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.
Frequently asked
Common questions about the test.
When does the New Zealand citizenship test start?
The Government has confirmed the test will be introduced in the second half of 2027. An exact start date has not been announced. Once the Department of Internal Affairs publishes it, this page will update.
How much will the test cost?
A separate test fee is planned on top of the citizenship application fee. The amount has not been set or announced.
Who has to sit the test?
Most adults applying for citizenship by grant from late 2027. People under 16, those 65 or over, applicants granted an English-language waiver, and people becoming citizens by birth, descent, or under the Western Samoa pathway are not required to sit it.
What happens if I fail?
You can sit the test up to three times in a row. After three unsuccessful attempts there is a 30-working-day wait, then up to three more attempts. After six unsuccessful attempts the application can be declined and a partial refund offered.
Where will the test be held?
The Government has said test centres will be located throughout New Zealand, not only in main centres. Specific locations have not been announced.
Is this the official practice test?
No. This is an independent study site, not affiliated with the Department of Internal Affairs. We write our practice questions from publicly available NZ civics material: the Bill of Rights Act, the Electoral Act, parliament.nz, and govt.nz. They help you learn the topics, not mirror the official question bank.
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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