Citizenship test snapshot results

Monday, 28 April 2008.
The latest snapshot of Australian citizenship testing shows that almost 95 per cent of candidates pass the test on their first or subsequent attempt.

The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, said the snapshot published today covers citizenship testing in the six months to the end of March this year.

'This second report since the introduction of the test on October 1 2007 shows that 16 024 people sat the test in the first three months of 2008 – a significant increase over the 9043 candidates in the final three months of 2007,' Senator Evans said.

'The snapshot shows that people from more than 170 countries have sat the test in the last six months, with 23 781 people passing the test on their first or subsequent attempt.

'Overall pass rates improved from 93 per cent in the first three months to 94.9 per cent over the whole six months.'

More than 16 per cent of candidates were born in the United Kingdom. Of these, 4075 passed while 43 were unsuccessful. About 9.5 per cent of candidates were born in China, with 2282 Chinese-born candidates passing and 100 not successful.

People born in India made up 8.3 per cent of candidates, with 2053 passing and 24 not successful. The snapshot shows that 99 per cent of candidates who came to Australia as skilled migrants passed the test compared with a 91 per cent pass rate for family stream migrants and an 82 per cent pass rate for humanitarian program entrants.

Senator Evans said the results of the latest snapshot would be considered by an independent committee established to review the operation and effectiveness of the test.

'The committee will examine all aspects of the content and operation of the citizenship test and consider ways to improve its effectiveness,' Senator Evans said.

'Part of the committee’s role will be to examine the experiences of people who sat the test and determine whether other potential applicants are being deterred from sitting the test.

'Feedback from participants to date has generally been positive but concerns have been raised about the test and these will be addressed by the committee.