Basic knowledge test – cantonal civics test for naturalisation in the Canton of Zurich
If you are not Swiss and want to get a Swiss passport in the canton of Zurich, you need to know about Switzerland, the canton of Zurich and life in Zurich. The basic knowledge test includes questions about geography, politics, history, religion, public holidays, work, education and the insurance system.
You DO NOT need to do the test if you:
What does the test look like?
The test lasts 60 minutes. It happens on the computer at school. There is no oral examination.
Where do you take the test?
The community office will tell you when and where to take the test. The community office in the place where you live can provide information.
More information:
- Canton of Zurich website with information on the basic knowledge test and practice materials
- Do you need to take the cantonal German test (KDE), too? We can also arrange this. Find out more here.
Cost
| Online test at language school | CHF 170.- |
Cancellation
| Cancellation up to 7 days before the exam | no charge |
| Cancellation less than 7 days before the exam | 50% of the exam fee |
| In case of nonattendance | 100% of the exam fee |
Participants who cancel at short notice will not be charged a fee if they can present a medical certificate.
Candidates receive their test results immediately.
Dates and registration
Select the date on which you would like to take the basic knowledge test.
You can then register directly for the exam via the website.
Grundkenntnistest
Exam date: 13 February 2026
(Registration deadline: 30 January 2026 )
Exam time: 15:15-16:15
Location: Zurich
Grundkenntnistest
Exam date: 14 February 2026
(Registration deadline: 31 January 2026 )
Exam time: 14:00-15:00
Location: Stäfa
Grundkenntnistest
Exam date: 10 March 2026
(Registration deadline: 24 February 2026 )
Exam time: 14:00-15:00 or 15:15-16:15
Location: Zurich
Grundkenntnistest
Exam date: 14 March 2026
(Registration deadline: 28 February 2026 )
Exam time: 14:00-15:00
Location: Stäfa
Grundkenntnistest
Exam date: 19 March 2026
(Registration deadline: 5 March 2026 )
Exam time: 10:00-11:00 or 11:15-12:15
Location: Zurich
Grundkenntnistest
Exam date: 23 March 2026
(Registration deadline: 9 March 2026 )
Exam time: 14:00-15:00 or 15:15-16:15
Location: Zurich
Grundkenntnistest
Exam date: 28 March 2026
(Registration deadline: 14 March 2026 )
Exam time: 14:00-15:00 or 15:15-16:15
Location: Zurich
Grundkenntnistest
Exam date: 18 April 2026
(Registration deadline: 4 April 2026 )
Exam time: 14:00-15:00 or 15:15-16:15
Location: Zurich
Grundkenntnistest
Exam date: 30 May 2026
(Registration deadline: 16 May 2026 )
Exam time: 14:00-15:00 or 15:15-16:15
Location: Zurich
Grundkenntnistest
Exam date: 27 June 2026
(Registration deadline: 13 June 2026 )
Exam time: 14:00-15:00 or 15:15-16:15
Location: Zurich
Grundkenntnistest
Exam date: 18 July 2026
(Registration deadline: 4 July 2026 )
Exam time: 14:00-15:00 or 15:15-16:15
Location: Zurich
Grundkenntnistest
Exam date: 22 August 2026
(Registration deadline: 8 August 2026 )
Exam time: 14:00-15:00 or 15:15-16:15
Location: Zurich
Grundkenntnistest
Exam date: 26 September 2026
(Registration deadline: 12 September 2026 )
Exam time: 14:00-15:00 or 15:15-16:15
Location: Zurich
