Civic Exam 2026: Everything You Need to Know
Since January 1, 2026, the civic exam (examen civique) is mandatory for anyone applying for a multi-year residence card, a 10-year resident card, or French citizenship through naturalization. This comprehensive guide covers the exam format, what to study, sample questions, and how to prepare effectively.
What Is the Civic Exam?
The civic exam (examen civique) is a standardized multiple-choice test introduced by the French government to evaluate applicants' knowledge of the values, principles, and institutions of the French Republic. It was created by decree as part of the 2024 immigration law reforms and became mandatory on January 1, 2026.
40
Questions
45 min
Duration
32/40
Minimum score
Free
Cost
Who Must Pass the Civic Exam?
Three main immigration tracks now require the civic exam. It concerns all new applications filed on or after January 1, 2026.
Multi-Year Residence Card
Holders of a first or renewed multi-year residence card (carte de sejour pluriannuelle) must pass the civic exam when transitioning from a one-year to a multi-year permit.
10-Year Resident Card
Applicants for the carte de resident, which grants long-term residency rights in France, must now demonstrate civic knowledge in addition to language requirements.
French Naturalization
Anyone applying for French citizenship through naturalization must pass the civic exam in addition to the B1 French language requirement and the assimilation interview.
Test Your Knowledge: Sample Quiz
Try these 5 sample questions modeled after the real civic exam. Select an answer for each question, then check your results.
1. What is the motto of the French Republic?
2. What does the principle of laicite (secularism) guarantee in France?
3. How many regions does metropolitan France have since the 2015 reform?
4. At what age can French citizens vote?
5. Which text adopted in 1789 proclaims that 'Men are born and remain free and equal in rights'?
Want more practice? Try our full simulator with 120+ questions.
Access the full simulatorHow to Prepare for the Civic Exam
- 1
Read the Citizen's Handbook
The Ministry of the Interior publishes the Livret du citoyen, which covers all topics on the exam. It is available for free as a PDF on the official immigration website.
- 2
Study the French Constitution
Understand the key articles, especially those on fundamental rights, the role of the President, the Parliament, and the judiciary. Focus on the preamble and Articles 1 through 4.
- 3
Learn the Republic's Values and Symbols
Memorize the motto (Liberty, Equality, Fraternity), the national anthem (La Marseillaise), the flag (blue, white, red), Marianne, and the meaning of July 14.
- 4
Understand Laicite in Practice
Study the 1905 separation of church and state, the neutrality of public services, freedom of conscience, and what laicite means in schools and workplaces.
- 5
Review French Administrative Geography
Know the 13 metropolitan regions, the difference between departments and communes, the role of the mayor, prefects, and overseas territories (DOM-TOM).
- 6
Practice with Sample Questions
Use the quiz on this page and other official preparation materials. Time yourself to simulate the 45-minute exam conditions.
- 7
Learn Key Historical Dates
The Revolution of 1789, the abolition of slavery in 1848, universal male suffrage in 1848, women's suffrage in 1944, the creation of the EU in 1957, and the 1958 Fifth Republic.
- 8
Understand Citizens' Rights and Duties
Know the rights (voting, education, healthcare, freedom of expression) and the duties (paying taxes, respecting the law, participating in national defense if called upon, sending children to school).
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Frequently Asked Questions
The civic exam is mandatory for anyone filing a new application on or after January 1, 2026 for a multi-year residence card (carte de sejour pluriannuelle), a 10-year resident card (carte de resident), or French citizenship through naturalization. Renewals of cards issued before this date may be exempt depending on the prefecture.
The exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 45 minutes. Each question has 3 or 4 answer options with only one correct answer. You need at least 32 correct answers (80%) to pass.
The civic exam is completely free. It is organized by the OFII or the prefecture as part of your administrative process. You do not need to pay any registration fee.
You can retake the exam. Failure does not automatically result in the refusal of your application, but you must eventually pass to complete your procedure. The prefecture will schedule a new exam date for you.
Yes, the exam is entirely in French. A B1 level of French proficiency is recommended to understand the questions. If you are applying for naturalization, you already need a B1 certificate, which should be sufficient for the exam.
The exam takes place in an approved examination center. After submitting your application, you receive a convocation letter from the prefecture or OFII indicating the date, time, and location of your exam.
Start by reading the Livret du citoyen published by the Ministry of the Interior. Focus on the values of the Republic (liberty, equality, fraternity, secularism), French institutions, citizens' rights and duties, and key historical dates. Use sample quizzes to practice under timed conditions.
No, they are separate requirements. The French language test (TCF, DELF) evaluates your French proficiency, while the civic exam tests your knowledge of French values, institutions, and history. Both may be required depending on your application type.
No, the exam is only available in French. This is intentional as the civic exam also serves as an indirect assessment of your French comprehension. No translations or interpreters are provided.
Yes, your results are communicated immediately after completing the exam. You receive a certificate of success or a notification of failure on the same day. The certificate is then included in your administrative file.
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