Study topics
Study the facts the test asks about
Short, focused guides to the topics behind the official handbook — read the key facts, then practise the matching chapter.
Australian national symbols and flags
The citizenship test asks about Australia's national symbols including the flags, the coat of arms and the anthem. Understanding what each symbol represents shows knowledge of Australian identity and history.
Australia and its peopleAustralian federation and history
Federation in 1901 brought the six separate colonies together as one nation. The citizenship test draws on this history and the story of migration that shaped modern Australia.
Government and the law in AustraliaHow the Australian government works
Australia has three levels of government — federal, state or territory, and local — as well as a constitutional monarchy and a bicameral federal parliament. These topics are a regular source of citizenship test questions.
Australian valuesAustralian values explained
Chapter 4 of "Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond" covers the values all Australians share. The citizenship test has a special rule: every values question must be answered correctly in addition to the 75% overall pass mark.
Australia and its peopleAustralian states, territories and capital cities
The citizenship test covers Australia's geography and structure. Knowing the six states and two territories, their capitals and the national capital is foundational knowledge for the test.
Australia and its peopleANZAC Day and national days in Australia
National days reflect shared history and values. The citizenship test asks about the key commemorations — especially ANZAC Day — and what they mean to Australians.
Australian valuesThe Australian Citizenship Pledge
The final step to becoming an Australian citizen is making the Australian Citizenship Pledge at a ceremony. The pledge sums up the loyalty, rights and responsibilities at the heart of citizenship.
Democratic beliefs, rights and libertiesResponsibilities of Australian citizens
Australian citizenship brings responsibilities as well as privileges. The test expects you to know the duties citizens accept in return for the rights they enjoy.
Democratic beliefs, rights and libertiesPrivileges of Australian citizenship
Citizenship gives people a full stake in Australian life. The test covers the privileges that come only with citizenship, which is why understanding them matters.
Government and the law in AustraliaThe rule of law in Australia
The rule of law is a foundation of Australian democracy. The test asks about it because it explains why laws apply to everyone equally, including those in power.
Democratic beliefs, rights and libertiesFreedoms and liberties in Australia
Australia protects a range of personal freedoms. The test expects you to know these liberties and to understand that they are exercised peacefully and within the law.
Government and the law in AustraliaThe Parliament and how laws are made
Laws in Australia are made by an elected parliament with two houses. Knowing how a bill becomes law is regularly tested in the government and law chapter.
Government and the law in AustraliaThe Prime Minister and the Cabinet
The day-to-day running of the country is the work of the executive government. The test covers who leads it and how ministers are chosen.
Government and the law in AustraliaThe courts and the justice system
An independent court system upholds the rule of law. The test asks about how justice works in Australia and the protections people are entitled to.
Government and the law in AustraliaVoting and elections in Australia
Voting is at the heart of Australian democracy and a core responsibility of citizenship. The test covers who must vote and how the system protects fairness.
Government and the law in AustraliaThe Australian Constitution and referendums
The Constitution sets the rules for how Australia is governed. The test expects you to know what it does and how the people can change it.
Government and the law in AustraliaThe King and the Governor-General
Australia combines an elected parliament with a constitutional monarchy. The test asks who the head of state is and how they are represented in Australia.
Australian valuesMutual respect and tolerance
Australia is a diverse society held together by shared values. The test treats mutual respect and tolerance as values you must understand and affirm.
Australian valuesThe "fair go" and mateship
The "fair go" and mateship are distinctively Australian expressions of fairness and support. The values chapter expects you to understand what they mean.
Australian valuesEquality of men and women
Equality is a core Australian value the test pays close attention to. It expects you to know that men and women are equal under the law and in opportunity.
Australian valuesFreedom of religion in Australia
Freedom of religion is one of the freedoms the test emphasises. It expects you to know that people choose their faith freely, but always within Australian law.
Australia and its peopleHow to become an Australian citizen
Understanding the path to citizenship helps put the test in context. Most applicants apply by conferral after meeting residence and other requirements.
Democratic beliefs, rights and libertiesHow Australian democracy works
Democracy is the system through which Australians govern themselves. The test covers its core idea: that power comes from the people through elected representatives.
Australia and its peopleThe Australian way of life
The handbook describes the Australian way of life so newcomers understand the society they are joining. It blends diversity with a set of shared values.
Australia and its peopleAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
The handbook honours Australia's first peoples, who have lived here for tens of thousands of years. The test expects you to recognise their place in Australia's story and culture.
Australia and its peopleMigration and multiculturalism in Australia
Modern Australia has been shaped by people who came from across the world. The test covers this migration story and the multicultural society it produced, held together by shared values.
Australia and its peopleAustralian geography and landscape
The handbook describes Australia's land and environment to give newcomers a sense of the country they are joining. A few geographic facts help round out your understanding of Australia.
Government and the law in AustraliaThe separation of powers in Australia
Australian government divides power among separate arms so that power is not concentrated in one place. The test draws on this idea when it asks how the system keeps government fair.
Government and the law in AustraliaPolitical parties and elections
Elections decide who governs Australia. The test expects you to understand the role of parties, how a government is formed and what the Opposition does.
Democratic beliefs, rights and libertiesPaying taxes and serving the community
Taking part in the community is part of Australian life. The handbook encourages new citizens to contribute, including through paying taxes and volunteering.
Government and the law in AustraliaThe Australian Electoral Commission
Fair elections depend on an impartial body to run them. The test touches on how Australia keeps elections free and fair, separate from any political party.
Australian valuesCommitment to Australia and its future
At the heart of citizenship is a commitment to Australia. The values chapter expects you to understand this loyalty and support for the country's democracy and laws.
Australian valuesEnglish: Australia's national language
Although Australians speak many languages, English is the national language. The values chapter explains how a shared language helps unite a diverse society.
Australian valuesPeaceful resolution of differences
Australians settle their differences without resorting to violence. The values chapter expects you to understand that change is achieved through discussion and the democratic process.
Australian valuesThe Australian citizenship test explained
Knowing how the test is structured helps you prepare with confidence. The test is drawn from the testable section of "Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond".
Australia and its peopleThe Australian national anthem
The national anthem expresses pride in Australia and is sung at official and community events. The test may ask about the anthem and its recent update.