Civic exam
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Civic Exam 2026: Accommodations and Exemptions for Disabilities or Fragile Health

Learn how to request accommodations or an exemption for the French civic exam in 2026 if you have a disability or fragile health.

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The Préfecture Alerte team
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Who Can Request Accommodations or Exemptions?

In France, the civic exam is mandatory for certain residence permit or naturalization applications. Since 2026, candidates with disabilities or fragile health can request exam accommodations or a full exemption, as outlined in the Decree No. 93-1362 (amended) and the Order of December 30, 2025.

Possible accommodations include:

  • Extra time for the exam.
  • Assistance from a third party (reader, scribe).
  • Adapted materials (Braille, large print, digital format).
  • A full exemption if the health condition makes evaluation impossible, as defined by Article L.114 of the Social Action and Families Code.

How to Apply

To request accommodations or an exemption, candidates must provide a medical certificate issued by a doctor. This document must:

  • Follow the official template available on the Directorate-General for Foreign Nationals in France website.
  • Specify the required accommodations or state that the health condition makes evaluation impossible (for an exemption).
  • Be submitted before the exam to the organizing body (e.g., a center approved by France Éducation International).

Procedure and Deadlines

  1. Prepare the file: Download the medical certificate template and have it completed by a doctor.
  2. Submit the request: Attach the certificate to your civic exam registration, as explained on Service-Public.fr.
  3. Await the decision: The processing authority (prefecture or naturalization ministry) may request a second medical opinion to verify the request. Accommodations or exemptions are granted based on the doctor’s recommendations.
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Step 1: Obtain the Medical Certificate

Download the official template and consult a doctor to have it completed. The certificate must be recent (less than 3 months old).

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Step 2: Submit the File

Send the medical certificate with your civic exam registration, either online via ANEF or by mail to the organizing body.

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Step 3: Follow Up on the Decision

If a second opinion is requested, cooperate with the processing authorities. The decision will be notified by mail or via your ANEF account.

Legal Framework and Appeals

Exemptions and accommodations for the civic exam are governed by:

If the request is denied, candidates can appeal through a graceful appeal to the prefecture or a contentious appeal before the administrative court. For more details, visit Service-Public.fr.

Where to Find Help

For official information or assistance with your application:

What accommodations are available for the civic exam?

Accommodations include extra time, assistance from a third party (reader or scribe), adapted materials (Braille, large print), or a full exemption if the health condition justifies it. These measures are detailed in the Order of December 30, 2025.

How do I obtain a medical certificate for an exemption?

The medical certificate must be issued by a doctor and follow the official template. It must specify the required accommodations or state that evaluation is impossible.

What should I do if my request is denied?

If your request is denied, you can file a graceful appeal with the prefecture or a contentious appeal before the administrative court. For more details, visit Service-Public.fr.

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