How many practice tests should you do before the Australian citizenship test?

How many practice tests should you do before the Australian citizenship test?

There is no set number. Do tests until your scores show a steady signal: 15 or more out of 20 on mocks that are new to you, and all 5 values questions right every time.

For many people that takes three to six full mocks. Take that as a rough guide, not a rule. A person who reads the booklet twice may need fewer. A person who is still building English may need more.

Why a number is the wrong goal

The real test uses two rules. You need at least 15 of 20 (75 percent), and you must answer all 5 values questions correctly. A count of tests says nothing about either rule.

Someone can do ten tests, repeat the same questions, and learn the answers without learning the booklet. Someone else can do three tests, review every mistake, and be ready. What matters is what each test shows you.

The signals to look for

Your overall score is steady. You reach 15 or more on at least two or three mocks in a row. A little room above 15 is useful, because a real test has questions you have not seen.

Your values score is perfect every time. Not "most times". If you miss a values question even once in your last few tries, read Part 4 again and keep going.

The mocks are new to you. Repeats inflate your score. If you saw the question before, you may just remember the answer. Use a new set, or wait some days between tries.

You finish in time. The limit is 45 minutes for 20 questions. If you run out of time, practise reading faster. If you finish with minutes to spare, use them to check your answers.

You can explain your answers. If someone asked "why is that the right answer?", could you say it in a simple sentence? That matters more than the score.

How to review a mock

A mock is only useful if you review it. Spend as long on the review as on the test.

1. List every wrong answer, and also every question you guessed.
2. For each, write the topic and the booklet part.
3. Decide the type of mistake. Did you not know the fact? Did you misread the question? Did you mix up two similar items, such as the House of Representatives and the Senate?
4. Open the booklet at that page. Read the paragraph, not only the answer.
5. Say the correct idea aloud in your own words.
6. After a day or two, check that item again.

The second type, misreading, has its own fix. Slow down on questions with NOT or EXCEPT. See trap words for how.

A sensible order

Start with the free practice test to see where you are. Then study by part. Then take mocks in the last one or two weeks, with a day between them for review. Finish with a light look at Part 4 the day before.

For help with the study side, read how to study, and see the part pages if one topic stays weak, such as Part 3, government and the law.

Do not rely on practice alone

A practice test cannot show you every question on the real test. The booklet is the source. Use practice to find the gaps, and use the booklet to fill them.

Check yourself

• What were your last three total scores, and your last three values scores?
• Which mistakes were facts, and which were reading?
• Have you tried a mock you have not seen before?