that your application has been approved. You must wait for another letter detailing the date, time, and place of your citizenship ceremony (usually within 6 months of your citizenship application approval).
You are required to attend your citizenship ceremony. You will not be granted Australian citizenship until you have completed the Australian Citizenship Pledge.
