Most people applying for Australian citizenship will be required to take the citizenship test, which is designed to allow citizenship applicants to demonstrate they understand the nature of their application, they have a basic knowledge of the English language, and an adequate knowledge of Australia and the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship.
Test resource and practice tests
Everything you need to know to help you pass the test is contained in the free citizenship test resource.
Australian citizenship test resource
Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond has all the information you need to help you pass the citizenship test.
Questions in the test are based on the topics:
- Australia and its people
- Australia’s democratic beliefs, rights and liberties
- government and the law in Australia.
It is highly recommended that you read Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond or watch the DVD before you sit the test. You can also do the practice test.
The department does not endorse or recommend citizenship test packages from any other individual or organisation that claim will assist you to pass the test.
Download Our Common Bond
You can download and print a copy of Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond as a single or series of pdf files from the links below.
Full version
Download Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond (6.5MB PDF)
Testable section
All the questions in the citizenship test are based on the information contained in this testable section. This is the information you will be tested on.
Part 1—Australia and its people
Part 2—Australia’s democratic beliefs, rights and liberties
Part 3—Government and the law in Australia
Glossary
20 practice questions
Download testable section (4.3MB PDF).
Non-testable section
This non-testable section contains information that will help you to understand the history and culture of Australia. You will not be tested on this information.
Part 4—Australia today
Part 5—Our Australian story
Glossary and Acknowledgements
Download non-testable section (5.9MB PDF).
Watch Our Common Bond on YouTube
Watch Australian Citizenship – Our Common Bond in 6 short clips on ImmiTV, our YouTube channel, ImmiTV.
Our Common Bond – Introduction (2:28 min)
Our Common Bond – Australia and its people (8:56 min)
Our Common Bond – Australia’s democratic beliefs, rights and liberties (6:40 min)
Our Common Bond – Australia’s democratic beliefs, rights and liberties (5:03 min) (continued)
Our Common Bond – Government and the law in Australia (8:09 min)
Our Common Bond – Government and the law in Australia (8:30 min) (continued)
Our Common Bond in other languages
The Australian citizenship test resource book: Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond, has been translated into 37 community languages.
Order Our Common Bond
You can order one free copy of either the test resource DVD or book, Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond and it will be posted to your address in Australia.
This service is not available to people using an overseas address. Overseas residents should either download a copy of the book or contact an Australian mission overseas for assistance.
If you require more than one copy of the DVD or book, please contact the Citizenship Information Line.
Telephone: 131 880
Practice test
To help you prepare for the test, there is a test tutorial and 4 short practice tests on this website with five example questions each.
The tutorial will familiarise you with the look and feel of the citizenship test and guide you on using a computer mouse to answer the test questions and submit your test.
The practice test contains sample questions similar to those asked in the citizenship test. Doing the practice test will help you prepare for the types of questions you are likely to be asked when you take the actual citizenship test. The practice test is not part of the process of sitting the citizenship test. You can take the practice test over and over again and the results of the practice test will not affect the final result of the citizenship test when you take it.
See:
Australian Citizenship Practice Tests
Australian Citizenship Test Tutorial
Notice for applicants
The citizenship application process for permanent residents changed on 9 November 2009.
- Before 9 November 2009, you must have sat and passed the citizenship test before you could lodge an application for citizenship.
- On or after the 9 November 2009 you must lodge your application with us to receive an appointment to sit the citizenship test.
If you sat and passed the Australian citizenship test before 9 November 2009, we encourage you to make your application for Australian citizenship now if you:
- satisfy the residence requirement
- are likely to reside, or to continue to reside, in Australia or to maintain a close and continuing association with Australia
- are of good character if you are 18 years of age or over.
Which application form?
The online or printed form that applies to your situation is:
Form 1300t Australian citizenship – General eligibility for people aged 18 years and over and under 60 years of age.
The information in this form changed on the 9 November 2009 to alert applicants to lodge their application before sitting the Australian citizenship test.
However this form still applies to your situation.
You must complete all questions in this application form.
Documents to accompany your application
You must provide us with certified copies and original translations of documents not in English with your application.
You must provide the documents indicated on the form regardless of whether you have already provided some originals of these documents at your previous test appointment.
Identity documents
You must provide certified copies of documents requested at Part E – Identity declaration that show:
- your photo
- your signature
- your current address
- your date of birth, birth name and any changes of name, and
- evidence of your first arrival in Australia.
For example you may provide certified copies of:
- a current Australian drivers licence or identity card
- a bank or rent notice
- a full birth certificate. If you have changed your name since birth, provide evidence that links all previous and current names used. Official evidence from an Australian Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages is usually required for a name change after arrival in Australia
- your first entry and current passport or other travel documents
Identity Declaration for all clients making an application
At the time of your test you may have signed Form 1295 Online applications for Australian citizenship by conferral – Identity and declaration or Form 1195 Identity Declaration or been told that if you lodged an application within 6 months you did not need to supply another completed declaration or endorsed photograph.
All applicants must now provide a completed Identity Declaration and provide an endorsed photograph.
- Paper applicants do this at Part E – Identity declaration for themselves and any children.
- Applicants applying through the website do this by obtaining either form 1195 and completing for themselves and any children.
Additional documents
Additional documents or the originals may be requested by the case officer, once an application is received. You may be contacted directly by the case officer if this is required.
Choose your application type
- Begin an online application
- Begin a paper application
Need assistance?
If you have questions or need assistance with your application form please contact the Citizenship Information Line. In Australia call 131 880 between 8.30 am and 4.30 pm Monday to Friday.
If you are overseas, please contact the Australian embassy nearest to you
