If you are reading this article, then you’re probably thinking about how to prepare for the citizenship test, government of Australia requires you to pass before they officially give you their citizenship.

Hundreds of thousands of people have managed to pass this test in the last decade only, so there is no reason to fail. That is if you decide to start preparing on time and prepare well.

Here are some basic pieces of information about the test…

This test was not required forever. The government decided to introduce it in 2007. As a mandatory precondition for obtaining citizenship. The aim was to make sure people coming in to settle in this country have basic knowledge on how its society works, what are the most important historical points, and how the current government works. Having learned all this an individual is being prepared to integrate into their society. It is usually taken in the special government premises, therefore, there are no shortcuts one can take to pass it. The rules are simple… You pass and confirm you are prepared to become an Aussie, and they give your citizenship.

If you catch yourself doubting you can pass it, don’t. Because the percentage of those who have failed is very low, one or two percent, only. To pass you need to have at least 70% of correct answers. You’ll be answering 20 questions, 15 of which you need to answer correctly.

There are some exceptions when it comes to this test. If you are 60 +, or below 16, or are a person with special needs (such as blind, deaf, etc.), the immigration service will not require you to pass the test on your journey to citizenship.

So, what are the smartest steps you can take to ace the test?

Here are some suggestions we thought you would find helpful.

1. Use the material provided by the government

As is the case with most of the tests someone officially requires, be it language or this, when you first apply for it, you also get the materials you’ll need for preparation. In this case, they have prepared a detailed video containing all info you will need. It is available both on YouTube and on the websites of the government bodies dealing with immigration and citizenship. The one available on YouTube is of course available to the wider public and can be seen without applying for the test.

Other reading materials are also available on government websites, so to prepare for the test, you can use whichever you find more helpful. We do suggest, however, you combine.

Do not underestimate this material, only because it is available to everyone. It is still a very valid and useful tool for preparation if you want to ace the test.

2. Use free practice test

The best way to be prepared is to try out the test. How can you do this? You’ll find some great tools that will help you not be surprised about how the testing process goes, once you sit to take it. There you can find tons of free tests you can utilize to get used to the pattern by which they are designed. The best thing about it is that questions are always updated with the new, relevant ones. Each one is given with an explanation, to help you understand better, and learn what you are reading. In case you fail to give a correct answer, you’ll also be explained, and this helps you minimize the risk of repeating your mistakes. With practice material like this, you’ll be able to practice anytime, anywhere'.

This is by far the best preparation method you should opt for, since it will make you feel much more confident, given the fact that you have already experienced the test procedure while practicing. You are familiar with how the pattern goes; therefore, anxiety will be kept to a minimum.

3. Take notes

As you read, watch, and practice the actual test, you should also make sure you take some notes. With notes you’ll be creating your material, in your style, you can later on use to refresh the knowledge.

4. Watch movies about history and important people

You’ll find that a lot of the questions revolve around famous personalities from politics, history, culture, and also important dates. If you find it easier to learn by watching, then try to find interesting documentaries that speak about these events and people. It may be easier to comprehend the content, and you may feel more confident in your knowledge.

5. Use help, if you need it

Since you’ll be doing the test on the English language, it is important to be comfortable with this. You’ve probably already spent some time in Australia, and provided evidence on the language knowledge, however, you may not be comfortable with writing. Not everyone is, and this is ok. It’s in your interest to pass this test, therefore be honest if you think that the language could be a barrier between- the citizenship and you. There are people you can ask to help you with the translation, to make sure you ace it.

6. Pay special attention to the values

Although you need 70% of correct answers to pass, some sections of the test will require 100% correctness. The section we’re talking about is the values section. They will not tolerate mistakes here. You can expect to have five questions regarding values, and all of them have to be answered correctly. So, this is something to pay special attention to. Luckily, it’s nothing complicated and difficult to understand.

If you decide to ace the test, then all you need to do is follow the guidelines we’ve given you. You’ll find the process easy, and you may also enjoy it. The final result will be the citizenship certificate.