If you want to become a citizen of Australia, you first need to pass the citizenship test. (You need 75% overall in order to pass the test.) The information for the test comes from the training booklet - Australian Citizenship - Our Common Bond which you can download from the Department of Home Affairs website.
The testable sections of the booklet/study material are organised in 3 parts:
- 1. Australia & Its People
- 2. Australia’s democratic beliefs, rights and liberties
- 3. Government and the law in Australia
Understanding The Testable Sections
Australia and its people
This section covers Australian history from indigenous peoples through to British colonisation and now current day Australia. You will need to learn about the 6 states and 2 territories including their locations, capitals, and individual state flags.
This section also covers the traditions and symbols that are special to Australians including the Australian flag, coat of arms, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags. You’ll also need to study the anthem, and know the national flower, colours and gemstone.
(Not sure what these are? Use our practice tests to quickly learn them).
The democratic beliefs, rights and liberties
As part of the Australian pledge, you must pledge that you share the democratic beliefs and respect the rights and liberties of the Australian people. Australia is a parliamentary democracy and everyone’s views and rights should be respected no matter the type of choices and differences held by the individual.
In this section you’ll learn about the basic freedoms and equalities that all Australians share. You’ll also need to learn what your privileges and responsibilities are as an Australia citizen.
The government and the law
As part of your citizenship pledge, you must also pledge to obey and uphold the law. Therefore, understanding the system of the Australian government is of utmost importance to everyone. All citizens have a say in how the country is being run (democratically held elections). You need to know how the laws are made by parliament, how the laws are administered, and what your role is in all of this (like jury duty).
Get Ready to Pass the ACT
We look forward to hearing that you were successful on your test and had the immense opportunity of repeating this pledge:
From this time forward, under God,*
I pledge my loyalty to Australia and its people,
whose democratic beliefs I share,
whose rights and liberties I respect,
and whose laws I will uphold and obey.
*You may choose whether or not to use the words ‘under God’.
To make sure that you do get this opportunity to repeat the pledge, start practicing for the Australia citizenship test online today.