New Zealand citizenship test: what we know and how to prepare
Checked against official sources on 1 October 2026
Coming soon: New Zealand's citizenship test starts from late 2027. It is not required yet. Our questions cover the topics the government has announced, and we will update them when official study materials are published.
New Zealand's citizenship test starts from late 2027, and it is not required yet. The government has announced the format and the topics, but it has not published study materials. This page covers what is confirmed and what you can usefully do now.
- Questions
- 20
- Pass mark
- 15 correct
- Time
- Not yet announced
What has been announced
- The test starts from late 2027.
- 20 multiple-choice questions, taken in person, in English.
- You need at least 15 correct (75%).
- You can have up to 3 attempts. After that you must wait at least 30 working days before up to 3 more.
- People under 16 or aged 65 and over are exempt, along with some other groups.
- The time limit has not been announced.
The topics
The announced topics are: the privileges and responsibilities of citizenship, the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act, human rights, voting and democracy, the system of government, Te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi), some criminal offences, and travel and passports.
The Department of Internal Affairs will publish official study materials before the test starts. Until then, nobody outside the government knows the real questions.
What you can do now
If you apply for citizenship before the test starts, check the official page to see whether it applies to you: the rules for applications already in progress are for the government to confirm.
If you expect to apply after late 2027, you can start learning the topics. Our practice questions are written from the laws and official sources behind each one, such as the Bill of Rights Act 1990, the Human Rights Act 1993 and the Electoral Commission's guidance. We will rewrite them to match the official study materials when those are published.
A simple way to start
There is no need to cram for a test that has not started. A little at a time is enough.
- FirstDo one topic quiz a week to see what you already know about how New Zealand is governed.
- ThenRead the explanations for the questions you get wrong. Each one names the law or official source it comes from.
- Before you applyRead the official study materials once the Department of Internal Affairs publishes them, and check this page again.
Practise for free
Full 20-question practice tests with the real pass mark, and a quiz for every topic. Every answer is explained.
Common mistakes
- Assuming the test is already required. It starts from late 2027.
- Paying for materials that claim to contain the real questions. No official questions have been published.
- Relying on old information: check the official page for changes before you apply.
Questions
- When does the New Zealand citizenship test start?
- From late 2027. It is not required before then.
- How many questions are on the New Zealand citizenship test?
- The government has announced 20 multiple-choice questions, with at least 15 correct (75%) needed to pass.
- Who has to take the New Zealand citizenship test?
- Most people applying for citizenship by grant once the test starts. People under 16 or aged 65 and over are exempt, along with some other groups.
- Is there an official study guide for the New Zealand citizenship test?
- Not yet. The Department of Internal Affairs has said it will publish official study materials before the test starts.
Official sources
TestWise Prep is an independent practice site and is not affiliated with the government of New Zealand. The test facts on this page come from the official pages above; the study plan and tips are our own advice. Rules can change, so always confirm on the official website.