Key facts
- The citizenship test is conducted in English only.
- Home Affairs publishes Our Common Bond in English and 40 community languages.
- Official free help also includes the Our Common Bond podcast and the AMEPOnline citizenship modules.
- Learn the booklet’s glossary words, then practise every topic in English.
The Australian citizenship test is conducted in English only, but you can learn the material in your own language first. Home Affairs publishes Our Common Bond in English and 40 community languages, and also offers a podcast and free AMEPOnline citizenship modules for English learners. A good approach: understand each topic in your first language, then learn the English words for it and practise questions in English.
What official help is available in other languages?
According to Home Affairs:
- Our Common Bond (the testable section) can be downloaded in English and 40 community languages. See the official Our Common Bond page.
- The Our Common Bond podcast covers the booklet in audio. See the podcast page.
- AMEPOnline citizenship modules help English learners engage with the booklet content through characters, storylines and interactive activities.
- The AMEP Program is an option if you want to improve your general English.
Home Affairs also has its own practice test, which it describes as a sample only; the questions will be different on the day.
How should you use a translation?
- Read one part in your first language until the ideas make sense.
- Read the same part in English. Notice the key words.
- Practise that topic in English with topic practice.
- Repeat for all four parts, then take a mock test.
The test will be in English, so don’t skip steps 2 and 3.
Which English words should you learn first?
The booklet has a glossary of the testable section. These words come up often:
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| secular | separate from religion |
| referendum | a vote to change the Constitution |
| Rule of Law | everyone, including the government, is bound by the law |
| democracy | government by the people through elected representatives |
| electorate | an area whose voters elect a member of the House of Representatives |
| legislative power | the power to make and change laws |
| executive power | the power to put laws into practice |
| judicial power | the power to interpret and apply laws |
| mateship | helping and receiving help from others, especially in hard times |
| fair go | everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed |
| secret ballot | voting privately, so no one can pressure you |
Our flashcards help you learn these a few at a time.
How should you read an English test question?
- Read the question twice. Find the question word: who, what, which.
- Look for small words that change the meaning, like “not”, “never” and “only”.
- Read every option before you choose.
- Remove answers that are clearly wrong.
- For values questions, choose the answer that shows equality, respect, peaceful behaviour and following Australian law.
How should you practise?
- Little and often. Ten to twenty minutes a day works well.
- Use Quick 5 for a short daily set.
- Read the explanation after every question, even when you’re right. It teaches words in context.
- Read questions aloud. It helps you notice words you don’t know.
- Practise untimed first, then use the 45-minute timer when you feel ready.
Do you need perfect English?
No. Home Affairs says the test shows, among other things, that you have a basic knowledge of the English language. You need to understand the words used in the questions and answers.
Most applicants aged 18 to 59 sit the test; others may only have an interview. See interview vs test.
Start with Part 1 in the study hub, or try a few values questions.