Launching Late 2027
Prepare for New Zealand's new citizenship test.
From late 2027, most adults applying for citizenship by grant will sit a 20-question test in person. We'll help you understand what's on it, who has to take it, and how to prepare, and we'll notify you the moment the official handbook drops.
Get notifications when the official DIA handbook is released, practice quizzes go live, and when the test fee and dates are announced.
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Test launches in
The Government has confirmed the test will be introduced in the second half of 2027. An exact start date hasn't been announced.
The test, at a glance
Six topic areas
What's on the test
The Department of Internal Affairs has confirmed the six areas the test will cover. Start with whichever you're least sure about.
Bill of Rights & human rights
The freedoms protected by the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990 and the human rights every citizen holds.
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.
Voting rights & elections
Who can vote, how MMP works, the electoral cycle, and the responsibilities that come with the ballot.
Democratic principles
The values underpinning NZ democracy: representation, free speech, the peaceful transfer of power.
Structure of government
Parliament, Cabinet, the Governor-General, the courts, and how the three branches keep each other in check.
Travel to & from New Zealand
Citizens’ rights of entry and return, the NZ passport, and what citizenship means at the border.
Who has to sit it
Do I need to take this test?
The test applies to most adults applying for citizenship by grant from late 2027, but there are clear exemptions.
Check your eligibility- 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
Get a heads-up before everyone else.
- The official DIA handbook lands
- Practice quizzes go live
- The test fee and start date are announced
Emails when there's real news. No spam, unsubscribe any time. See our privacy policy.
Frequently asked
Common questions
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.