New Zealand Citizenship Test Preparation & 2027 Guide
Study the official citizenship test topics with free lessons and quizzes, then take a timed mock exam. Also find clear guides to the test format (from late 2027), requirements, fees and how to apply.
The NZ citizenship test at a glance
- StartsLate 2027
- Questions20 multiple-choice
- Pass mark15 correct (75%)
- LanguageEnglish
- WhereIn person, across NZ
- ProviderAspeq Limited
- Test feeTo be decided
Everything you need to become a New Zealand citizen
Clear, up-to-date answers to the questions people ask most about New Zealand citizenship, based on official information from govt.nz and the Department of Internal Affairs.
NZ citizenship test 2027
Start date, format, who runs it, cost and how the in-person test will work.
Read guide →What is on the test
Study notes on the Bill of Rights, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, voting and how NZ is governed.
Read guide →Pass mark & retakes
15 out of 20 to pass. What happens after 3 and 6 unsuccessful attempts.
Read guide →Who is exempt
Under 16s, over 65s, English waivers, citizens by descent and other exemptions.
Read guide →Citizenship requirements
Presence, residence, English, good character and intention to live in NZ.
Read guide →The 1,350-day rule
How the presence requirement works and how much time you can spend overseas.
Read guide →How to apply
Step-by-step: online with RealMe, or by post and in person with a paper form.
Read guide →Citizenship fees 2026
NZD $641 for adults and $320 for children — the full official fee table.
Read guide →Processing times
How long NZ citizenship takes right now, and how to avoid delays.
Read guide →Documents checklist
Birth certificate, passport, photos, referee or witness — what to get ready.
Read guide →Ceremony & oath
What happens at your citizenship ceremony and the oath or affirmation wording.
Read guide →Dual citizenship
New Zealand allows it — but check whether your other country does.
Read guide →Why New Zealand is introducing a citizenship test
Understanding the responsibilities and privileges of New Zealand citizenship is already a legal requirement for citizenship by grant. Today, applicants show this by signing a declaration in their application.
From late 2027, most applicants will instead show it by passing a short, in-person, multiple-choice test. The government describes this as a change to how you show you meet the requirement — not a change to the requirement itself.
If you already meet the requirements, applying before the test starts means you will not need to sit it. Check if you are eligible now →
What the test will cover
- The New Zealand Bill of Rights Act
- Human rights
- Voting rights and democratic principles
- New Zealand’s system of government
- Te Tiriti o Waitangi – the Treaty of Waitangi
- Some criminal offences
- Travelling overseas on a New Zealand passport
Free NZ citizenship test prep course
Seven modules on the official topics, a quiz after each one, then a 20-question timed mock test with a 75% pass mark — so you can practise before the real in-person exam starts in late 2027.
NZ citizenship test questions answered
When does the New Zealand citizenship test start?
The New Zealand Government has said most people applying for citizenship by grant will have to pass a citizenship test from late 2027. The exact start date has not yet been announced and will be confirmed by the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA).
Do I need to sit the citizenship test if I apply before 2027?
No. 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. You must still meet all the other citizenship requirements at the time you apply.
How many questions are in the NZ citizenship test?
The test will have 20 multiple-choice questions, and it will be in English.
What is the pass mark for the NZ citizenship test?
You need to answer at least 15 of the 20 questions correctly, which is a pass mark of 75%.
How much does NZ citizenship cost in 2026?
From 28 August 2026 the fee for citizenship by grant is NZD $641 for an adult aged 16 or over and NZD $320 for a child aged 15 or under. People born in Samoa before 1949 applying under section 7A pay NZD $278.
How many days do I need to be in New Zealand to apply for citizenship?
Most adults must have been physically present in New Zealand as a resident for at least 1,350 days in the 5 years before applying, and at least 240 days in each of those 5 years. You must also intend to keep living in New Zealand.
How long does it take to get NZ citizenship?
As of October 2026, DIA says 90% of applicants receive an outcome within 4 months of applying, and 90% are granted citizenship within 6 months. After approval you must attend a citizenship ceremony, which usually happens within 2 to 5 months.