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:

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.

Zürich city panorama with Limmat river in summer, Switzerland

«Professional, patient, encourages, motivates, subject matter expert.»
Sherrie C. H., participant one-to-one-tuition German

Basic knowledge test – cantonal civics test for naturalisation in the Canton of Zurich

What does the test look like?

Where do you take the test?

Cost

Cancellation

Dates and registration

Grundkenntnistest

Grundkenntnistest

Grundkenntnistest

Grundkenntnistest

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Grundkenntnistest

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Grundkenntnistest

Registration

Basic knowledge test