How to Pass Your Australian Citizenship Test

Step One:

Check here to see if you qualify to apply, and if you do, pay the fee. Ours cost $260 each.

Step Two:

Wait to hear the date of your Australian citizenship test from the Department of Immigration & Border Control.

Step Three:

Crack open a tinnie of your favourite beer and….

Step Four:

Watch these videos…..

Australia Citizenship Test – Our Common Bond

Our Common Bond Clip 1 – Introduction

Australia Citizenship Test Our Common Bond Part 2 Australia Democratic beliefs, rights and liberties

Australia Citizenship Test – Our Common Bond Part 3 Government and the law in Australia

I watched them twice. Once about five days before my test and the second time the night before. Mrs BobinOz watched the videos just once, the first time with me, but chose to read the downloadable book on the night before the test. She prefers reading as her method of learning.

Clicking the following link will download the book immediately; it’s called Our Common Bond.

Everything you need to know is in those videos and the book contains the exact same information. There is nothing else you need to learn, nothing to buy and no need to sign up for any courses or online tutorials.

For us, the process moved pretty fast. We applied on 15 November and got an email back the next day confirming our citizenship tests were to take place on Friday, 25 November.

That was today.

Step Six:

Go take the test.

So me and Mrs BobinOz went to our test centre, for us that was in the city of Brisbane. We arrived about 10 minutes before our 10:20 AM appointment. A sign said to take a seat and wait to be called, so we joined the other 10 or so people in the waiting room.

They were running a little behind, but by about a 10:45 we were called to the desk to provide all of our proofs. We were then issued with our unique identification numbers before entering the test room.

Logging in on one of the computers with your ID opens the screen to begin your test. You have a maximum of 45 minutes to complete 20 multiple-choice questions. You need 15 or more correct answers to pass the test.

So, how difficult is it Bob?

The videos last about 40 minutes all up; the booklet only has 45 pages. As I said, they both contain the exact same information and it is all the information you need to pass this test. If you didn’t watch the videos or read the book, you might still just about pass.

But if you watch the videos or read the book, is difficult to see how you can fail.

We both got full marks and I reckon it took us about 5 or 6 minutes to complete the test. Mrs BobinOz, who was sitting behind me, says she finished her test about 45 seconds before I did. She seems to forget that when I opened the door to the test room, like a gentleman, I let her go in first.

So she got to her computer before I did. So come on! Let’s call it a draw. Anyway, we weren’t that fast. There was only one other person in the room, an Asian lady who came in at the same time as us. She finished her test about a minute before we did.

So really, how hard do you think it is?

And guess what? If you fail the test you can simply ask to take it again.

Want to take a test test? Well, you can.

What happens next?

Having passed our citizenship tests, the Department of Immigration & Border Control will now run a final police check on us to make sure we haven’t been naughty. We haven’t, honest!

Assuming those checks come back clean, they will write to us at some point to let us know when and where our citizenship ceremony is going to take place.

It is only after attending this ceremony and taking “The Pledge” that Australian citizenship is awarded. So that’s it, we’re just waiting for our letters.

Nearly there!

Visa Assessment Service
{ 38 comments… add one }
  • Dave Hyde January 31, 2024, 7:08 pm |

    Happy to update this very helpful page with Jan 2024 information.

    Well citizenship costs more these days but much of what is above still applies.

    You are given an appointment, and 10 minutes before sitting the test you are invited in (from the street, no seating these days!) to scan your appointment barcode and collect a ticket. You’ll be standing still but now thankfully inside in aircon for about 10 minutes, after which a set of doors open to the test/interview area proper. Your ticket gets you a place in the queue to visit with an interviewer who checks to see you are who you say you are, and then you are asked to find a place to sit. An iPad is brought round to you and you answer the 20 multiple choice questions.

    When you (of course) pass, you’re given a quick letter explaining next steps and then off you go. It’s about a 20 minute venture in total.

    The common bond material still applies although Bob’s youtube links look broken now. You can still download a podcast of the common bond (searched on my iPhone and found it no problem). ID check was just a driver’s license basically.

    I will say that the practice test is easier than the real one, so do as Bob says and read/listen to the material and you’ll be fine. You must score 5/5 on “Australian values” which are mostly there to say that religions do not supersede the law, and violence and inequality are unacceptable.

    Hope this helps others!

    • BobinOz February 12, 2024, 4:27 pm |

      Thanks for the update Dave, it’s certainly been a while since I wrote this. Not even sure if iPad was much of a thing back when I took the test? How times change.

      I’ve updated the videos as well, the government appear to have provided new ones, so they’re not exactly the same that I saw, but hopefully they will help anyone taking the citizenship test.

  • Jay April 7, 2018, 6:59 pm |

    Hi Bob
    Do you know how long it takes now after you have submitted your citizenship application? I think much has changed including the waiting times. I submitted mine in Jan 2018 and still haven’t heard from them on tests.
    By the way, I really like your website. Superb work!

    • BobinOz April 9, 2018, 7:10 pm |

      No, sorry Jay, I don’t know what the latest situation is or why it now takes longer. When we went for it in 2011, we applied in November, took the citizenship test soon afterand had our citizenship ceremony in the January on the 26, Australia Day.

      It would be interesting to hear if anybody else is experiencing these kinds of delays. If anybody can add more information about this, we’d love to hear from you.

      Hopefully you will hear back from them soon Jay.

      • Jay April 9, 2018, 8:03 pm |

        Thanks Bob for your reply.

        • Marvin Alisbo April 29, 2018, 4:56 pm |

          I lodge mine October last year. Just got a reply last friday saying I’m scheduled for interview and test on May, so fingers crossed.

          • Danie June 5, 2018, 1:48 pm |

            I lodged mine in late June 2017 and got email last week for test first week of July… 13months…

  • baroo bee June 9, 2015, 7:00 pm |

    Hello Bob, Your post is more helpful to new bees and have gone through your comments and in this @George Bealy said about this free website theaustraliantest.com ..this website contains repeated questions and answers which are not useful and out dated…like —

    The law that states that no person or group is above the law and all Australians are equal under the law is called ____

    Better to follow the official website and videos..
    cheers

    • BobinOz June 10, 2015, 6:18 pm |

      Yes, it certainly is better to stick to the official websites and I have now delinked all of the references to this other website as I no longer want my site linking to it.

      I believe it is deliberately giving false information and if anyone wants to visit it, for a laugh, then they can copy and paste the address into their browser. Don’t go there expecting to get help with this test though, it’s more likely to help you fail it.

  • Ness Sab August 5, 2014, 12:06 pm |

    Hi there,
    I have passed my test…100% and it took 3minutes all together… I do not think I need to comment further, all these websites are b******* , as Bob said, just stick to the book and Video…there was probably just one trickier question but… not a big deal. I was on my own in a small office with a lady officer(regionnal department), we started chatting, almost forgetting I had a test to sit…I was really chilled out and easy 😉

    Thank you!

    • BobinOz August 5, 2014, 6:53 pm |

      Well done Ness Sab, told you it was easy 🙂 As I have said, and you have now confirmed, there is nothing else anyone needs to do other than check out either the book, the video, or both, they both pretty much contains exactly the same information it’s just all down to whether you prefer to watch videos or read.

      Congratulations, citizenship is next 🙂

  • Ness Sab July 28, 2014, 8:21 pm |

    Thanks for your reply Bob! 🙂
    Feeling reassured now…these website are really just out there to confuse people and make them feel like they really need to purchase a package…fortunately there are still lots of honest people in this world, thank you!
    I have followed your website since I have immigrated in Australia from Belgium, it made sense to me to ask for your opinion 😉
    Keep the good writing!

    Best wishes

    Ness from Wa

    • BobinOz July 28, 2014, 11:59 pm |

      Yes, by visiting sites like that one, you risk making this test more complicated than it is. As I say in my article, watch the videos, download and read the book from the link I have also included above. ALL the information you need is included in BOTH the videos and the book.

      So instead you could read the book twice, or watch the videos twice, you’d still have ALL the information you need. If you want to be doubly sure, watch the videos twice and read the books twice. Or read the book 4 times. Or watch the videos four times.

      Either way, this test isn’t difficult and you don’t need to go anywhere else to get any more information to pass it.

      Good luck tomorrow, I hope it goes well.

      Cheers, Bob

  • Ness Sab July 28, 2014, 2:50 pm |

    Hi There, Bob,
    On the 8th of May 2014, on this same forum of discussions,A certain George Bealy has suggested free practise test on theaustraliantest.com/free-test website…I had a look at it…
    On the last few pages of the test, I has some serious shock regarding the nature of the multiple answers to the questions…you should give it try for a better understanding Bob!there are some seriously disturbing answers that are considered as the correct ones according to them!
    examples:
    Regarding Australian beliefs, which of the below statements is correct?

    1)We believe in peace, respect, freedom and equality
    2)We believe in peace, respect, loyalty and equality wrong
    3)We believe in peace, respect, domination and equality correct

    Well, according to that website, the last one is the correct one! is it me or is it actually true???Domination? really?? I am confused…I am not too sure I am in the right country anymore…
    Other one quite disturbing…

    From the below mentioned statements which is the correct one regarding Australian fairness?

    1)You have the same rights and liberties no matter where you came from
    2)You do not have to respect other people’s differences and choices
    3)Men and women have equal opportunities and freedoms

    Well, again according to these guys, the second answer is the right one!!!’you do not have to respect other peoples differences and choices’…. What the h***?

    Am I from an other planet or is this completely incorrect?

    Thank you for advice and help, the questions in that test are so confusing and complicated too…I have to sit the test tomorrow and I thought I knew everything before reading that one…!

    • BobinOz July 28, 2014, 7:27 pm |

      No, you are not in the wrong country, you were just on the wrong website 🙂

      I checked out what you have said, and it’s absolutely true, those are the answers this website suggests are correct. It’s absolutely nuts!

      The funny thing is on the same page as they say the correct answer is “you do not have to respect other peoples differences and choices” they also asked the question…

      Which is the main feature of being Australian?

      Answer: Respecting other people’s differences and choices.

      Now, apart from anything, the question is stupid. “Main feature of being Australian?” What kind of question is that? There was another question, something about being a matey Australian. The correct answer was something like visiting people when they are lonely.

      I know it was a while ago I did my test, but this sort of nonsense wasn’t in there, and there were lots and lots of questions that looked like nonsense to me. I think this website has been put together by someone who has absolutely no idea what they’re doing.

      If the owner of the website is out there, do swing by and explain yourself?

      Thanks for bringing this to my attention Ness, I’m going to make an amendment to the above comment warning people to only visit this website for a laugh.

      Cheers, Bob

  • Rosh May 26, 2014, 9:38 pm |

    Sat for the test this afternoon and all I did was go through the booklet and official videos. Finished the test in 3 mins or so. As Bob says, all you need to do is study the book/videos. Personally, I found a mixture of both worked best for me:)

    • BobinOz May 27, 2014, 4:59 pm |

      Yes, it is straightforward isn’t it Rosh? I don’t think it even matters whether English is your first language or not, it’s just learning some facts that are ALL in the videos and booklet, and then just punching your way through the multiple-choice questions.

      Pretty easy.

  • George Bealy May 18, 2014, 3:30 am |

    Official website, resources book Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond, online free websites i.e theaustraliantest.com and paid websites will help you to pass the test in a first attempt. Study well and go to the exam center with confidence; you will pass the Australian citizenship test. All the best.

    Update: Before visiting the above-mentioned website, please be sure to read the comment from Ness Sab below and also my answer to it. This website may not be as helpful as has been suggested.

  • Stephanie Alexander April 25, 2014, 3:07 pm |

    Official website offers The citizenship test consists of 20 questions drawn at random from a pool of questions. To pass the test, you must answer 75 per cent, or 15 out of 20 questions, correctly. Official website is the best source to practice the test and ultimate you can find more free website like theaustraliancitizenship.com which is specially designed for free practice.

    • BobinOz April 27, 2014, 8:06 pm |

      Yes, I have a link in the above article that goes directly to the government’s practice tests, did you not see it?

    • Matthew Sheehan September 18, 2014, 9:53 pm |

      The suggested site theaustraliancitizenship.com is a collection of nonsense and outdated info.
      The answer for “who is the Prime Minister of Australia” is “Julia Gillard” (well, according to the website’s mock test), the capitol of Western Australia is “Adelaide” (are you serious?)
      Either a troll runs it, or it is a badly designed mock test, based on wrong and outdated info. It will actually confuse you more than it helps

      • BobinOz September 22, 2014, 6:46 pm |

        Another dodgy practice site? That’s interesting, if you read the comment below there’s another website that is supposed to help which is full of incorrect answers. I think you are right, some people are putting up these websites to confuse people, possibly deliberately so.

        As I’ve said in my post above, you really do not need any more information than I have given in my article, and I’ve also linked to the government’s website which can be trusted. Maybe it’s best to avoid all other practice test sites.

        Thanks for pointing out, Bob

  • jamescary September 8, 2013, 6:32 pm |

    You need to study the material which is provided by the Australia citizenship official sites to pass the citizenship test. You can practice free sample questions in this official websites, but do not go with paid service offering websites, you can find free practice offering websites like aussiecitizenshiptest.com or find the free service providing sites through Google.com.au.

  • silly666 February 13, 2013, 3:36 pm |

    can you just go in and ask for a pledge one on one at DIAC. If I show them travelling plans, is this good reason enough for them to allow me to do this. Or does it have to be those life and death matter like sick family members overseas that one has to visit. I’m lodging application in 2 weeks time but need to leave Australia on 14th April. Not sure if this is enough time for everything, oath taking, passport. I checked, passport can be issued within 48 hours if only you pay more. The real issue is really, can DIAC help you out to allow you to take the pledge earlier. Anybody has similar experience?

    • BobinOz February 14, 2013, 12:40 pm |

      You can’t just go in, but you can telephone to make an appointment and I believe they will try to accommodate you. I don’t think it has to be a life or death matter, as long as you have a reasonably good reason for wanting to get it done sooner.

      Good luck!

  • Sarah February 2, 2013, 5:04 am |

    Agreed that Ravij’s comment sounded like an advert! How long after sitting the test did you get your results? Am I right in thinking you don’t get citizenship until after the ceremony, which are held every few months? Basically I’m just wondering how long it takes from taking the test to getting citizenship- obviously it depends on the next available ceremony but other than that it’s quick?

    • Antor February 2, 2013, 12:58 pm |

      Hi Sarah, once you seat for actual official test, result get immediately within half an hour. Then you will get letter of approval by post and may also advise available ceremony date ( depens council to council). But after passing test and approval of citizenship, you may visit immigration office and ask for one to one citizenship oath. Immigration had this facilities before and may exist now. Please ask or visit immigration office for verification. Thanks so much.

    • BobinOz February 4, 2013, 1:36 pm |

      It does sound like an ad, doesn’t it?

      You get your result immediately, your score pops up on the computer screen when you have completed the test. You are right, you need to attend the ceremony to take the pledge, until then you cannot become a citizen. The process is pretty fast so from first applying to finally becoming Australian is usually about 2 to 3 months.

      If, for some reason, you need to do it faster, you do not have to wait for the next ceremony, you can ask to go in and take the pledge one on one with a representative from DIAC in their offices.

      Cheers

      Bob

      • BobinOz February 4, 2013, 2:13 pm |

        Sorry Antor, I didn’t read your reply before adding mine, I’ve just gone and said exactly the same as you did 🙂

        Doh!

  • Antor December 2, 2012, 10:50 am |

    My wife paid money to an UK based practice questions and training, and end up no access to sample questions and answers. called few times, no response. Then we found this video and link was very useful. However, we later found its good to practice before actual test, and there are few websites to practice. http://www.australiancitizenshippracticetest.com.au. there are 500 questions to practice.
    Most refugees, spouses and non-skilled migrant require practice for actual test.

    • BobinOz December 3, 2012, 2:52 pm |

      Whatever anyone’s background, I really don’t think the test is that difficult that it requires spending additional time and money on practice questions. Simply watching the videos a couple of times and reading the PDF twice as well should be more than enough for anyone. But, of course, no harm in using one of these practice websites if that’s what you want to do.

  • Maria November 29, 2012, 10:14 pm |

    Are the practice test questions pretty much what’s in the actual test?

    • BobinOz December 1, 2012, 12:20 am |

      No, that really would be too easy. The practice questions are examples, I think they have a bank of around 200 questions and you will randomly be asked 20 of them. Trust me, watch the 6 videos above twice each, once a week before the test and then again the night before your test and just remember as much as you can from the videos.

      You will pass, I’m sure.

  • Ravij September 5, 2012, 7:00 am |

    Greetings. I passed my test last week in Brisbane (first time!), and I also watched the videos you mention. But I don’t agree that you don’t need “to sign up for any courses “. Maybe you are very good at learning on your own, but personally I found much benefit and satisfaction at using an online training program. I was very happy with the one I chose, so please I would like to share it with other people in case they also need extra help: it is australiancitizenshipsupport.com. Thank you. I love Australia!

    • BobinOz September 5, 2012, 12:23 pm |

      Well I totally disagree Ravij. Every single piece of information you need is included in the above videos and/or the downloadable book. The test is very simple, I don’t believe any extra training is required for this one.

      Your comment actually sounded a bit like an advert.

  • Muzaffar September 2, 2012, 6:59 pm |

    luv’d ur narration …. God Bless!

    • BobinOz September 3, 2012, 5:02 pm |

      Haha! It’s not me.

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