Frequently asked questions about the civic exam (examen civique)

It is a multiple-choice test of 40 questions in French, on 5 themes: principles and values of the Republic, institutional and political system, rights and duties, history, geography and culture, living in French society. Source: formation-civique.interieur.gouv.fr See how the exam works.

40 questions: 28 knowledge questions and 12 scenario questions (mises en situation), with only one correct answer out of 4. The exam lasts 45 minutes at most, more only with an adjustment. Source: formation-civique.interieur.gouv.fr See how the exam works.

You need 32 correct answers out of 40, which is 80%, for all three levels (mentions). A wrong or blank answer scores 0 points. Source: service-public.gouv.fr, fiche F39530 Test yourself with the free practice test.

The Ministry of the Interior publishes a list of knowledge questions for each level, without the answers. For the multi-year residence permit (carte de séjour pluriannuelle) and resident card (carte de résident) levels, it states that the scenario questions are not made public. Source: formation-civique.interieur.gouv.fr See the sample questions and the links to the lists (in French).

The format is the same for the three levels: multi-year residence permit, resident card and naturalisation. Each level has its own list of knowledge questions, and a pass at the resident card level is also valid for a multi-year residence permit application. Source: formation-civique.interieur.gouv.fr See who must take the exam.

The Ministry of the Interior presents the exam on formation-civique.interieur.gouv.fr, with study sheets by theme and the lists of knowledge questions. It states that you can prepare for free. See also our sources (in French).

Since 1 Jan 2026, non-EU nationals applying for a first multi-year residence permit or a first resident card must pass the civic exam, with some exceptions: not all of these cards are concerned, and people over 65 are exempt. Source: service-public.gouv.fr, fiche F39530 See who must take the exam.

Yes, for naturalisation and reinstatement of nationality (réintégration) by decree, for applications submitted from 1 Jan 2026. Declarations (marriage, parent or grandparent, brother or sister) are not concerned. Source: service-public.gouv.fr, fiche F39426 See the civic exam and naturalisation.

No, renewals are not concerned: only the first application counts. Source: service-public.gouv.fr, fiche F39530 See the civic exam and the residence permit.

For the multi-year residence permit and the resident card, there is no exam after 65. In case of disability or a health problem, adjustments or an exemption (dispense) are possible with a medical certificate. Source: service-public.gouv.fr, fiche F39530 See the exemptions.

Not for residence permits: service-public.gouv.fr refers to "non-European" nationals. However, a European Union national applying for naturalisation takes the civic exam at the naturalisation level. Source: service-public.gouv.fr, fiche F39530 and arrêté du 10 octobre 2025, annexe III See who must take the exam.

In a centre of one of the two bodies accredited by the Ministry of the Interior: CCI Paris Île-de-France or France Éducation International. You cannot register on the formation-civique website. Source: formation-civique.interieur.gouv.fr See registering for the exam.

The price is set by each centre and can vary from one centre to another. Source: CCI Paris Île-de-France, registration page See registering for the exam.

The certificate (attestation) is issued 12 to 48 hours after the exam. You then attach it to your permit application in the ANEF. Source: arrêté du 20 août 2025, article 10 See times and timing.

No, the certificate of success (attestation de réussite) has no expiry date. Source: formation-civique.interieur.gouv.fr See the results (in French).

You can retake the exam as many times as needed. CCI Paris Île-de-France requires at least one day between two attempts. Source: formation-civique.interieur.gouv.fr Go over your weak points with the free practice test.

Your notice to attend (convocation) and a valid identity document: your residence permit (titre de séjour). A passport or identity card is accepted only for a European Union national taking the naturalisation level. A photo is taken before the exam. Source: CCI Paris Île-de-France, exam day page and arrêté du 10 octobre 2025, annexe III See how the exam works.

The app will be free to download as soon as it is released on Android and iPhone, and the full practice test is already free on this website. The Plan Réussite is paid only once, €24.99, with no subscription and no end date. See the free practice test.

The questions are in French, like in the exam. Explanations are also available in English, Arabic, Spanish, Portuguese and Turkish, chosen in the settings.

No. They are practice questions written by Cal Civique from the published syllabus. For the multi-year residence permit and resident card levels, the ministry states that the scenario questions are not made public. Source: formation-civique.interieur.gouv.fr See the sample questions (in French).

No. You register with a centre of CCI Paris Île-de-France or France Éducation International. Cal Civique is only for practising. Source: formation-civique.interieur.gouv.fr See registering for the exam.