Test Rules

• Turn off your mobile phone and put it away
• Do not talk to other people
• Do not use any books, paper, or other material to help you do the test
• Do not copy answers from anyone
• Complete the test within 45 minutes
• Raise your hand to get help from a staff member if you need help with the computer

If you do not follow the rules, you will be asked to leave the venue.

Low computer skills

You may get help from staff to use the computer if you have low computer skills.

Poor English

You cannot bring anyone with you to help with the test. If you cannot read English, you can listen to the questions.

You may be offered an assisted test if you have:

• asked for it in your application
• completed at least 400 hours of English language tuition under the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP)
• been assessed by the AMEP provider as not having the reading skills needed to take the test without help

You will have 90 minutes to complete the assisted test.

If you pass the test

The processing of your application will continue.

The Citizenship Office will write to you when a decision has been made on your application.

If your application is approved and you are required to attend a citizenship ceremony, you will receive a letter of invitation to attend the ceremony from either your local council or the citizenship office.

Generally, your ceremony will be held within 6 months from the time of the approval of your application. Although waiting times can vary. View the citizenship processing times to see how long it is currently taking.

Find out who has to go to, and what happens, at a citizenship ceremony.

If you fail the test

You can:

• retake the test on the same day if possible
• re-book the test for another time, especially if you need more time to prepare.

You will not be charged for taking the test again.

Failing the test does not affect your permanent visa or stop you from living in Australia.

If you sat and passed the test before 9 November 2009

The citizenship application process for permanent residents changed on 9 November 2009.

Before 9 November 2009, you had to pass the test before you could apply for citizenship.

If you passed the test before 9 November 2009 and have not yet applied for Australian citizenship, you can apply if you meet the other eligibility requirements. You do not have to sit the test again but you might have an interview.