Applicants for New Zealand citizenship by grant process are expected to get six attempts to pass the new test being imposed from late 2027.
According to the latest information available now, applicants will be given six attempts to pass this in-person test before their application is withdrawn, or they request application be considered by the Minister of Internal Affairs.
Questions will include topics such as the Bill of Rights Act, human rights, certain criminal offences, voting rights, democratic principles, the structure of government, and travel to and from New Zealand. Applicants will be required to get 75% of questions – 15 out of 20 multiple-choice questions correct to pass in 45 minutes. The 20 multiple-choice questions will be randomly selected from a wider pool.
It is also understood the total six attempts are expected to be divided into two parts. After three consecutive unsuccessful attempts, the applicants will have to wait for 30 days before they get their next three attempts.
The in-person testing model is intended to ensure identity of the person taking the test, controls over test conditions, and assurance that applicants are demonstrating their own knowledge.
Applicants currently meet this requirement by signing a declaration that they understand the responsibilities and privileges.
The test announcement was made by Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden last week to strengthen the citizenship by grant process.
“People seeking citizenship should understand New Zealanders believe in certain rights, like freedom of speech, or that no one person or group is above the law. This test ensures people have sufficient knowledge of their responsibilities and privileges before receiving citizenship by grant,” the Minister said.
The Department of Internal Affairs estimates in the year 2027-28, approximately 80,571 people are expected to take the in-person test with 36,798 from the Auckland region itself.
Citizen test fee will be charged separate from the application fee.
Interestingly, New Zealand test is in line with Australian citizenship multi-choice exam which is also for 45-minutes and consists of 20 questions with a 75% passing grade. However, it is also designed to demonstrate English proficiency.
In the United States citizenship civics test, applicants must answer 12 out of 20 questions correctly in the oral exam. Applicants have two chances to pass and must also pass an English proficiency test.
