CitizenshipExam is an independent practice service. For current government requirements, always use the Department of Home Affairs. Practice questions on this website are original preparation questions, not actual exam questions.
Mistake 1: Treating 15/20 as the only pass rule
The test also requires 5/5 Australian Values. Track both numbers during practice. A strong overall result can still fail the published requirements if one Values answer is wrong.
Mistake 2: Memorising practice questions
Home Affairs says its sample practice questions will be different from the questions on the day. That is a strong reason to learn concepts, not answer patterns.
Use practice questions to test knowledge, not to build a memorised answer bank.
Mistake 3: Ignoring Our Common Bond
All test questions are based on the official resource booklet. External tools should support your study, not replace the source.
Whenever you get a question wrong, return to the relevant section of Our Common Bond.
Mistake 4: Rushing because there is a timer
You have 45 minutes for 20 questions. That gives enough time to read carefully. Many avoidable errors come from answering before fully reading the wording.
Mistake 5: Doing endless mock tests without review
Ten tests with no review can be less useful than two tests followed by careful correction. Keep a small list of recurring weak topics and revisit them deliberately.
Mistake 6: Using unreliable or misleading sources
Be cautious of claims about 'actual exam questions' or guaranteed question lists. Home Affairs says its own practice test is a sample and the questions will be different on the day.
Keep the official preparation page and Our Common Bond as your primary references.
Put the guide into practice
Take a 20-question, 45-minute simulation and track the 15/20 overall requirement and 5/5 Australian Values requirement separately.
Start Free Test →Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest scoring mistake?
Forgetting that you need both at least 15 out of 20 overall and 5 out of 5 Australian Values.
Should I memorise practice answers?
No. Learn the underlying material because real test questions can be worded differently.
Is doing more practice tests always better?
Not if you do not review mistakes. Correction and targeted revision are essential.
What source should I trust most?
Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond and the Department of Home Affairs preparation resources.