Are You Ready for Your Australian Citizenship Test?
If you have been a permanent resident in Australia for the required length of time, you will have the opportunity to become an Australian Citizen. In order to do so, you must undertake a Citizenship Test to prove your understanding of the country, it's government, culture and laws. For most people who make the commitment to become a citizen, taking the test can be a nervous time, but there are a number of ways to ensure you're ready.
Advantages of Citizenship
Becoming an Australian citizen has a number of benefits. You will be granted the privilege of obtaining an Australian passport, voting in elections, equal access to employment, support from the Australian consulate abroad and the chance to register any child born overseas as a citizen of Australia also. The task of becoming a citizen should be a happy and exciting time and the only way to ensure this is the case is to feel completely confident in your knowledge of the test questions. There are a number of ways to prepare for this.Preparing for the Australian Citizenship Test
The Australian Department of Immigration will be able to send you out a copy of their resource book Becoming an Australian Citizen to help you study for the test. You can also view the entire book online at their website as a PDF file. The book contains all the information you are required to know before going to the test. It is mandatory that you study this information as the 20 multiple choice questions you receive will be from this. It also contains some sample questions so you can get a feel for how the test questions are arranged.Online Resources for the Australian Citizenship Test
Although the official book is the best source of information for the citizenship test, there are many online resources that can help your studying be more effective. Many websites, such as those below, offer sample tests, information and mock exams to help aid your studying.- www.aussietest.com
- www.australiantest.com
Although you may need to pay for some of these sample tests, it is definitely worth while. They condense large sections of information into smaller, easier to remember questions and this will help you progress through the study easier.
Applying and Sitting the Test
When you feel confident enough to sit the citizenship test, you should call your local test centre to obtain an appointment. There can often be delays, especially in larger cities, so plan in advance if you want to sit your test at a certain time. When your appointment is booked in, you will be emailed or mailed information telling you what items to bring with you. Generally you will need:- UK passport that you used to enter Australia
- Evidence of your residency status – visa or other form used to enter Australia
- Documentation that shows your signature, photograph and address – driving licence is the best
- Original birth certificate
If you need to bring any other information with you, you'll be told in advance. You then show up at the test office in plenty of time and await your turn. You will speak to an employee of the test office who will photocopy your documents and take a passport sized photo of you there are then if you didn't bring one with you. You'll then be given a number and will head into the test room to sit the test.
