1.1 Test Format and Pass Rules
Key Takeaways
- The Australian Citizenship Test has 20 computer-based multiple-choice questions and a 45-minute time limit.
- The test is conducted in English only, even though Our Common Bond is available in community languages for preparation.
- To pass, you need at least 15 correct answers out of 20 overall and all 5 Australian Values questions correct.
- All test questions are based on the official Department of Home Affairs resource Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond.
- Failing the test does not cancel permanent residence, but repeated failure can affect the citizenship application.
Why the test rules matter
The Australian Citizenship Test is not just a general knowledge quiz. It is part of the citizenship by conferral process and is used to check basic English, knowledge of Australia, understanding of citizenship responsibilities and privileges, and commitment to Australian values.
The exam rule that causes the most mistakes is the dual pass rule. You must pass the whole test and the values section. Treat the Australian Values questions as a separate all-or-nothing checkpoint.
Core format
| Rule | What to remember |
|---|---|
| Test source | Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond |
| Delivery | Computer-based test |
| Question style | Multiple choice |
| Total questions | 20 randomly selected questions |
| Values questions | 5 questions within the 20 |
| Time limit | 45 minutes |
| Test language | English only |
| Overall score needed | At least 75%, which is 15 out of 20 |
| Values score needed | 5 out of 5 |
The testable content comes from Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond, usually shortened to Our Common Bond or OCB. Home Affairs also provides a practice test, a podcast, and preparation material, but the official booklet is the source to study first.
The two pass conditions
You pass only when both conditions are true:
- You answer at least 15 of the 20 questions correctly.
- You answer all 5 Australian Values questions correctly.
This means a candidate with 16, 17, 18, or 19 correct answers can still fail if one Australian Values question is wrong. It also means a candidate who gets all 5 values questions correct still fails if the total score is only 14 out of 20.
How to pace the test
Forty-five minutes for 20 questions gives more than two minutes per question. Most candidates should use the time to read carefully, especially on answer choices that sound partly correct.
A practical pacing plan:
- First pass: answer direct fact questions quickly.
- Slow down: read values questions twice before choosing.
- Check traps: make sure the answer follows Australian law, not personal custom, family pressure, or religious authority.
- Final review: confirm every question has an answer before submitting.
Appointment rules and retakes
At the test appointment, follow the test rules: turn off and put away your phone, do not talk to other people, do not use notes or other material, do not copy answers, complete the attempt within the time limit, and raise your hand if you need help.
If you fail, Home Affairs can book another appointment and there is no extra fee for sitting the test again. Failing the test does not affect your permanent visa by itself, but if you do not pass after three appointments, the citizenship application may be refused.
Exam trap to memorize
The safest rule is: 15/20 plus 5/5 values. Do not reduce the pass mark to 75% only. On this test, the values section has its own perfect-score requirement.
A candidate answers 16 of 20 questions correctly, but gets 4 of the 5 Australian Values questions correct. What is the result?
Which study source should be treated as the official source for testable content?