Australian Citizenship Test 2026: Study Guide & Practice Questions

Becoming an Australian citizen represents a significant milestone—symbolizing full participation in Australian civic life, including voting rights, simplified work and travel arrangements, and a stronger sense of belonging. As the 2026 version of the Australian Citizenship Test approaches, it’s essential for applicants to grasp the format, topics and pass requirements well ahead of sitting the exam.
This study guide walks through the test’s structure, key subject areas, practice questions and preparation strategies. Whether the applicant is a long-term resident or recently eligible, understanding the test’s logic and content can reduce anxiety and boost confidence on test day.

Page Contents

What is the Australian Citizenship Test?

The Australian Citizenship Test is designed to assess whether applicants understand Australia’s system of government, laws, values, history and responsibilities of citizenship. According to the official Department of Home Affairs website, the test is one component of the citizenship application process for most adult applicants.
Successful completion demonstrates that the applicant:

understands the rights and responsibilities of Australian citizens;
respects and upholds the values of Australian society; and
has a basic knowledge of Australia’s political and legal system.

Test Format, Threshold & Practical Details

Test Format

The test consists of 20 multiple-choice questions, drawn from the official resource book “Our Common Bond”.
Applicants must answer at least 15 questions correctly (75%) to pass, per the Home Affairs guidance.
The test is computer-based, held at designated citizenship test centers, and applicants must arrive at least 15 minutes beforehand.

Key Requirements & Pre-Test Conditions

Applicants must hold a valid visa and have submitted their citizenship application at least 1 day before taking the test.
They must have reached the age of 18 by the date of the test.
Valid photo identity must be presented at the test center.

Timing & Booking

After submitting the eligibility checklist, applicants may be invited to book the test. Test dates are scheduled in advance; depending on location, booking early is advised.
Results are typically provided immediately after completion. If the applicant passes, they proceed to the citizenship interview and ceremony.

2026 Update Highlights

The resource book “Our Common Bond” was updated in 2024 to reflect new Australian values and updated information on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories.
Some jurisdictions now offer online test-booking and remote monitoring options, especially for eligible rural venues.
Additional emphasis has been placed on illustrating Australia’s multicultural society and legal rights/responsibilities of citizens.

Key Study Areas: What Applicants Must Know

Australian Values & the Rule of Law

Understanding key Australian values is critical. These include: democracy, freedom of speech and religion, equality, fairness and the rule of law. Many test questions ask how Australia’s legal system operates or why values such as equality matter.

System of Government & Democracy

Applicants should know:

The structure of federal, state/territory and local government.
How elections work, voting obligations and major rights of citizens.
The roles of the Parliament of Australia, the High Court of Australia and the Governor‑General of Australia, among others.

Australia’s History & Indigenous Peoples

Questions may cover:

First Nations peoples and their heritage.
British colonization, Federation (1901) and major immigration trends.
Significant events like the ANZAC Day and their relevance to national identity.

Rights, Freedoms & Responsibilities

This topic includes:

The legal rights of citizens (e.g., vote, work, travel).
Responsibilities such as obeying laws, serving on a jury and voting in federal elections.
How citizens contribute to community life and national prosperity.

Australia Today & the International Context

Coverage includes Australia’s major industries, global role, multiculturalism, geography and environment. For example, knowledge of national symbols like the Koala, the Great Barrier Reef and climate issues may appear in questions.

Another Must-Read: State Nomination 190 vs 491 in 2026: Requirements Compared by State

Practice Questions & Worked Examples

Below are ten sample questions—each followed by the correct answer and a brief explanation to aid understanding.

Which of the following is not a right of Australian citizens?
A) Vote in federal elections
B) Receive an Australian passport
C) Serve on a jury
D) Remain without legal basis in Australia
Answer: D) Remain without legal basis in Australia
Explanation: Citizens must hold a valid Australian citizenship status; remaining without legal basis is not a right agreed by citizens.
The governor-general is appointed by the:
A) Prime Minister
B) Monarch
C) High Court
D) Parliament
Answer: B) Monarch
Explanation: The King or Queen (via the Monarch of Australia) appoints the governor-general on advice of the government.
What year did the six British colonies unite to form the Commonwealth of Australia?
A) 1891
B) 1901
C) 1911
D) 1921
Answer: B) 1901
Explanation: Federation occurred in 1901, forming the nation of Australia.
Which of the following is a responsibility of Australian citizens?
A) Obey the law
B) Work in government service
C) Swim in holiday seasons
D) Pay no taxes
Answer: A) Obey the law
Explanation: Citizens must obey laws; working for government or paying no taxes are not universal responsibilities.
The ANZAC Day commemoration is held on:
A) 11 June
B) 25 April
C) 1 January
D) 5 November
Answer: B) 25 April
Explanation: ANZAC Day honours Australian and New Zealand Army Corps service on 25 April each year.
How often must Australian citizens vote in federal elections?
A) Every year
B) Every two years
C) Every three years
D) Every five years
Answer: C) Every three years
Explanation: Federal elections must be held at least once every three years.
Which Australian animal is featured on the 1 dollar coin?
A) Platypus
B) Kangaroo
C) Emu
D) Koala
Answer: B) Kangaroo
Explanation: The common Australian one-dollar coin features a group of kangaroos.
Which body can make and change laws for Australia’s states?
A) Federal Parliament
B) State or Territory Parliament
C) High Court
D) Local Council
Answer: B) State or Territory Parliament
Explanation: Subordinate law-making powers for states/territories are held by the relevant parliament.
When did women gain the right to vote in federal elections in Australia?
A) 1902
B) 1918
C) 1924
D) 1931
Answer: A) 1902
Explanation: Australia passed the Commonwealth Franchise Act of 1902, giving most women the federal vote.
Which iconic landmark marks Australia’s national capital territory?
A) Sydney Opera House
B) Melbourne Cricket Ground
C) Parliament House, Canberra
D) Uluru
Answer: C) Parliament House, Canberra
Explanation: The national capital is Canberra, home to Parliament House.

Working through such questions helps embed the key facts and themes likely to appear in the official test.

Study Strategies for 2026

Read the official resource book “Our Common Bond”. This remains the primary study source recommended by Home Affairs.
Schedule regular practice sessions using sample questions. Aim to complete full sets of 20 questions under timed conditions (30 minutes).
Form study groups or use online forums, where applicants can quiz each other and discuss tricky topics like Australian government or Indigenous history.
Use flashcards for key dates, terms and values, especially those that relate to the system of government, civic responsibilities and national history.
Prioritise your weak areas. If a candidate struggles with rights and responsibilities, spend more time reviewing that section of the resource book.
Simulate test-day conditions. Arrive early, bring required ID, avoid distractions, and familiarise with the test centre environment if possible.
Check for updates in 2026. Occasionally the resource book or question bank is reviewed—always download the latest edition from Home Affairs.

Call to Action

Ready to tackle the Australian Citizenship Test? Download the free questionnaire sheet, form a study group, share this article with friends, subscribe to receive weekly practice questions directly to your inbox, and comment below with your weakest topic so others can support you. The more engaged your preparation, the more confident you’ll be on test day.

Conclusion

Preparing for the Australian Citizenship Test in 2026 involves more than memorizing facts—it’s about understanding Australia’s values, government, history and what it means to be a citizen. With focused study, regular practice using sample questions and familiarity with the official resource book, applicants can feel ready and confident walking into the test.
Success means meeting the threshold—but greater success is feeling genuinely connected to Australia as a country. When the test is passed, it becomes more than a milestone—it marks a first step in a new chapter of civic belonging and engagement.