New requirement expected from late 2027
New Zealand Citizenship Test 2027
See the latest confirmed NZ citizenship test details, learn the announced topics and try a free 20-question practice test based on published official-source material.
Test provider confirmed
Aspeq Limited7 October 2026
Checked against official sources: 17 October 2026
Confirmed 7 October 2026
NZ citizenship test 2027: what is official so far
Most people applying for New Zealand citizenship by grant are expected to need the test from late 2027. The Government has selected Aspeq Limited to administer it. The responsibilities-and-privileges requirement already exists; the test changes how most applicants will demonstrate that understanding. The exact start date, test locations and fee are still to be decided.
Official sources: NZ Government citizenship test guidance ↗ · DIA announcement ↗ · Provider announcement ↗
Who will need it?
Most citizenship-by-grant applicants
People who have already applied, or who apply before the new requirement starts, will not need to sit the test under the current published guidance.
Current published exemptions
- Under 16 years old
- Aged 65 or over
- Granted a waiver for the citizenship English-language requirement
- Not of full capacity
- Severe medical condition preventing completion
- Unique personal circumstances preventing completion
- NZ citizen by descent applying for citizenship by grant
- Certain applicants applying from overseas who still meet the presence requirement
Still to be confirmed
- Exact commencement date
- Exact test locations
- Test fee per attempt
- Official DIA study materials
- Exact official questions or question bank
Those details should be treated as unknown until DIA publishes them.
Confirmed subject areas
What will be tested
DIA says the test will check understanding of the responsibilities and privileges of New Zealand citizenship. These seven topic areas have been announced.
Bill of Rights Act
Civil and political rights and fundamental freedoms in New Zealand.
Human rights
Basic human-rights protections and responsibilities under New Zealand law.
Voting & democracy
Voting rights, democratic principles and participation.
System of government
How Parliament, Government and the courts fit together.
Te Tiriti o Waitangi
Te Tiriti o Waitangi / the Treaty of Waitangi and its place in New Zealand.
Some criminal offences
DIA has named this topic but has not yet published which offences will be covered.
NZ passport travel
Travelling overseas on a New Zealand passport and citizenship privileges.
Free practice beta
Free NZ citizenship test practice: 20 questions
This practice uses the 20-question / 15-to-pass format announced by the Government. The questions are independently written from currently published official-source material.
Not official DIA questions. DIA has not released its official study materials or question bank yet. This tool is for familiarisation and study only.
Question 1 of 20Score: 0
Practice result
Study mode
Start with the facts already published
These notes deliberately stay close to official material. They will be expanded when DIA releases its dedicated study resources.
Rights & freedoms
The New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990 protects civil and political rights, including electoral rights and freedom of expression. It applies to the legislative, executive and judicial branches of government and to bodies carrying out public functions.
Ministry of Justice source →Voting & citizenship
Citizens aged 18 or over have electoral rights. Government citizenship guidance also lists voting as a privilege and registering on the electoral roll as a responsibility, while voting itself is not compulsory.
NZ Government source →System of government
New Zealand is a constitutional monarchy. Public power is distributed across the legislative, executive and judicial branches. Parliament makes laws, the Executive administers them, and the Judiciary interprets them.
NZ Parliament source →Te Tiriti o Waitangi
Te Tiriti was first signed at Waitangi on 6 February 1840. There are Māori and English texts, and their wording differs in important ways. More than 500 Māori signed copies during 1840.
Waitangi Tribunal source →Citizen responsibilities
Published government guidance says citizens must obey and promote New Zealand law, register on the electoral roll, pay tax, not act against New Zealand's interests and behave as responsible New Zealanders.
NZ Government source →Criminal offences
DIA has confirmed that some criminal offences will be tested, but it has not yet published the official study material identifying which offences applicants should study. This page will not invent an unofficial syllabus.
Check current official guidance →Passport travel
Government citizenship guidance lists travelling overseas on a New Zealand passport as a privilege of citizenship. The Bill of Rights Act also states that every New Zealand citizen has the right to enter New Zealand.
NZ Government source →Retakes
What happens if you do not pass?
Attempts 1–3
You can rebook and try again.
After 3 unsuccessful attempts
Wait at least 30 working days.
Attempts 4–6
You can then have up to 3 more attempts.
After 6 unsuccessful attempts
DIA will provide options, which may include withdrawing the application for a partial application-fee refund.
The Government says a separate test fee is likely to apply for each attempt, but the amount has not yet been decided.
Common questions
NZ citizenship test FAQs
When exactly will the citizenship test start?
The Government currently says late 2027. The exact commencement date has not yet been confirmed.
Will everyone applying for citizenship need to sit it?
No. Most citizenship-by-grant applicants will need it after the requirement starts, but published exemptions include applicants under 16, people aged 65 or over and several other specified circumstances.
Is the test online?
The announced model is an in-person test. Aspeq Limited has been selected to administer it.
Is there an official NZ citizenship practice test yet?
No official DIA question bank has been released yet. The questions here are independent practice questions based on currently confirmed topics and published official-source facts.
Will there be official study material?
Yes. DIA says it will provide study materials before the test becomes a requirement.
Source note: This page prioritises current information from NZ Government, the Department of Internal Affairs, New Zealand Parliament, the Ministry of Justice and the Waitangi Tribunal. Details that have not been confirmed are labelled as such. The practice tool is independent and not affiliated with DIA or Aspeq.
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