The test
A plain-English brief on New Zealand’s new citizenship test.
From Late 2027, most adults applying for citizenship by grant will sit a supervised, in-person multiple-choice test. This page covers who has to take it, what the format looks like, and the six topic areas the Department of Internal Affairs has confirmed.
Who needs to sit it
Required for most adult grant applicants.
The test applies to most adults applying for citizenship by grant from late 2027. There are clear exemptions, and applications lodged before the test goes live aren’t affected.
Check your eligibility in detail- Adults aged 16-64 applying for citizenship by grant
- Under 16 or 65 and over
- Granted an English-language waiver
- Citizenship by birth, descent, or Western Samoa pathway
- Application lodged before the test goes live
Format & rules
How the test works.
The Government has confirmed the format and pass mark. The fee, exact start date, and test locations are still pending.
- Mode
- In person, supervised
- Language
- English
- Questions
- 20 multiple-choice
- Pass mark
- 75% (15 of 20 correct)
- Attempts
- Up to 3, then a 30-working-day wait, then up to 3 more
- Fee
- Separate test fee planned. Amount not yet announced.
- Locations
- Throughout New Zealand. Specific sites not yet announced.
Six topic areas
What the test covers.
DIA has confirmed the six broad areas. The detailed study material will be published before launch.
- 01
Bill of Rights & human rights
The freedoms protected by the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990 and the human rights every citizen holds.
- 02
Criminal offences & the rule of law
How NZ law applies equally to everyone, key offences citizens are expected to recognise, and the role of the courts.
- 03
Voting rights & elections
Who can vote, how MMP works, the electoral cycle, and the responsibilities that come with the ballot.
- 04
Democratic principles
The values underpinning NZ democracy: representation, free speech, the peaceful transfer of power.
- 05
Structure of government
Parliament, Cabinet, the Governor-General, the courts, and how the three branches keep each other in check.
- 06
Travel to & from New Zealand
Citizens’ rights of entry and return, the NZ passport, and what citizenship means at the border.
Get notified when DIA publishes the official handbook.
One email when the official study guide drops, when practice quizzes go live, and when the test fee and start date are announced.
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