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The Australian Citizenship Test – What to Expect

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  • A permanent resident can apply for citizenship after having residency for at least 1 year
  • 15 of 20 questions must be answered correctly to pass the citizenship test
  • The citizenship test asks questions about Australia and general proficiency in English

Can you pass the Australian Citizenship Test? Let us find out.

Australia as an Immigrant Destination

Before we talk about the test, let us understand Australia as an immigrant destination

Each year, a number of people migrate to Australia for a range of reasons. Citizenship is often the ultimate aim of a migrant. If you want to become an Australian citizen, you will have to pass the citizenship test. Read on to see a sample of what you may be asked.

Since the Australian government introduced the Nationality and Citizenship Act 1948, over 5 million people have been naturalized. In 2016-17 alone, 137750 people became Australian citizens. As an Australian citizen, you can live and work in Australia, you can vote, stand for elections and your children will become Australian citizens too.

Australian Citizenship Test
Parliament House, Canberra. Image Courtesy Thennicke

Number of People who were Conferred Australian Citizenship in 2016-17

Former NationalityNumber of People NaturalizedPercentage
India24,1810.18
UK21,0610.15
Philippines9,1120.07
China6,5780.05
South Africa4,9060.04
Sri Lanka4,4870.03
Pakistan4,4800.03
Ireland4,2860.03
Vietnam3,8590.03
New Zealand3,5930.03
Others51,2070.37

How to Become an Australian Citizen?

If a person has been a permanent resident in Australia for at least a year and lived in the country legally for at least 3 years before that, he or she may apply for Australian citizenship. He or she must also have a good character and be proficient in English.

A completed application form will need to be submitted along with an application fee of AUD 285. Once this is processed, the applicant will be given an appointment for a citizenship test or an interview. On passing the test/interview, the person may take the Australian Citizenship Pledge at the citizenship ceremony.

Australian Citizenship Test

The citizenship test is designed to test the applicant’s knowledge about the English language and about Australia. The questions in this test are based on Australian culture, democratic beliefs, government and Australian law and Rights and Liberties of Australian citizens. The applicant will be asked 20 questions of which at least 15 must be answered correctly to pass the test. It is possible to attempt the test more than once.

Australian Citizenship Test – Sample Question And Answers 

Here’s a sample of the type of questions that may be asked.

Q 1 What does the term ‘fair go’ convey?

  • A person who accomplishes things in life because of his background or wealth.
  • A person who accomplishes things because of class distinction
  • A person who accomplishes things because of their skill, experience and ability

Correct Answer: A person who accomplishes things because of their skill, experience and ability

Q 2 Children of Australian citizens who were born outside of Australia may:

  • Not be recognized as Australian citizens
  • Be registered as Australian citizens only if they pass the citizenship test
  • Be registered as Australian citizens

Correct answer: Be registered as Australian citizens

Q 3 The Australian nation came about by:

  • Negotiation
  • Referendum
  • Both of the above

Correct Answer: Both of the above

Q 4 The capital of Queensland is:

  • Darwin
  • Sydney
  • Brisbane

Correct Answer: Brisbane

Q 5 Australia Day signifies:

  • An honor to all the people who have made Australia great and its history
  • Honor for all Australians who have participated in peacekeeping operations, conflict resolution and other military services
  • Honor for the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps that landed in Gallipoli, Turkey in 1915

Correct Answer: An honor to all the people who have made Australia great and its history

Q 6 Decisions made by the Australian parliamentary representatives are answerable to:

  • The general public
  • Nobody
  • Australian head of state, Governor General

Correct answer: The general public

Q 7 What was discovered in 1851 in New South Wales and Victoria?

  • Gold
  • Oil
  • Diamonds

Correct answer: Gold

Q 8 Anzac Day is named after:

  • The aboriginal culture of Australia
  • The Australian and New Zealand Army Corps
  • The Australian Army

Correct Answer: The Australian and New Zealand Army Corps

Q 9 Australia has ____ national flags.

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3

Correct Answer: 3

Q 10 The first convict ships to Australia came from:

  • India
  • China
  • Britain

Correct Answer: Britain

So how did you do?

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