If you fail the Australian Citizenship Test, you can retake it with no limit on attempts and no additional cost. Your citizenship application remains active. Simply book a new appointment through ImmiAccount and prepare more thoroughly before your next attempt.
If you fail the Australian Citizenship Test, you can retake it as many times as needed with no additional fee and no limit on attempts. Your citizenship application stays active while you prepare for your next sitting. Failing is a setback, not a dead end.
According to the Department of Home Affairs, candidates who fail can immediately begin preparing for their next attempt. Here's exactly what happens after a failed test and how to ensure you pass next time.
What Happens Immediately After Failing
- You receive your result on the same day at the test centre
- Staff will explain that you did not meet the pass requirements
- You will not be told which specific questions you got wrong
- Your citizenship application remains active — it is not cancelled
- You can book a new test appointment through ImmiAccount
There is no waiting period mandated between attempts, but you need to wait for available appointment slots at your preferred test centre.
Key Facts About Retaking the Test
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How many times can I retake? | Unlimited — no cap on attempts |
| Is there an extra fee? | No — the test is included in your application fee |
| Is the test format the same? | Yes — 20 questions, 45 minutes, same pass requirements |
| Will I get the same questions? | No — questions are drawn from a pool, so each test is different |
| Does my application get cancelled? | No — it remains active throughout |
Common Reasons People Fail
Understanding why candidates fail the Australian Citizenship Test helps you avoid the same mistakes:
1. Missing Values Questions
The most common reason for failure. You must get all 5 values questions correct — missing even one means automatic failure regardless of your overall score. Many candidates who score well on general knowledge still fail because they underestimate this section.
2. Insufficient Preparation
Some candidates assume the test will be easy and don't study enough. While the pass rate is high for prepared candidates (around 95%), unprepared candidates have a significantly lower success rate.
3. Using Outdated Materials
The "Our Common Bond" booklet is updated periodically. Studying from old versions or unofficial summaries can lead to learning incorrect or outdated information.
4. Neglecting Government and Law
This category requires knowledge of specific facts — numbers of senators, responsibilities of each government level, how the Prime Minister is chosen. Many candidates find these details harder to remember than the conceptual content in other categories.
5. Test Anxiety
The pressure of the values questions (all-or-nothing) combined with an unfamiliar computer-based format can cause anxiety that leads to careless mistakes.
How to Pass on Your Next Attempt
- Identify your weak areas — Since you won't know which questions you missed, take comprehensive practice tests across all four categories. Focus extra time on any category where you score below 80%.
- Master the values section — Read Chapter 4 of Our Common Bond multiple times. Take values-only practice quizzes until you score 100% consistently.
- Study the latest Our Common Bond — Download the current version from the Department of Home Affairs website to ensure your material is up to date.
- Take full mock tests under timed conditions — Simulate the real test environment. Set a 45-minute timer and complete 20 questions without interruption.
- Don't rebook until you're consistently scoring 90%+ — On practice tests, you should be scoring well above the 75% pass mark before sitting the real test again.
How Long Should I Wait Before Retaking?
There is no official waiting period, but we recommend:
- Minimum 1 week — Even if you feel you only missed by a small margin, take time to review
- Recommended 2-3 weeks — Enough time for thorough revision across all categories
- Up to 4 weeks — If you scored significantly below the pass mark or English is your second language
The goal is to be genuinely ready, not to retake as quickly as possible. Each attempt should be your best attempt.
Prepare properly for your next attempt
385+ practice questions covering every topic. Know where you stand before you rebook.
Start Practising NowFrequently Asked Questions
How many times can you take the Australian Citizenship Test?
There is no limit on the number of times you can take the Australian Citizenship Test. You can retake it as many times as needed until you pass. Each attempt uses the same format — 20 multiple-choice questions in 45 minutes.
Do I have to pay again to retake the citizenship test?
No. The citizenship test is included in your citizenship application fee. There is no additional charge for retaking the test, regardless of how many attempts you need.
Will failing affect my citizenship application?
No. Your citizenship application remains active after a failed test. Failing does not count against you or affect the outcome of your application. However, the Department of Home Affairs may contact you if you have not attempted or passed the test within a reasonable timeframe.
Can I see which questions I got wrong?
No. The Department of Home Affairs does not disclose which specific questions you answered incorrectly. This is why comprehensive preparation across all categories is important — you cannot focus on only the questions you missed.
What if I keep failing the citizenship test?
If you fail multiple times, consider changing your study approach. Use a structured study guide, take practice tests regularly, and focus heavily on the values section. If English is a barrier, consider English language support services. There is no limit on attempts, so persistence combined with better preparation will lead to success.