French civic exam 2026
Understand the French civic exam and practise for free
Since 1 January 2026, you must pass a civic exam (examen civique) to obtain a first multi-year residence permit, a resident card or French citizenship. This site explains the rules in plain English and offers a practice quiz with real-life scenarios.
The exam itself is held only in French, so our practice quiz is in French too. These information pages are available in English to help you understand the process.
40multiple-choice questions
45 minmaximum duration
32 / 40correct answers to pass (80%)
12real-life scenarios
The civic exam
Format, the 5 official topics and what happens on the day.
Who must take it?
Residence permits, resident card, citizenship: who is concerned, who is exempt, and the French level required.
Since when?
The law of 26 January 2024, its implementing texts and the timeline.
How to prepare
Civic training, approved test centres and a simple revision method.