Australian Citizenship Test Questions: All 5 Topics Explained

The citizenship test is 20 questions drawn from five topic areas. You need 15 correct (75%) to pass. Everything comes from Our Common Bond, the official government study document.

Quick format overview

The test has 20 multiple-choice questions, each with three options. The pass mark is 75%, meaning you need at least 15 correct. There is no time limit. The test is taken on a computer at a Department of Home Affairs office, and every question comes directly from Our Common Bond.

Topic 1: Australia and its people

This is one of the heavier sections. It covers First Nations history, European arrival, federation, national symbols, and geography. Questions here tend to be about specific dates and facts, so they are worth drilling.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples arrived 65,000 to 40,000 years ago. The First Fleet arrived on 26 January 1788, marking the start of British settlement. The Commonwealth of Australia was formed on 1 January 1901. Key dates to know are Australia Day on 26 January and Anzac Day on 25 April. You should also know the capital city of each state and territory. The national anthem is Advance Australia Fair, the national colours are green and gold, the gemstone is the opal, and the floral emblem is the golden wattle. The Australian flag contains three elements: the Union Jack, the Commonwealth Star, and the Southern Cross.

Topic 2: Australian values

This section is more conceptual but the questions are usually straightforward. It covers what Australians believe and how they expect people to behave: equality, freedom, and a fair go.

Australia's national language is English. Core rights include freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and freedom of association. Men and women have equal rights under Australian law. Australia is a multicultural nation and diversity is valued. "A fair go" means everyone deserves an equal opportunity regardless of their background.

Topic 3: Democratic beliefs, rights and liberties

Know how Australian democracy works and what rights citizens have. A few specific terms come up repeatedly: constitutional monarchy, rule of law, and referendum.

Australia is a constitutional monarchy and a parliamentary democracy. The rule of law means nobody is above the law, including the government itself. A referendum is a vote by Australian citizens to change the Constitution. Citizens have freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and the right to a fair trial. Voting in federal elections is compulsory for all citizens aged 18 and over.

Topic 4: Government and the law in Australia

Three levels of government, how Parliament is structured, and who is who. This section has quite a few testable specifics.

There are three levels of government in Australia: federal, state/territory, and local. Federal Parliament is made up of the House of Representatives and the Senate. The Prime Minister leads the government, while the Governor-General serves as the King's representative in Australia. The High Court is Australia's highest court. All citizens are required to pay taxes, which fund schools, hospitals, and other public services.

Topic 5: Becoming an Australian citizen

Smaller section but don't skip it. Questions here are usually about responsibilities and the citizenship process itself.

Citizens are legally required to enrol and vote in federal elections. An Australian citizen can apply for an Australian passport. New citizens make a pledge of commitment at a citizenship ceremony and are required to obey Australian law and uphold Australian values. Dual citizenship is permitted in many cases.

The best way to practise all 5 topics

Our practice test pulls 20 random questions from a bank of 100 covering all five sections. You get an explanation after every answer, so you're learning as you go rather than just getting a score at the end.

For deeper study, read the Our Common Bond testable PDF and use the audio lessons to reinforce what you've read.