The Australian Citizenship Test includes 5 mandatory values questions that you must answer ALL correctly to pass — even if you get every other question right. These questions test your understanding of core values like freedom, equality, respect, and democracy.
The Australian values questions are 5 specific questions on the citizenship test that you must get 100% correct to pass. Unlike the other 15 questions where you only need a 75% pass rate, there is zero margin for error on values questions. Getting even one wrong means automatic failure.
This makes the values section the most important part of the entire Australian Citizenship Test. According to the Department of Home Affairs, these questions assess whether applicants understand and commit to the shared values that underpin Australian society.
Why Values Questions Are Different
Here's how the scoring works:
| Section | Questions | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Values Questions | 5 | Must get 5 out of 5 (100%) |
| General Questions | 15 | Need combined total of 75% |
| Total | 20 | 15/20 overall + all 5 values correct |
This means a candidate who scores 19/20 but misses one values question will fail, while a candidate who scores 15/20 with all values correct will pass.
The Core Australian Values
The values tested on the Australian Citizenship Test are drawn from Our Common Bond. Here are the core values you must understand deeply:
1. Freedom of the Individual
Australians value the freedom of speech, expression, religion, and association. You are free to think and say what you believe, practise any religion or none, and associate with whoever you choose — provided you respect the law and the rights of others.
2. Equality of Opportunity
Australia is committed to equal treatment regardless of gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, race, or national origin. The principle of "a fair go" means everyone deserves the chance to succeed based on their talents and hard work.
3. Mutual Respect
Australians treat each other with dignity and respect. This includes respecting different cultures, beliefs, and traditions. While you can disagree with others, you must do so peacefully and without discrimination.
4. The Rule of Law
All Australians are equal before the law. No one is above the law, including the government. The legal system is independent, fair, and applies to everyone. Obeying Australian laws is both a value and a responsibility.
5. Parliamentary Democracy
Australians believe in government by the people through elected representatives. Citizens have the right and the responsibility to participate in the democratic process through voting. Compulsory voting ensures all voices are heard.
6. Compassion for Those in Need
Australian society values looking after those who cannot look after themselves. This includes supporting community services, helping neighbours, and contributing to the welfare of society.
Sample Values Questions with Explanations
Q: Should people in Australia make an effort to learn English?
- a) No, there is no official language
- b) Yes, English helps people participate fully in Australian life
- c) Only if they want government services
Answer: b) While Australia has no official language, English is the national language and learning it enables full participation in community, work, and civic life.
Q: In Australia, can a husband prevent his wife from working?
- a) Yes, if it is their cultural tradition
- b) Yes, if they have young children
- c) No, men and women have equal rights to make their own choices
Answer: c) This tests the value of equality. Men and women have equal rights in Australia, including the right to work, study, and make personal decisions.
Q: What is the rule of law?
- a) The law only applies to citizens
- b) All people in Australia, including the government, are subject to Australian law
- c) Laws are decided by the Prime Minister alone
Answer: b) The rule of law means everyone — including government officials — must follow Australian law. No person or group is above the law.
Why Values Questions Are the Hardest Part
Many candidates underestimate values questions for several reasons:
- They seem "easy" on the surface — But the pressure of knowing you must get all 5 right creates significant test anxiety.
- Cultural differences matter — Some values may differ from what candidates experienced in their home countries. Understanding the Australian perspective specifically is crucial.
- Trick answer options — Wrong answers are designed to sound plausible. They often reflect common misconceptions or cultural assumptions that don't apply in Australia.
- No partial credit — Unlike the general section where you can afford to get a few wrong, values questions are all-or-nothing.
Study Strategies Specifically for Values Questions
- Read the values chapter in Our Common Bond three times — First for understanding, second for details, third for test-readiness.
- Explain each value to a friend or family member — If you can teach it, you truly understand it.
- Take category-specific practice tests — Use CitizenshipPrep's practice tests to drill values questions separately from the general categories.
- Think about real-life examples — For each value, think of a situation where it would apply in daily Australian life.
- Cross-reference with current Australian society — Understanding how these values play out in modern Australia deepens your comprehension.
Master the values questions
Practice with dedicated values category questions until you score 100% consistently.
Start Values PracticeFrequently Asked Questions
What happens if I get one values question wrong?
You fail the entire test. Even if you answer the other 19 questions correctly, missing a single values question means you do not pass. This is the strictest requirement of the Australian Citizenship Test and the reason values questions demand the most preparation.
How do I know which questions are values questions?
On the actual test, values questions are not specifically labelled as such. They are mixed in with the other 15 questions. However, they are identifiable by their focus on Australian values, rights, responsibilities, and democratic principles rather than factual knowledge.
Can the values questions change over time?
The specific questions may be updated, but the core values themselves remain consistent: freedom, respect, equality, democracy, and the rule of law. These are foundational to Australian identity and are unlikely to change. Study the current version of Our Common Bond for the most up-to-date content.
Are values questions harder than the other questions?
The questions themselves are not necessarily harder in terms of content. The difficulty comes from the requirement to get all 5 correct with no margin for error. Many candidates report that values questions feel more challenging because of this pressure, even though the concepts are straightforward.
What's the best way to prepare for values questions?
Combine reading the values chapter of Our Common Bond with targeted practice. Use our study guide for structured learning, then test yourself with category-specific practice questions. Focus on understanding the principles behind each value, not just memorising definitions.