How to Book the Australian Citizenship Test

You book the Australian Citizenship Test through the Department of Home Affairs' ImmiAccount portal after your citizenship application has been lodged and processed. The department sends you an invitation to attend a test and interview, and you select a date, time, and location from available appointments.

This guide walks you through the entire booking process step by step, so there are no surprises.

Step-by-Step Booking Process

Step 1: Lodge Your Citizenship Application

Before you can book the test, you must first lodge a citizenship application (Form 1300t for general eligibility) through ImmiAccount or on paper. The test cannot be booked independently — it is part of the application process.

Step 2: Wait for Your Invitation

After your application is received, the Department of Home Affairs will process it and send you an invitation to attend a citizenship test and interview. Processing times vary, but you will receive notification through ImmiAccount and/or email.

Step 3: Log in to ImmiAccount

Visit the ImmiAccount portal at online.immi.gov.au. Log in with the credentials you used to lodge your application. Navigate to your citizenship application to find the test booking section.

Step 4: Select Your Appointment

Choose from available appointments at your nearest test centre. You can select:

• Your preferred date and time
• Your preferred test centre location
• Whether you need any special arrangements (interpreter, accessibility)

Step 5: Confirm Your Booking

Review your appointment details and confirm. You'll receive a confirmation letter via ImmiAccount and email with:

• Date and time of your appointment
• Test centre address
• Documents you need to bring
• Instructions for the day

Documents You Need to Bring

According to the Department of Home Affairs, you must bring the following to your test appointment:

• Your appointment confirmation letter (printed or accessible digitally)
• Original identity documents — typically your passport, ImmiCard, or travel document used in your application
• Any additional documents specified in your invitation letter

You do not need to bring:

• Your citizenship application receipt (it's already in the system)
• Study materials (no notes allowed in the test room)
• Payment (the test is included in your application fee)

Test Centre Locations

Australian Citizenship Test centres are located in major cities and regional centres across Australia. According to the Department of Home Affairs, test centres are available in:

• All state and territory capitals (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Hobart, Darwin, Canberra)
• Major regional centres (e.g., Geelong, Gold Coast, Newcastle, Cairns, Townsville)
• Some smaller regional locations with periodic test sessions

Appointment availability varies by location. Metropolitan centres generally have more frequent sessions, while regional centres may have limited dates.

What to Expect at the Test Centre

Arrival

1. Arrive at least 30 minutes early
2. Check in at reception with your appointment letter and ID
3. Store personal belongings in the lockers provided
4. No phones, watches, or electronic devices in the test room

The Test

1. You're seated at a computer terminal
2. 20 multiple-choice questions appear on screen
3. You have 45 minutes to complete the test
4. You can navigate between questions and change answers
5. Click submit when finished

The Interview

After (or before) the test, you'll have a brief interview with a Department of Home Affairs officer. This interview assesses:

• Your identity
• Your basic English proficiency
• Your understanding of the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship

Results

You receive your test results on the same day. If you pass both the test and interview, you may be invited to a citizenship ceremony — some locations offer same-day ceremonies.

Same-Day Citizenship Ceremonies

Some test centres offer the option to attend a citizenship ceremony on the same day you pass the test. This means you could arrive as a permanent resident in the morning and leave as an Australian citizen in the afternoon.

Same-day ceremonies are:

• Available at selected locations only
• Subject to availability on the day
• Not guaranteed — you may be scheduled for a later ceremony

Rescheduling or Cancelling Your Appointment

If you need to change your appointment:

• Log in to ImmiAccount as early as possible
• Navigate to your citizenship application
• Select the option to reschedule or cancel
• Choose a new date if rescheduling

Contact the Department of Home Affairs directly if you're unable to reschedule through ImmiAccount or if your appointment is less than 24 hours away.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I book the Australian Citizenship Test?

You book the Australian Citizenship Test through ImmiAccount (online.immi.gov.au) after receiving an invitation from the Department of Home Affairs. You select a date, time, and test centre from available appointments. The test cannot be booked independently — it is part of the citizenship application process.

How long after applying do I get a test appointment?

Processing times vary depending on application volume and your individual circumstances. Typically, you can expect to receive your test invitation within a few months of lodging your application. Check ImmiAccount regularly for updates on your application status.

Can I choose which test centre to attend?

Yes. When booking, you can select from any available test centre. You are not restricted to the centre nearest your home address, though choosing a nearby location is most convenient. Metropolitan centres generally have more appointment availability.

Is there a fee for the citizenship test?

No separate fee. The citizenship test is included in your citizenship application fee. There is no additional charge for the test itself, nor for any retakes if you need to sit it again.

What if I miss my test appointment?

If you miss your appointment without rescheduling, contact the Department of Home Affairs as soon as possible. You will generally be able to book a new appointment, but repeated no-shows may affect the processing of your citizenship application. Always reschedule through ImmiAccount if you know in advance that you cannot attend.