The Australian citizenship test examines your knowledge of Australia's values, history, and system of government. You'll face 20 multiple-choice questions and need to answer at least 15 correctly (75%) to pass. You must also answer all five Australian values questions correctly.
This practice guide includes questions modeled on the real test, based on the official study resource Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond.
Test Format
20 multiple-choice questions. 45-minute time limit. Pass mark: 75% (15 correct). Must answer all 5 values questions correctly. Computer-based test at a designated centre. Source material: Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond.
Understanding Australian Values (Mandatory Section)
Five of the 20 test questions are about Australian values. These five are non-negotiable: you must get all five correct to pass, regardless of your overall score. This is the most important section to study.
The Australian Values
Australia's core values include:
- Respect for the freedom and dignity of the individual
- Freedom of religion and secular government
- Freedom of speech and freedom of the press
- Freedom of association
- Support for parliamentary democracy and the rule of law
- Equality under the law — regardless of gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, race, or national origin
- Equality of men and women
- A spirit of egalitarianism — embracing mutual respect, tolerance, fair play, and compassion
- English as the national language — a unifying element of Australian society
Practice Values Questions
Q1: Should Australian citizens try to make Australia a better place by getting involved in community activities?
A: Yes
Q2: Do Australian laws protect people from racial discrimination?
A: Yes
Q3: Is it important for Australians to try to learn English?
A: Yes
Q4: Can people in Australia practice any religion they choose, or choose not to follow a religion?
A: Yes
Q5: Is it against the law for a husband to be violent against his wife in Australia?
A: Yes
Practice Questions: Government and Democracy
6. What is the system of government in Australia?
Answer: A parliamentary democracy, a constitutional monarchy, and a federation of states
7. What are the three levels of government in Australia?
Answer: Federal (Australian/Commonwealth), state/territory, and local (council)
8. Who is the Head of State of Australia?
Answer: The King of Australia, King Charles III, represented by the Governor-General
9. Who is the head of the Australian Government?
Answer: The Prime Minister
10. What is the Australian Parliament?
Answer: The Australian Parliament consists of the King (represented by the Governor-General), the Senate, and the House of Representatives
11. How many senators are there in total?
Answer: 76 (12 from each of the 6 states, 2 from each of the 2 mainland territories)
12. How many members are in the House of Representatives?
Answer: 151
13. What is compulsory for Australian citizens aged 18 and over?
Answer: Voting in federal and state/territory elections (and referendums). It is compulsory to enrol and to vote.
14. What is a referendum?
Answer: A vote to change the Constitution. A referendum requires a "double majority": a majority of voters in a majority of states, plus a majority of total voters nationwide.
15. What colours are the Australian flag?
Answer: Blue, red, and white. The flag features the Union Jack, the Commonwealth Star, and the Southern Cross.
Practice Questions: History
16. Who were the first people to live in Australia?
Answer: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. They have lived in Australia for at least 65,000 years.
17. When did the First Fleet arrive?
Answer: January 26, 1788. This date is now commemorated as Australia Day.
18. When did the Australian colonies federate?
Answer: January 1, 1901. The six colonies became six states within the Commonwealth of Australia.
19. What happened on April 25, 1915?
Answer: The Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) landed at Gallipoli, Turkey, during World War I. April 25 is commemorated as Anzac Day.
20. What is Australia Day?
Answer: January 26. It marks the anniversary of the arrival of the First Fleet at Port Jackson (Sydney) in 1788.
More Practice Questions
21. What is the capital of Australia?
Answer: Canberra
22. How many states and territories does Australia have?
Answer: Six states (New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania) and two mainland territories (Australian Capital Territory, Northern Territory)
23. What do the stars on the Australian flag represent?
Answer: The Commonwealth Star (seven-pointed, below the Union Jack) represents the federation of states and territories. The five stars of the Southern Cross represent Australia's location in the Southern Hemisphere.
24. What is the national flower of Australia?
Answer: The golden wattle
25. What are Australia's national colours?
Answer: Green and gold
Study Tips for 2025
Focus on Values First
Since you must get all five values questions correct, this should be your top priority. Read the values chapter in Our Common Bond multiple times and make sure you understand the principles, not just the answers.
Use the Official Resource
Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond is the only source for test questions. You can access it free on the Department of Home Affairs website. Read it at least twice.
Take Practice Tests
The Department of Home Affairs offers an official practice test on their website. Take it multiple times. Also try our free Australian citizenship practice test for additional questions.
Know Your Local Details
Some questions ask about your state or territory. Know the name of your state/territory, its capital, and your federal electorate.