Do you need an English test for Australian citizenship?

Do you need an English test for Australian citizenship?

The pages we read name no separate English test for citizenship by conferral. The citizenship test itself is the check. It is written in English, and Home Affairs says passing it shows you have a basic knowledge of English.

So you read, understand and answer in English. That is your English test, and you take it together with the questions about Australia.

What does the citizenship test say about English?

Home Affairs names four things that a pass proves. One is simple English. The others are that you know what being a citizen means, that you know enough about Australia and what citizens owe and receive, and that you back Australian values.

The test is conducted in English only. There is no version in another language. Anyone who struggles to read the questions can choose to hear them instead. That helps with reading, but the language is still English. Our guide on other languages explains what you can study in your own language.

Note what "basic" means here. The pages give no band score and no level. You need to understand plain written questions and the answer choices under them. The questions follow the booklet.

What if you cannot read English well?

You have options. They are not a way around English, but they help you get there.

• Use the Assisted Test. It gives 90 minutes instead of 45. Home Affairs may offer it if you asked for help in your application and you completed at least 400 hours of English tuition in the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP), or you have an impairment that needs extra time.
• Choose to listen to the questions with a headset.
• Learn the main words from the booklet in English, even if you study the ideas in your own language first.

What about 16 and 17 year olds?

Applicants aged 17 or younger do not sit the test. But if you are 16 or 17, Home Affairs may ask you to show three things at an interview. You must show that you know what your application is for, that you have simple English, and that you understand what Australian citizens owe and receive. Read more in what happens at the citizenship interview.

How can you improve your English for the test?

Home Affairs points to two helps. The first is the AMEPOnline citizenship modules. They use characters, stories and activities to teach the booklet in simple language. The second is the general AMEP, where you can enrol to improve your English. Ask Home Affairs about costs and places.

You can also read the booklet slowly. Take one part at a time, write the words you do not know, and look them up. Try the free practice test to see how the questions are worded. It is practice, not the real test.

Next step

Read Part 1 of the booklet in English and mark every word you cannot explain. Then look at the Part 1 page for a plain-words guide to what it covers.