If you live in France on a temporary card and plan to stay for the long term, 2026 brought a new step on your journey: the civic exam. Many people are nervous about it. The good news is that the format is clear, the questions are published in advance and you can try as many times as you need.
Since 1 January 2026, most non European nationals making a first application for a multiyear residence card or a ten year resident card must pass this exam before they apply. Here is what it covers, how it works and how to prepare.
Who Needs to Take It
First applications for a multiyear residence card, except the talent passport.
First applications for a resident card.
Applicants for French nationality by decree, as part of the stricter integration rules.
Renewals of these cards do not require the exam. People with international protection and nationals covered by certain bilateral agreements are exempt. Adjustments or exemptions are possible for disability or health reasons with a medical certificate.
The Exam in Numbers
Feature
Rule
Questions
40 multiple choice, one correct answer out of four
Language
French
Time
45 minutes
Pass mark
32 correct answers, which is 80 percent
Format
On a computer at an approved centre
Retakes
Unlimited
Certificate
No expiry date
What It Tests
The exam covers five themes: the principles and values of the French Republic, the institutional and political system, rights and duties, history, geography and culture, and daily life in French society. There are 28 knowledge questions and 12 situation questions, where you choose the right reaction to an everyday scenario. The official list of knowledge questions is published on the government's civic training website. Situation questions are not published, so understanding the ideas matters more than memorising answers.
The Language Levels Go Up Too
Alongside the exam, the French level you must show has risen. For a resident card you now need B1, up from A2. For naturalisation you now need B2, up from B1. B1 means you can handle everyday conversations and simple texts. B2 means you can follow complex discussions and express yourself with some fluency. If you are aiming for nationality, start language preparation early, because moving from B1 to B2 usually takes months of study.
How to Prepare
Download the official question list and themes from the government's civic training website.
Study one theme per week and test yourself with practice quizzes.
Read French news and simple civics books to understand the reasoning behind answers.
Book your exam at an approved centre well before your card expires.
Keep your success certificate safe, as you need it when you file your application.
Common Mistakes
Many candidates leave the exam until a few weeks before their card runs out. Centres can be busy, and you must have the certificate before you apply. Others rely on unofficial question banks that may be outdated. Use official materials first, and treat any website promising guaranteed pass answers for a fee with suspicion.
A Sample of the Topics
To give you a feel for the exam, here are the kinds of subjects it covers, described in our own words. You may be asked about the motto of the Republic and what liberty, equality and fraternity mean in daily life. You may need to know the role of the President, the Prime Minister and Parliament, or how laws are made. Questions on rights and duties can cover voting, paying taxes, schooling for children and equality between women and men.
Situation questions put you in everyday scenes. For example, what should you do if a colleague is treated unfairly because of their religion, or how should you react if you receive an official letter you do not understand? The right answer usually reflects respect for the law, equality and secularism, known in France as laïcité.
Treat the exam as a chance to understand your new home better, not just a test. Many people say that preparing helped them follow French news and conversations with more confidence.
This guide reflects official French government information as of October 2026. Exam rules, prices at centres and exemptions can change. Rules, fees and dates change, so check the official government website on the day you act. For questions about your own case, speak to a licensed immigration lawyer or an authorised representative. World Visa Academy is a training academy; it does not file applications or guarantee any visa or outcome.
The Honest Summary
The civic exam is a real new step, but a manageable one: 40 questions, 45 minutes, 32 correct answers to pass, and as many attempts as you need. Prepare with official materials, plan your language level early and book well before your card expires.
Key takeaways
Since 1 January 2026, many first applications for a multiyear card or resident card need a civic exam pass.
The exam has 40 multiple choice questions in French, lasts 45 minutes and needs 32 correct answers.
Resident cards now need French at B1 and naturalisation needs B2.
You can retake the exam as often as needed, and a pass does not expire.
Stay ahead of rule changes
Learn to track and explain new immigration rules with World Visa Academy.
0 Comments
Be the first to comment.