NZ Citizenship TestPreparation Hub
Preparing for the upcoming NZ citizenship test

Kia ora. Get ready for your citizenship test.

Everything you need in one place: 495 study questions with answers and explanations, plus realistic timed mock tests in the official format - so you walk in on test day already knowing you can pass.

Test format
Questions20 multiple-choice
Time limit45 minutes
Pass mark15 correct (75%)
Question typeChoose 1 of 4 options
RetakesUnlimited practice here
495
study questions
5 sets
of 100 questions
5
timed mock tests
100
quiz questions
75%
pass standard
About the test

What is the New Zealand citizenship test?

The citizenship test is a knowledge test for people applying to become New Zealand citizens. It checks that new citizens understand the country they're joining - its history, its founding document Te Tiriti o Waitangi, how its democracy works, and the rights and responsibilities that come with a New Zealand passport.

The test is expected to be multiple-choice and sat in a controlled setting. You don't need to write essays or give a speech - you need to recognise the correct answer among four options, 20 times, in under 45 minutes.

Who typically sits it
✓Permanent residents applying for citizenship by grant
✓Applicants who have met the residence requirement (generally 5 years)
✓Adults within the required age band - exemptions are expected for children and older applicants
Final eligibility rules and exemptions will be confirmed by the Department of Internal Affairs. We'll align this site with the official requirements as soon as they're published.
What you'll study

Six topic areas, one question bank

Our practice sets and quizzes cover the themes the test is expected to draw from.

🤝
Te Tiriti o Waitangi
The Treaty of Waitangi, its signing in 1840, its principles, and its place as New Zealand's founding document.
🏛️
Government & democracy
How Parliament works, the MMP voting system, the role of the Governor-General, and local government.
📜
History
From Maori settlement and European arrival through to nationhood - the key events and people that shaped Aotearoa.
🗺️
Geography
Regions, main cities, mountains, rivers and lakes across the North and South Islands.
🎭
Culture & society
Te reo Maori, national symbols, sport, public holidays, and everyday life in New Zealand.
⚖️
Rights & responsibilities
What citizenship means in practice - voting, jury service, the rule of law, and the values New Zealanders share.
How it works

Learn, practise, pass

A simple three-stage path from first study session to test-day confidence.

1
Learn
Read through 495 preparation questions across 5 structured sets. Every question comes with its answer, and many include a short explanation so you understand the why - not just the what.
2
Practise
Move through each set at your own pace with next and previous controls. A progress bar tracks exactly how much of each set you've covered, so you always know where you left off.
3
Pass
Sit realistic mock tests: 5 quizzes of 20 multiple-choice questions against a genuine 45-minute clock. Score 15 or more and you're at the 75% pass standard.
Study smarter

Four habits of people who pass first time

Little and often
Twenty minutes a day beats a three-hour cram. Work through one part of a set each day and let the progress bar keep you honest.
Read the explanations
Don't just memorise answers. The descriptions give you the context that helps when a question is worded differently in the real test.
Simulate test day
Take at least two full quizzes under the 45-minute clock before your test, with no notes. It builds the pacing instinct you'll need.
Review your mistakes
After each quiz, the review screen shows every question you missed with the correct answer. Those are the questions to revisit tomorrow.
FAQ

Common questions

Ready when you are

Start with Practice Set 1 today, or jump straight into a timed mock test to see where you stand.