French Civic Exam 2026: Complete Guide
The French civic exam is mandatory for anyone applying for a first multi-year residence permit (CSP), a first resident card (CR), or French naturalization. It consists of 40 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 45 minutes, with a passing score of 80% (32 correct answers out of 40).
Important: the real exam is conducted only in French.
40 questions · 45 minutes · 80% required
Practice in real conditions with French QCM questions, explanations, and mock exams.
What is the French civic exam?
Since January 2026, France requires a civic knowledge test for certain immigration and nationality procedures. This exam evaluates your understanding of French republican values, institutions, history, civic rights, and life in society.
40 QCM Questions
Multiple-choice questions covering the official civic themes required by the 2026 exam.
45 Minutes
The exam is timed. Preparation matters because speed and comprehension in French are both essential.
80% to Pass
You need at least 32 correct answers out of 40 to pass the exam successfully.
Who must take the French civic exam?
The civic exam mainly concerns foreign nationals living in France who are applying for one of the following procedures:
First multi-year residence permit (CSP)
Required for a first application for a carte de séjour pluriannuelle. It does not normally apply to renewals of an existing card.
First resident card (carte de résident)
Required when applying for your first 10-year resident card.
Naturalization
Required for applicants seeking French nationality through naturalization.
What topics are covered?
The exam is based on 5 official themes. Preparing all of them is essential if you want to pass with confidence.
Republican values
Liberty, Equality, Fraternity, secularism, democracy, fundamental rights, and the main values of the Republic.
Institutions & politics
The President, Parliament, local authorities, elections, and how laws are adopted in France.
Rights & duties
Rights and obligations of residents, equality between men and women, education, work, and civic responsibilities.
History, geography & culture
Major historical events, symbols of France, geography, and essential cultural references.
Life in French society
Everyday life, public services, integration, associations, and living together in France.
Why preparing in French matters
Many candidates search for explanations in English first, which is understandable. However, the real French civic exam is conducted entirely in French.
That means you must be able to read the questions, understand the answer choices, and respond in French. Even if you know the topic in English, that alone will not be enough on exam day.
This is why LeTestCivique.fr focuses on practice in French: you learn in the same language used in the actual exam.
Practice in French for the real exam
Free tests, detailed explanations, and mock exams designed to match real exam conditions.
Start free practiceA simple 3-step method to prepare
Study the guide theme by theme
Start with the official topics and build your understanding progressively before taking full tests.
Open the study guidePractice chapter by chapter
Use topic-based QCM questions to identify weak points and improve your understanding immediately.
Start chapter-based practiceTake full mock exams
Simulate the real exam: 40 questions, 45 minutes, and a required score of 32/40.
Try a full mock examHow long does preparation take?
Comfortable learner: around 1–2 weeks with 30 minutes a day
Starting from scratch: around 3–4 weeks to cover all themes
Busy schedule: 15–20 minutes a day over 4–6 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
Key questions about the French civic exam for foreign residents.
Ready to prepare for the French civic exam?
Start with free practice questions in French and prepare in the same conditions as the real exam.
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