The Australian Department of Home Affairs has confirmed that two categories of citizenship applicants can receive assistance during the citizenship test, with eligible candidates granted 90 minutes to complete the exam—double the standard 45 minutes given to most applicants.
Who Qualifies for the Assisted Test Option?
According to the Department of Home Affairs, the Assisted Test option is available to applicants who meet specific criteria. The first group includes individuals who have completed at least 400 hours of English tuition through the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) and who have low literacy skills. The second group covers people living with a permanent or temporary physical or cognitive impairment that prevents them from sitting the standard version of the test.
In both cases, applicants must have requested the assisted test at the point of submitting their citizenship application. For those qualifying through AMEP, there is no need to contact an AMEP provider separately, as participation is verified by the department after the application has been submitted.
Key Differences Between Standard and Assisted Test
The standard citizenship test runs for 45 minutes, while the assisted test provides 90 minutes—doubling the time available. Both tests cover knowledge of Australia, its values, and the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship. The extra time is not a modification of the content itself but an accommodation aimed at giving eligible applicants a fair opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge without being disadvantaged by time constraints.
The Department of Home Affairs has made information about the Assisted Test available on its official website as part of its broader guidance on the citizenship interview and test process.
Exemption from Australia Citizenship Test
In related news, Legit.ng previously reported that the Australian Government has published eligibility rules for a specific group of people who can apply for citizenship without sitting the standard test. The exemption applies to people born in a particular country before a specific independence date, with a parent-based condition attached.
