The Australian Citizenship Test has 20 questions. You need at least 15 correct (75%) to pass. But there is a critical extra rule: you must answer all 5 Australian values questions correctly. You receive your result immediately after completing the test — there is no waiting period.
The Australian Citizenship Test is scored on two criteria. First, you must achieve a minimum score of 75% — that means at least 15 correct answers out of 20. Second, you must answer all 5 Australian values questions correctly. Failing either condition means you do not pass, regardless of your performance on the rest of the test.
This dual-requirement scoring system is what catches many candidates off guard. You could answer 19 out of 20 questions correctly and still fail if one of your wrong answers was a values question. Understanding exactly how the scoring works is essential preparation for the Australian Citizenship Test.
The Two-Part Pass Requirement
According to the Department of Home Affairs, the pass criteria are:
Requirement 1: 75% Overall Score
You need a minimum score of 15 out of 20 questions. Each question carries equal weight — there is no partial credit and no questions worth more than others (except the values questions, which have the additional mandatory requirement below).
Requirement 2: 100% on Australian Values Questions
The test includes exactly 5 questions about Australian values. You must answer every single one correctly. There is no partial pass on this requirement. Even if you get 15/20 overall but miss one values question, you have not passed.
What Are the 5 Values Questions?
The Australian values questions test your understanding of the core principles outlined in Our Common Bond. According to the Department of Home Affairs, the values questions cover topics such as:
- Freedom and equality — the right of all people to be treated equally regardless of background
- Freedom of religion — the right to follow any religion, or no religion, within the law
- Freedom of expression — the right to express views and opinions openly
- Parliamentary democracy — belief in elected government and the rule of law
- English as the national language — the importance of English for participation in Australian society
These questions are designed to confirm that you genuinely understand and accept Australian democratic values — not just to test factual recall. The answers are typically based on principle, not on specific dates or names.
How the 20 Questions Are Distributed
The Australian Citizenship Test draws questions from four categories, all sourced from Our Common Bond:
| Category | Content | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Australian Values | Freedom, equality, democracy, rule of law | 5 questions — ALL must be correct |
| Australia and Its People | History, geography, national symbols, Indigenous culture | Part of remaining 15 questions |
| Democratic Beliefs, Rights and Liberties | Parliamentary system, rights, freedoms | Part of remaining 15 questions |
| Government and the Law | Three levels of government, voting, Constitution | Part of remaining 15 questions |
The exact number of questions from each non-values category varies between tests, as they are drawn from a question bank. The 5 values questions are consistent across all tests.
Test Your Knowledge Right Now
Our practice quiz scores your answers instantly — just like the real test. See how you perform on the values questions.
Take the Practice TestWhen Do You Get Your Result?
One of the most reassuring aspects of the Australian Citizenship Test is that you receive your result immediately after submitting the test. There is no waiting period, no paper graded elsewhere, and no results delivered by mail or email.
The moment you submit your answers, the computer calculates your score and displays your result — pass or not pass — on the screen. A staff member will then confirm the outcome with you in person.
What You Are Told at the Test Centre
If you pass, you will be informed and your citizenship application progresses to the next stage — eventually leading to your citizenship ceremony invitation.
If you do not pass, you will be told that you have not met the requirements. Staff can generally indicate whether the issue was the values questions or the overall score, which helps you target your study for the next attempt.
Partial Passes — Do They Exist?
No. There are no partial passes, merit points, or carry-over scores from one test to another. Each test is a fresh attempt. If you score 14 out of 20 on your first attempt (one below the pass mark), that score has no benefit for your next sitting — you must score 15 or more from scratch.
This all-or-nothing structure reinforces the importance of being fully prepared before you book, rather than sitting the test speculatively and hoping to pass.
Does Your Score Matter Beyond Passing?
No. The Department of Home Affairs does not record whether you passed with 15, 18, or 20 out of 20. There is no distinction between a bare pass and a perfect score — a pass is a pass. Your citizenship application proceeds identically regardless of your score, as long as you meet the 75% threshold and the values requirement.
There is also no points-based component to the citizenship test. It is purely pass/fail.
How to Make Sure You Meet the Pass Score
Here is a targeted approach to ensure you meet both scoring requirements:
For the 75% Overall Score
- Read Our Common Bond thoroughly — all questions come from this resource
- Take practice tests to identify which categories you find hardest
- Focus extra study time on weak categories — not just on what you already know
- Aim to be confident across all four categories, not just the minimum
For the Values Questions
- Study the values section of Our Common Bond until you understand each principle deeply
- Practice values-specific questions separately — our practice quiz lets you filter by category
- If you ever feel uncertain about a values answer during the test, choose the option that best reflects equality, freedom, and democratic participation
- Read the Study Guide section on Australian democratic beliefs for additional explanation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the pass mark for the Australian Citizenship Test?
The pass mark is 75% — you need at least 15 correct answers out of 20. You must also answer all 5 Australian values questions correctly, regardless of your overall score.
How many questions are in the Australian Citizenship Test?
There are 20 questions in total. Five are Australian values questions (mandatory 100% requirement) and the remaining 15 are drawn from three other categories based on Our Common Bond.
How long do you have to complete the citizenship test?
You have 45 minutes to complete the 20 questions. Most candidates finish well within this time.
Do all questions count equally in the citizenship test?
Each question contributes equally to your overall score of 20. However, the 5 values questions have an additional mandatory requirement — you must get all 5 correct, not just include them in your 15+ correct answers.
Can you retake the citizenship test if you fail?
Yes. There is no limit on the number of attempts. You simply need to contact the Department of Home Affairs to arrange a new test appointment. Your application remains open. See our guide on how many times you can fail the citizenship test for full details.