Skip to content
CitizenshipExam
Free study notes

Study for the Australian citizenship test

Quick answer

The test only covers the four testable parts of Our Common Bond. Study each part below, starting with Australian values, then practise until you can pass a full mock test.

Updated Based on Our Common Bond

The syllabus

The four testable parts

  1. Part 4Start here · 5/5 required

    Australian values

    Australian values are based on freedom, respect, fairness and equality of opportunity. Part 4 is the most important part of the test: 5 of the 20 questions are about values and you must answer all 5 correctly to pass.

    Study notes Practise159 questions
  2. Part 1

    Australia and its people

    Part 1 covers who Australians are and how the nation formed: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants, the First Fleet in 1788, Federation on 1 January 1901, the six states and two mainland territories, and national days, flags and symbols.

    Study notes Practise149 questions
  3. Part 2

    Australia’s democratic beliefs, rights and liberties

    Part 2 covers what Australians believe about democracy and the freedoms and equalities they share. It also lists the four responsibilities of citizens: obey the law, vote, defend Australia and serve on a jury, and the privileges citizenship gives you.

    Study notes Practise rightsPractise responsibilities153 questions
  4. Part 3

    Government and the law in Australia

    Part 3 explains how Australia is governed: compulsory voting by secret ballot, the Constitution and referendums, the separation of legislative, executive and judicial power, the King and the Governor-General, the three levels of government, and how laws are made by Parliament and enforced by independent courts and police.

    Study notes Practise165 questions

How to study

Study, practise, review, test

Repeat this loop for each part. Short daily sessions work better than one long one.

  1. 01StudyRead the notes for one testable part and the matching section of Our Common Bond.
  2. 02PractiseAnswer topic questions until you score 80% or more on that part.
  3. 03ReviewGo back over every question you missed until it is marked as mastered.
  4. 04Mock testSit a full 20-question test. Aim to pass three in a row with all values questions right.

The pass rule

What you are studying for

multiple-choice questions
20
multiple-choice questions
to complete the test
45 min
to complete the test
overall (15/20) to pass
75%
overall (15/20) to pass
Australian values questions correct
5/5
Australian values questions correct

Source: Department of Home Affairs: Citizenship test

FAQ

Studying questions

What do I need to study for the Australian citizenship test?

Only the testable section of Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond. It has four parts: Australia and its people; Australia’s democratic beliefs, rights and liberties; Government and the law in Australia; and Australian values.

Which part should I study first?

Australian values. 5 of the 20 questions are about values and every one must be correct, so it has the biggest effect on whether you pass.

Are these notes a replacement for Our Common Bond?

No. They summarise the testable parts in plain English to help you learn and revise. Read the official resource too. It is free on the Home Affairs website and available in many community languages.