Nervous About the Citizenship Test? Practical Tips That Help

Feeling nervous before the citizenship test is normal. Most of the stress comes from uncertainty, and much of that can be removed with good preparation.

Know exactly what to expect

The Standard Test has 20 multiple choice questions in 45 minutes on a computer or tablet, in English. You need 75% overall and all 5 values questions correct, and your result appears on the screen straight after the test. Knowing this removes most surprises.

Practise under realistic conditions

Do full practice exams with the real format: 20 questions in 45 minutes. Home Affairs offers an official practice test, and the Citizenpro Australia app lets you run timed exams and repeat the questions you got wrong.

Prepare the appointment day

Arrive 10 minutes early with an original photo ID and your appointment letter. Put away your phone, smart watch and smart glasses, and arrange care for children, who are not allowed in the test centre. Before the test, staff discuss your application, confirm your identity and take your photo, so the start of the appointment is routine.

Use the official free resources

Home Affairs offers free preparation resources: the Our Common Bond booklet, available in 40 community languages, an Our Common Bond podcast, an official practice test designed to look and feel like the real test, and AMEPOnline citizenship modules for people learning English. The test itself is in English only, so if you study in your own language, also learn the key terms in English.

Know the rules so nothing surprises you

During the test you must not use phones or other devices, talk to anyone other than the Test Facilitator, use books or notes, or copy answers. You sit the test on your own, but the Test Facilitator can show you how to use the computer or tablet, read the questions aloud or give you headphones. Breaking the rules can lead to your application being refused, so simply follow the instructions you are given.

Remember the safety net

If it does not work out the first time, your visa is not affected and Home Affairs books another appointment at no extra cost. You can also ask to listen to the questions with headphones if reading in English is hard for you.