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:

  • are currently attending compulsory school in Switzerland.
  • are currently doing an apprenticeship or attending grammar school in Switzerland.
  • have spent 5 years at a compulsory school in Switzerland including at least 3 years at lower secondary level
  • have completed an apprenticeship or grammar school in Switzerland

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:

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: 26 July 2025
(Registration deadline: 19 July 2025 )
Exam time: 15:15-16:15
Location: Zurich


Grundkenntnistest

Exam date: 13 August 2025
(Registration deadline: 6 August 2025 )
Exam time: 15:00-16:00 or 16:15-17:15
Location: Zurich


Grundkenntnistest

Exam date: 29 August 2025
(Registration deadline: 22 August 2025 )
Exam time: 12:00-13:00 or 13:15-14:15
Location: Zurich


Grundkenntnistest

Exam date: 10 September 2025
(Registration deadline: 3 September 2025 )
Exam time: 15:00-16:00 or 16:15-17:15
Location: Zurich


Grundkenntnistest

Exam date: 26 September 2025
(Registration deadline: 19 September 2025 )
Exam time: 12:00-13:00 or 13:15-14:15
Location: Zurich


Grundkenntnistest

Exam date: 8 October 2025
(Registration deadline: 1 October 2025 )
Exam time: 15:00-16:00 or 16:15-17:15
Location: Zurich


Grundkenntnistest

Exam date: 24 October 2025
(Registration deadline: 17 October 2025 )
Exam time: 12:00-13:00 or 13:15-14:15
Location: Zurich


Grundkenntnistest

Exam date: 12 November 2025
(Registration deadline: 5 November 2025 )
Exam time: 15:00-16:00 or 16:15-17:15
Location: Zurich


Grundkenntnistest

Exam date: 28 November 2025
(Registration deadline: 21 November 2025 )
Exam time: 12:00-13:00 or 13:15-14:15
Location: Zurich


Grundkenntnistest

Exam date: 5 December 2025
(Registration deadline: 28 November 2025 )
Exam time: 12:00-13:00 or 13:15-14:15
Location: Zurich


Grundkenntnistest

Exam date: 10 December 2025
(Registration deadline: 3 December 2025 )
Exam time: 15:00-16:00 or 16:15-17:15
Location: Zurich