Expected requirement
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NZ citizenship test guide, quizzes, and future practice tests
A simpler guide to the upcoming New Zealand citizenship test, with clear information on who needs it, what is tested, current quiz resources, and what to check before applying in or after 2027.
If you already applied for citizenship, or you apply before the test becomes a requirement in 2027, you do not need to sit the test.
Browse questions and quizzesarrow_forwardSee who needs the testarrow_downwardRead official requirementsopen_in_new
Test format
20 multiple-choice questions
Pass mark
15 correct answers
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Get the important NZ citizenship test updates by email
We will email you when the government confirms key details like the 2027 start date, fees, locations, study materials, or major rule changes.
check_circleExact start date
check_circleFees and locations
check_circleOfficial study materials
Who needs the test
Most citizenship by grant applicants will need the test after it becomes mandatory in 2027
The fastest way to judge your position is to separate timing from exemptions: first ask when you will apply, then check whether an official exemption applies to you.
eventIf you apply before the requirement starts
You do not need to sit the test if you have already applied for citizenship, or if you apply before the test becomes a requirement in 2027.
assignmentIf you apply after the requirement starts
Most people applying for New Zealand citizenship by grant will need to sit the test, unless one of the official exemption categories below applies.
The rule that matters is the one in force on the day you apply.
Official exemption checklist
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Under 16 years old
Applicants younger than 16 will not have to sit the test.
elderly
Aged 65 or over
Applicants aged 65 and above are exempt.
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English language waiver
Applicants who have already been granted a waiver for the English language requirement do not have to sit the test.
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Not of full capacity
Applicants who are not of full capacity will not have to complete the test.
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Severe medical condition
A severe medical condition that prevents completion of the test can exempt an applicant.
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Unique personal circumstances
Applicants with unique personal circumstances that prevent them from completing the test may be exempt.
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Citizen by descent applying for grant
New Zealand citizens by descent who are applying for citizenship by grant do not have to sit the test.
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Applying from overseas while meeting presence rules
This includes applicants living in Niue, the Cook Islands or Tokelau, or working overseas for the New Zealand government.
What will be tested
The test checks whether applicants understand the privileges and responsibilities of New Zealand citizenship
Govt.nz says the questions will cover the topics below. The common thread is understanding what citizenship gives you and what it expects from you.
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Bill of Rights Act
Expect questions about the rights and freedoms protected by New Zealand law.
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Human rights
The test will cover human rights principles and respect for others in New Zealand society.
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Voting rights and democratic principles
Applicants need to understand voting rights and how democracy works in New Zealand.
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New Zealand's system of government
This includes how New Zealand is governed and how public institutions work.
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Some criminal offences
Applicants are expected to understand basic legal responsibilities and some offences.
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Travelling on a New Zealand passport
The test will include travel rights and responsibilities linked to a New Zealand passport.
Official citizen privileges
- check_circleLive in New Zealand indefinitely.
- check_circleTravel overseas on a New Zealand passport.
- check_circleVote.
- check_circleStand for Parliament or local government.
- check_circleHave full access to education and full economic and social rights.
- check_circleRepresent New Zealand in sports.
Official citizen responsibilities
- task_altObey and promote the laws of New Zealand.
- task_altNot act in a way that is against the interests of New Zealand.
- task_altRegister on the electoral roll.
- task_altPay tax.
- task_altBehave as a responsible New Zealander.
How the test will work
These are the format details officially published so far, along with the current retake process and the parts still waiting for confirmation.
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20 questions in English
The citizenship test will use 20 multiple-choice questions.
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75% pass mark
Applicants need at least 15 correct answers to pass.
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In-person sitting
Applicants will sit the test in person, with the aim of offering locations throughout New Zealand and not only in the main centres.
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Official study materials are planned
The Department of Internal Affairs says study materials will be available before the test becomes a requirement.
If you do not pass
Attempts 1 to 3
If you do not pass on the first attempt, you can rebook and try again. A fee will likely apply each time you sit the test.
Wait at least 30 working days
If you do not pass after 3 attempts, you must wait at least 30 working days before you can access another block of attempts.
Attempts 4 to 6
Applicants get up to 3 more attempts. After 6 unsuccessful attempts, they will be offered options such as withdrawing the application for a partial refund.
Still being worked through
- pendingThe exact date in 2027 when the test becomes a requirement.
- pendingThe final fee for each attempt.
- pendingConfirmed test locations and booking arrangements.
- pendingDetailed exemption and sitting-process guidance.
Practice resources
NZ citizenship test questions, quizzes, and future mock tests in one place
This site is being shaped as an independent resource hub for the NZ citizenship test before the 2027 requirement starts. You can use the current quiz library now, track official rule changes, and stay ready for larger banks of questions and full-length practice tests.
quizAvailable now
NZ citizenship test quiz library
Use the current quiz library to practise one set at a time with instant feedback and a review screen at the end of each run.
Browse quiz libraryarrow_forwardschoolGrowing resource
Practice questions by topic
Build familiarity with likely question areas such as rights, government, voting, passports, and citizen responsibilities as more question sets are added.
See test topicsarrow_forwardassignmentPlanned next
Future mock citizenship tests
Full-length practice tests and larger mock exam sets are planned as the 2027 requirement gets closer and more public study guidance becomes available.
Get launch updatesarrow_forwardImportant: official study materials are expected to come from the Department of Internal Affairs before the test becomes mandatory. This site is an independent practice and guidance resource designed to help users stay prepared earlier.
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Before you apply
Check the current citizenship requirements before you spend money on an application
Govt.nz says you should make sure you meet the citizenship requirements at the time you apply. If you do not, your application may be unsuccessful and you may not receive a full refund of the application fee.
1
Check the current requirements first
Before you apply, review the official requirements for presence in New Zealand, language, character, and any child or Samoa-specific rules that apply to you.
2
Use the rules in force when you apply
If you apply before the citizenship test becomes a requirement in 2027, you will not need to sit it. What matters is the requirement in place on the date you apply.
3
Avoid preventable application costs
If you do not meet the requirements when you apply, your application may be unsuccessful and you will not get a full refund of the application fee.
Official resource
Official citizenship test page
Read the latest government summary of who needs the test, what will be tested, and how attempts will work.
Official resource
Requirements for NZ citizenship
Review the current citizenship requirements before you apply.
Official resource
Privileges and responsibilities of a citizen
See the official list of citizen privileges and responsibilities that the test is designed to cover.
Official resource
Contact the citizenship office
Use the official contact page if you need help with your own situation.
Want to stay longer and keep learning?
After you review the official rules, keep exploring inside the site with the independent quiz library and topic practice area.
FAQs
Common questions about the New Zealand citizenship test
These answers are written from the official information currently published on Govt.nz, using simpler language for quick scanning.
When will the New Zealand citizenship test start?expand_more
The official guidance says the test will become a requirement from late 2027 for most people applying for citizenship by grant. The exact date has not been announced yet.
Do I need to sit the test if I already applied for citizenship?expand_more
No. You do not need to sit the test if you have already applied, or if you apply before the test becomes a requirement in 2027.
Who will not have to sit the citizenship test?expand_more
Official exemptions include applicants who are under 16, aged 65 or over, have an English language waiver, are not of full capacity, have a severe medical condition, have unique personal circumstances, are New Zealand citizens by descent applying for grant, or are applying from overseas while meeting the presence requirement.
What will be tested?expand_more
The test will check whether applicants understand the responsibilities and privileges of being a New Zealand citizen. Topics include the Bill of Rights Act, human rights, voting rights and democratic principles, New Zealand's system of government, some criminal offences, and travelling overseas on a New Zealand passport.
What score do I need to pass?expand_more
Applicants will need at least 15 correct answers out of 20, which is a 75% pass mark.
Will there be a fee and where will the test happen?expand_more
The government says there will likely be a fee for each attempt, in addition to the citizenship application fee, but the amount is still to be decided. Applicants will sit the test in person, and the aim is to have locations across New Zealand rather than only in the main centres.
What happens if I do not pass the test?expand_more
If you do not pass, you can rebook and try again. After 3 unsuccessful attempts, you must wait at least 30 working days before getting up to 3 more attempts. After 6 unsuccessful attempts, you may be offered options such as withdrawing your application for a partial refund.