After the Test

What Happens If You Fail the Citizenship Test?

12 February 2026

Not passing on your first attempt isn't unusual, and it isn't the end of your citizenship application. Here's what actually happens.

Your Application Doesn't Get Cancelled

Not passing the test doesn't cancel your citizenship application or affect your existing visa or permanent residency status. It simply means you haven't yet met one of the requirements for citizenship approval, you remain eligible to try again.

You'll Be Told Immediately

The test is scored on the spot, you'll know your result, including whether it was the overall percentage or the Australian Values requirement that wasn't met, right at your appointment. That's useful information: it tells you exactly what to focus on before your next attempt, rather than leaving you guessing.

You Can Sit the Test Again

Retaking the test is a normal, expected part of the process for many applicants. See our guide to retaking the test for how that process works and what to change the second time around. Booking and timing details can change, so always confirm current arrangements directly with the Department of Home Affairs.

Turn the Result Into a Study Plan

If you missed the 75% mark, that usually points to gaps across one or two topic categories. If you missed a values question specifically, that's a narrower, more fixable problem. Either way, our practice tool lets you drill exactly the category that needs it, and our dashboard tracks your accuracy by topic so you can see the gap close before you go back in.