What Happens If You Fail the Australian Citizenship Test?

If you've failed the Australian citizenship test — or you're worried about failing — take a breath. You are not alone, and it is absolutely not the end of your citizenship journey. Around one in three test‑takers do not pass on their first attempt, and every single one of them is allowed to try again.

Failing Is More Common Than You Think

There is a widespread myth that almost everyone passes the citizenship test easily. That may have been true before November 2020, when historical pass rates sat at approximately 80%. But since the introduction of mandatory values questions, the test has become significantly harder.

In 2024, over 183,000 citizenship tests were conducted across Australia. Of those, approximately 122,000 resulted in a pass — a pass rate of roughly 67%. That means about one in three people did not pass. If you failed, you are in large company, and there is a clear path forward.

What Actually Happens When You Fail

Here is the important part: failing the test does not cancel your citizenship application. Your application remains active and valid. You do not need to reapply or pay any additional fees. Here is exactly what happens:

1. You receive your result immediately — the computer‑based test gives you a pass or fail result as soon as you finish.
2. Your application stays open — the Department of Home Affairs keeps your citizenship application active.
3. You reschedule a new test — you will typically need to wait 2 to 4 weeks before you can sit the test again.
4. You use the time between attempts to study — this is your opportunity to focus on the areas where you struggled.

There is no penalty, no black mark on your file, and no negative consequence beyond the wait. The test exists to help you demonstrate your knowledge, and the government expects that some people will need more than one attempt.

How Many Attempts Do You Get?

There is no limit on the number of times you can take the Australian citizenship test. You can retake it as many times as you need. There is also no additional fee for retaking the test — it is included in your original citizenship application fee.

The only restriction is the waiting period between attempts, which is typically 2 to 4 weeks. This waiting period is set by the Department of Home Affairs and gives you time to prepare before your next attempt.

So whether you need one retake or five, the opportunity is there. The key is making each attempt count by studying more effectively between tests.

Why the Test Has Gotten Harder Since 2020

If you feel like the test was harder than you expected, you are right. In November 2020, the Australian Government added a mandatory values component to the citizenship test. This single change dramatically shifted the difficulty:

• Before November 2020: Pass rates were approximately 80% (2017‑2019 data).
• After November 2020: Pass rates dropped to around 65‑68%.

The reason is the strict scoring rule for values questions: you must answer all 5 values questions correctly. Even if you score 18 out of 20 overall (90%), getting a single values question wrong means you fail. This is the number one reason people do not pass the test today.

The Top Reasons People Fail

Understanding why people fail helps you avoid the same mistakes. Here are the most common reasons, in order of frequency:

1. Getting a Values Question Wrong (The #1 Reason)

This is by far the most common cause of failure. The test contains 5 values questions, and you must answer every single one correctly. There is no room for error. Many test‑takers score well overall but fail because they missed one values question. The values section requires a different kind of preparation — you need to understand Australia's values deeply, not just memorise facts.

For a detailed breakdown of every value you need to know, read our guide to Australian citizenship test values questions.

2. Not Studying the Official Guide

All test questions come directly from Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond. Some applicants rely on random online resources or outdated materials instead of this official booklet. You can read the official guide free in the app with section‑by‑section progress tracking.

3. Confusing Government Levels

Questions about which level of government (federal, state, or local) is responsible for specific functions trip up many test‑takers. For example, immigration is federal, while education is primarily a state responsibility.

4. Memorising Without Understanding

Rote memorisation of answers often fails because the test questions are worded differently from study materials. Understanding the underlying concepts helps you answer correctly even when the question phrasing is unfamiliar.

5. Not Taking Enough Practice Tests

Reading the guide is important, but it is not enough on its own. Practice tests reveal gaps in your knowledge and help you get comfortable with the multiple‑choice format and time pressure.

Sample Values Questions That Catch People Out

These are the types of questions that cause most failures. Study them carefully:

Practical Tips to Pass on Your Next Attempt

Whether this is your first attempt or a retake, these strategies will dramatically improve your chances:

1. Prioritise Values Questions Above Everything Else

Since one wrong values answer means automatic failure regardless of your overall score, this is where your study time should start. Use category practice to drill values questions separately until you can answer them with 100% accuracy every time.

2. Read the Official Guide Cover to Cover

Every test question comes from Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond. There is no shortcut here. Read it thoroughly and use the app to track which sections you have completed.

3. Take Mock Exams Under Realistic Conditions

Our app includes 16 timed mock exams that simulate the real test — 20 questions in 45 minutes with the same pass requirements. Taking these under test conditions builds confidence and reveals weak spots.

4. Use Focused Practice to Fix Weak Spots

The app automatically tracks every question you answer incorrectly. The focused practice feature lets you re‑test only those questions until you master them. This is the most efficient way to improve between attempts.

5. Study in Your Own Language First

If English is not your first language, start studying in one of the 13 supported languages to build your understanding of the content. All 280 practice questions, answer options, and explanations are available in Hindi, Chinese, Filipino, Vietnamese, Urdu, Sinhala, Portuguese, Spanish, French, Malay, Italian, and Arabic. Once you understand the concepts, switch to English closer to your test date.

6. Aim for 85%+ Consistently

Do not book your test until you are scoring above 85% consistently on practice tests. The 75% pass mark leaves very little room for error, especially with the values requirement. Aiming higher gives you a comfortable buffer for nerves on test day.

Key Takeaways

• Failing is not the end — your application stays active and you can retake the test.
• Unlimited attempts — there is no limit and no extra fee. You just wait 2‑4 weeks between attempts.
• About 1 in 3 people don't pass — the test is genuinely difficult since the 2020 values changes.
• Values questions are the #1 reason for failure — you must get all 5 correct, no exceptions.
• Targeted practice is the fastest way to improve — focus on what you got wrong, not everything.