How to Prepare for the Australian Citizenship Test

To be an Australian citizen through registration, you need to pass the citizenship test. What defines your success is the level of preparation you’re willing to work with. Typically, you’re able to apply for the citizenship test after you’ve met the standard criteria which include attaining the required age, living in Australia for at least 4 years, and permanently residing in the country for the last 12 months.

However, you’re just halfway there to becoming an Australian citizen if you meet all the eligibility criteria. The next step will only take 45 minutes of your time when you’re seated in front of a computer but it could be the most important. In that regard, how should you prepare for the citizenship test?

Review your Application

At this point, you need to cross-check all the conditions required to sit for the citizenship test. First, you’ll need to be between 18 and 59 years of age to begin the citizenship application process.

The second step is to give an honest background of how you came to Australia during an interview usually done a few weeks before the test. You could be a migrant with a permanent residence status, a humanitarian entrant, came via the Commonwealth Child Migration Organization, or a child of a former Australian citizen. It’s important that you give a true account of your background while registering for the citizenship test to keep your application from being rejected.

You may need valid documents such as your bank statement or utility bills to prove that you’ve permanently resided in Australia for the 12 months. The application process includes payment of all the associated costs. The applicant is required to pay about $285 which covers the general eligibility test. 

Understand the Test Format

While preparing to acquire an Australian citizenship status, you need to make heads or tails of what to anticipate during the test. The test format will give you a rundown of the common questions and the kind of answers you’re expected to give.

To get the whole picture, you can do several Australian citizenship practice tests online before the actual exam date. The average score gives you a simulation of how prepared you are to sit for the citizenship test and attain the 75 percent pass rate. If you have a friend or a family member who passed the test, you can make the best use of this relationship to do a few consultations and learn how to stretch the odds of getting well-prepared for the test.

Make sure you aim for 100 percent on the next practice test by checking out for correct answers to all the previously failed questions. In doing so, you will not fall short of the target score during the actual test.

Use Australia’s Common Bond Guide

This guide is a must-have directory for all applicants looking to pass the citizenship test on the first attempt. It has a constructive glossary section full of relevant vocabularies used to draft the questions you’re required to answer. The Common Bond Guide goes deeper into each testable area, so you’re able to schedule your study sessions conclusively. Not to mention, it’s the official book recommended by Australia’s Department of Immigration and Citizenship for any applicant who wants to improve their knowledge of Australia, understand the government framework, and know the responsibility of every citizen. You’ll also need this guide to know all your privileges when you become an Australian citizen.

To get started, you can download the e-book for free from the Department of Home Affairs’ official website.

Before the Test

Before taking the test, you’ll be required to present valid documents that serve as proof of identity. You will also need to bring your photograph or allow the authorized staff to take one. Make sure you study all the relevant topics and get sufficient sleep the night before the test to avoid any signs of fatigue.

All applicants are required to arrive at the test center on time. If you reside too far away from the designated location where the test will be conducted, it would be advisable to sleep at a nearby motel if you can. If not, you can miss the test but you can file a valid reason so that you’re considered for the next test session.

During the Test

Make sure you think through all the questions before choosing your answers. Since you only have 45 minutes to complete the test, you need to track the time you spend to solve each question. Also, you will need to abide by all rules and regulations. Any breach would warrant the staff to nullify your test results.

There’s no formal dress code to follow but it’s always appealing to look a little more professional than casual. If you’re faced with any hitch during the test session, you’re allowed to seek guidance from the staff.