Contents
The French civic exam at a glance
40
Questions (MCQ)
45 min
Duration
32/40 (80%)
Pass mark
≈ €70
Cost per attempt
French only
Language
Lifetime
Certificate validity
What is the French civic exam?
The examen civique is an official state exam designed by the French Ministry of the Interior. It tests your knowledge of French values, institutions, history, and everyday life in France, based on the official livret du citoyen (citizen's booklet).
Since January 1, 2026, passing it is mandatory for every first application for a multi-year residence card (carte de séjour pluriannuelle, 2–4 years), a 10-year resident card (carte de résident), or French naturalisation by decree. The certificate you receive when you pass is valid for life.
Who has to take it (and who is exempt)?
- Required: first application for a multi-year residence card (carte de séjour pluriannuelle, 2–4 years).
- Required: first application for the 10-year resident card (carte de résident).
- Required: French naturalisation by decree.
- Not required: a first application for a 1-year temporary residence permit (carte de séjour temporaire).
- Not required: naturalisation by declaration (e.g. through marriage to a French citizen).
- Exempt: people over 65, and people whose health condition or disability makes the test impossible.
Exam format: 40 questions, 45 minutes, 80%
Format
Multiple-choice test on a computer or tablet, at an accredited center
Questions
40 total: 28 knowledge questions + 12 practical scenarios
Duration
45 minutes
Pass mark
32 correct answers out of 40 (80%)
If you fail
You can retake it as many times as needed (each attempt is paid)
Certificate
Valid for life, for every future application
The 12 practical scenarios describe everyday situations (work, school, healthcare, neighbours) and ask you to apply French republican principles to a concrete case. They are often where candidates lose points — practising them specifically makes a real difference.
The 5 official topics
Principles and values of the Republic
Motto, symbols, secularism (laïcité), fundamental freedoms, the Declaration of the Rights of Man.
Institutions and the political system
The President, Government, Parliament, separation of powers, local authorities, the European Union.
Rights and duties of citizens
Fundamental rights, voting, taxes, respecting the law, civic responsibilities.
History, geography and culture
The French Revolution, the World Wars, the Fifth Republic, geography, heritage and key figures.
Living in French society
Healthcare, education, employment, family life, and everyday procedures in France.
French language requirements (A2 / B1 / B2)
The civic exam itself does not test your French level — but each application also requires an official language certificate (TCF, TEF or a French diploma), at a level that depends on your application:
Multi-year residence card
Level A2 required.
10-year resident card
Level B1 required.
Naturalisation
Level B2 required.
The civic exam is written in simple, direct French. If you can read a short news article in French, the wording will not be your problem — knowing the facts of the official programme will be.
Registration, cost and test centers
- Register for a session at an accredited test center through the official platform formation-civique.interieur.gouv.fr.
- Expect to pay around €70 per attempt (each center sets its own fee, usually €65–€80).
- Bring a valid ID on exam day; the test is taken on site, on a computer or tablet.
- Your pass certificate is issued shortly after the session — keep it, it never expires.
How to prepare (even if your French is basic)
Check your starting level
Take a free 10-question practice quiz to see how far you are from the 80% pass mark.
Study the 5 topics with revision sheets
Short, simple summaries of the official programme — reading them doubles as French practice.
Drill the official question bank
Practise with 600+ real exam questions, each with a corrected and explained answer.
Take timed mock exams
40 questions in 45 minutes, in real conditions. Book your session once you consistently score above 90%.
CiviqueTest is an online practice platform (in French, like the exam) covering all three official situations, with revision sheets, adaptive quizzes and unlimited mock exams. Most candidates are ready after 2–4 weeks of 15–30 minutes a day. Start with the free quiz.
Frequently asked questions
Is the French civic exam mandatory in 2026?
Yes. Since January 1, 2026, passing the examen civique is required for every first application for a multi-year residence card (carte de séjour pluriannuelle), a 10-year resident card (carte de résident) or French naturalisation by decree.
Is the civic exam in French or English?
The exam is entirely in French. There is no English version. However, the questions use simple, direct wording, and with targeted practice on the official question bank most candidates reach the required level within a few weeks.
How many questions do I need to answer correctly?
You need at least 32 correct answers out of 40 (80%). The test lasts 45 minutes and is taken on a computer or tablet at an accredited test center.
How much does the exam cost?
Around €70 per attempt. The exact fee is set by each accredited center (usually between €65 and €80). If you fail, you can retake the exam — each attempt is paid.
Who is exempt from the civic exam?
People over 65, and people whose health condition or disability makes taking the test impossible (with medical proof). A first application for a 1-year temporary residence permit does not require the exam either.
How long is the certificate valid?
For life. Once you pass, the same certificate works for every later application — resident card or naturalisation — without retaking the test.
How do I register for the French civic exam?
Register online on the official platform formation-civique.interieur.gouv.fr: pick the situation matching your application (multi-year card, resident card or naturalisation), choose an accredited test center and a date, and pay the fee. You then receive a convocation with the date, time and address.
When do I get my results and certificate?
Results are usually available within 24 to 48 business hours after the session. You receive an email with a secure link to download your pass certificate as a PDF — this is the document you attach to your application file (ANEF platform or préfecture).
What should I bring on exam day?
A valid ID and your convocation. Arrive early: check-in and identity verification are part of your time slot, and being late can prevent you from sitting the exam. No dictionary, phone or personal device is allowed during the test.
Can I take the exam before submitting my application?
Yes, and it is recommended: the certificate is required when you file your application and never expires, so you can pass the exam months in advance and keep the PDF ready.
Ready to start? Practise with the real official questions and track your progress until you are consistently above the pass mark.