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How to Pass the Australian Citizenship Test on Your First Try

A practical two-week plan to pass the Australian citizenship test first time: what to read, how to practise, and how to make sure you get every values question right.

Updated Based on Our Common Bond

8 min read

Key facts

  • Read the four testable parts of Our Common Bond, then switch to practice questions.
  • Values questions are pass-or-fail, so aim for 100% on them in practice.
  • A good readiness signal: three mock tests passed in a row with every values question right.
  • You have 45 minutes for 20 questions, more than two minutes each.

To pass the Australian citizenship test first time, read the four testable parts of Our Common Bond once, then spend most of your time on practice questions. Make values questions your top priority, because one wrong values answer fails the test. When you can pass three full mock tests in a row with every values question right, you are ready.

What does “passing” actually mean?

You need both:

  • At least 75% overall: 15 or more out of 20.
  • All 5 values questions correct.

So a score of 19 out of 20 can still be a fail. Plan your study around that.

A two-week study plan

Week 1: learn the material

Days 1–2: Read the booklet. Read parts 1 to 4 of Our Common Bond. Mark anything with a number, date or list.

Days 3–4: Values. Read Part 4 again and work through our Australian values guide. Then practise values questions until you stop getting any wrong.

Days 5–7: Topics. Do topic practice for each of the other parts. Start with the one you find hardest.

Week 2: test yourself

Days 8–10: Mock tests. Take one full, timed mock test a day. Review every question you miss.

Days 11–13: Weak spots. Use Review mistakes and Hard mode on the areas that keep tripping you up.

Day 14: Light review. A few flashcards and one final mock test. Then rest.

If you have more time, stretch the plan out. If you have less, keep the order: read, values, topics, mock tests.

Ten tips that make a difference

  1. Understand, don’t memorise. Values questions are often scenarios. If you understand the idea, you’ll recognise the right answer however it’s worded.
  2. Learn the glossary. The booklet has a glossary of the testable section, with words like secular, referendum and Rule of Law.
  3. Know the numbers: 6 states and 2 mainland territories, 76 senators, over 150 members of the House of Representatives, 20 questions, 45 minutes.
  4. Know the key dates: 26 January 1788 (First Fleet), 1851 (gold rush), 1 January 1901 (Federation), 25 April 1915 (Anzac landing), 1967 (referendum).
  5. Separate the roles: King (Head of State), Governor-General (the King’s representative), Prime Minister (leader of the government), Premier (leader of a state), Chief Minister (leader of a territory), Mayor (leader of a local council).
  6. Practise under test conditions. Use the 45-minute timer.
  7. Study in short sessions. Twenty to forty minutes a day beats one long session.
  8. Review every mistake. Read the explanation and the source.
  9. Watch the small words. “Not”, “only” and “all” change the meaning of a question.
  10. Slow down on test day. You have more than two minutes per question.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Only reading, never practising. Recognising an answer in a multiple-choice question is a different skill from reading.
  • Skipping the hard topics. Government roles and the three levels of government catch many people.
  • Treating values as common sense. Some answers are specific to Australian law, for example that Australian law applies where it differs from religious law.

What if you don’t pass?

Read what happens if you fail the citizenship test for the official position and how to plan your next attempt.

Start now with a free mock test. It takes about 20 minutes and shows exactly where you stand.