The Australian citizenship test and the values rule: why some fail with 19 out of 20
Translated from the Arabic original. Read in Arabic
The Australian citizenship test has a rule many applicants do not know about: you can fail even with 19 correct answers out of 20. The reason is the Australian values questions, where no mistake is allowed.
The test format
The test has 20 multiple-choice questions in English and lasts 45 minutes. To pass you must meet two conditions together: answer at least 75% of the questions correctly, which is 15 questions, and answer all 5 Australian values questions correctly.
What are the Australian values?
This part focuses on the principles of Australian society: respect for the equal worth, dignity and freedom of the individual; freedom of speech and freedom of religion with a secular government; freedom of association; support for parliamentary democracy and the rule of law; equality under the law; equality of men and women; equality of opportunity; rejecting violence as a way to change opinions or laws; and the spirit of a "fair go", mutual respect, tolerance and compassion for those in need.
Why do people get values questions wrong?
Because the questions look obvious, so people rush, or because they answer with what seems right in their culture of origin rather than what the official book says. Example: a question about religious practices and the law. The book is clear: Australian law applies, and no practice that breaks it is accepted. Read every values question slowly and choose the answer that reflects the book.
The syllabus: Our Common Bond
Questions are based on the testable sections of the official book "Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond": Australia and its people, democratic beliefs, rights and liberties, government and the law, and Australian values. The book is free on the Department of Home Affairs website and translated into many languages, but the test itself is in English, so learn the English terms too.
Tips for passing
Study the values section first, until you know it perfectly, because it is a requirement you cannot make up elsewhere. Then study the system of government: the difference between federal, state and local government is a frequent question. And practise with full timed tests.
Practise now
Ghurbatek’s Australian test simulator applies the values rule exactly: the full exam draws 15 general questions and 5 values questions and marks you as failed if you get any values question wrong, even with more than 15 correct answers.
This article is general information, not legal or tax advice. Laws change, so check the official sources below or the competent authority for your situation. Found a mistake? Tell us.