French Civic Exam 2026: Everything You Need to Know to Pass

Since January 1, 2026, the civic exam is mandatory to obtain a multi-year residence card (CSP), a resident card (CR), or French naturalization. This guide covers everything you need to prepare and pass.

What Is the Civic Exam?

The civic exam (examen civique) is an official test created by the law of January 26, 2024 on immigration control and integration improvement. Implemented through Decree No. 2025-647 of July 15, 2025 and the Order of October 10, 2025, this exam evaluates your knowledge of French society, its values, institutions, and how it operates.

The questions and content are designed exclusively by the French Ministry of the Interior. The exam is taken on a digital device (computer or tablet) at an approved exam center.

The certificate of success has no expiration date: once obtained, it remains valid indefinitely for all your administrative procedures.

Who Needs to Take the Civic Exam?

Since January 1, 2026, non-European foreign nationals must pass the civic exam for the following procedures.

First Multi-Year Residence Card (CSP)

If you are applying for your first CSP after a long-stay visa equivalent to a residence permit (VLS-TS). Required French level: A2 (CEFR).

First Resident Card (CR)

If you are applying for your first 10-year resident card. Required French level: B1 (CEFR).

French Naturalization

If you are filing a naturalization application by decree. The civic exam is in addition to the assimilation interview at the prefecture. Required French level: B2 (CEFR).

Who Is Exempt from the Civic Exam?

The following people are not required to take the civic exam.

Renewals of a previously obtained CSP or CR
People over 65 years old (automatic exemption)
Beneficiaries of international protection (refugees, subsidiary protection) and their families
Stateless persons and their families
People whose health condition or disability makes evaluation impossible (with medical certificate)
Nationals of third countries covered by specific bilateral agreements
Naturalization by declaration (e.g., through marriage with a French national)
EU (European Union), EEA (European Economic Area) citizens, and Swiss nationals

If you are unsure about your eligibility for an exemption, contact your prefecture. Exemptions must be documented and the prefecture will verify your status.

How Does the Exam Work?

The civic exam is a multiple-choice questionnaire (QCM) taken on a digital device.

Duration

45 minutes maximum

Questions

40 questions (28 knowledge + 12 situational)

Answers

4 choices per question, only one correct answer

Passing score

32 correct answers minimum (80%)

Results

Results available within 12 hours on your candidate account

Retakes

You can retake the exam as many times as needed

The difficulty level of questions varies depending on the card you are applying for (CSP, CR, or naturalization). Exam accommodations are available with a medical certificate for disability or health conditions.

Warning

If fraud is detected, you are banned from retaking the exam for 2 years.

The 5 Topics to Study

The exam covers five major topics. Each QCM includes questions from all of them.

Principles and Values of the Republic

The Republican motto (Liberty, Equality, Fraternity), symbols of the Republic, secularism (laïcité), gender equality.

Institutional and Political System

The organization of the French Republic (President, government, Parliament, local authorities), the European Union, voting rights.

Rights and Duties

Fundamental rights (freedom of expression, right to work, right to education), obligations (respect for laws, paying taxes, mandatory schooling).

History, Geography, and Culture

Key dates in French history, geography of the territory (regions, overseas territories), cultural heritage, and national holidays.

Living in French Society

Parental authority, the education system, the workplace, the healthcare system, Social Security, common administrative procedures.

How Much Does It Cost and Where to Take It?

Registration fees are set by approved centers and are the responsibility of the candidate. The fee is generally between €70 and €90, depending on the center and region.

These fees cover the organization of the test, room and equipment, supervision, and issuance of the certificate. They are not reimbursed by Social Security or France Travail. In case of absence or failure, fees are generally not refunded.

Two organizations are approved by the Ministry of the Interior to administer the civic exam.

CCI Paris Île-de-France (Le français des affaires)

Network of exam centers across France. Registration and center search available on their website.

France Éducation International (FEI)

Public operator under the Ministry of National Education, approved on November 28, 2025. Network of partner centers across France.

You can take the exam at any approved center in France, regardless of your city of residence. Registration is done entirely online.

View the map of approved exam centers

Prepare for the Civic Exam with Prefecture Alerte

Practice with over 2,600 QCM questions covering all 5 official topics. Track your progress and identify your weak areas.

Start practicing for free

Frequently Asked Questions

How many times can you retake the civic exam?

There is no limit to the number of attempts. You can retake the exam as many times as needed, but each attempt requires a new registration and payment of the fees (approximately €70 to €90). The only exception is fraud: if fraud is detected, you are banned from retaking the exam for 2 years.

Does the certificate of success have an expiration date?

No. The certificate of success has no expiration date. Once obtained, it remains valid indefinitely for all your procedures (CSP, CR, or naturalization).

What's the difference between the civic exam and the OFII civic training?

The OFII civic training is a mandatory 24-hour course (spread over 4 days) as part of the CIR (Republican Integration Contract). It is free and prepares you for the exam. The civic exam itself is the evaluative test (40-question QCM) that validates your knowledge. The two are complementary: the training prepares, the exam evaluates.

What French level is required for the CSP, CR, and naturalization?

Since 2026, the required French level is A2 (CEFR) for the multi-year residence card (CSP), B1 for the resident card (CR), and B2 for naturalization. These levels must be proven with a recognized diploma or certification, independently of the civic exam.

Must you pass the civic exam before submitting your residence card application?

Yes. The certificate of success is required at the time of submitting your application for a multi-year residence card or resident card. You must therefore pass the exam before starting your procedure at the prefecture.