The new examen civique (2026)

The examen civique was created by the loi du 26 janvier 2024 "pour contrôler l'immigration, améliorer l'intégration". Its programme and organisation are set by an arrêté of 10 October 2025, and it has applied since 1 January 2026.

There are three versions (mentions) with different difficulty levels: carte de séjour pluriannuelle (CSP), carte de résident (CR) and naturalisation. Make sure you register for the mention that matches your application.

• 40 multiple-choice questions, in French, each with 4 options and only one correct answer
• 28 knowledge questions + 12 "mises en situation" (short real-life scenarios)
• 45 minutes maximum, on a computer or tablet at an approved centre
• Pass mark: 32 correct answers (80%)

Adjustments, such as extra time, are possible for disability or health reasons with a medical certificate. Fraud can lead to the exam being cancelled and a 2-year ban from re-sitting it.

According to the CCI Paris Île-de-France, one of the two approved exam providers, the 12 mises en situation all concern "Principes et valeurs de la République" and "Droits et devoirs" (6 each).

The exam is required for a first carte de séjour pluriannuelle, a first carte de résident (for people who signed the contrat d'intégration républicaine), and for naturalisation par décret. It is not required for a renewal, for a first temporary residence card, or for French nationality by declaration (e.g. through marriage to a French citizen).

Exemptions exist, for example for beneficiaries of international protection and nationals of certain countries under bilateral agreements (for residence permits), people over 65 (for residence permits), and anyone for whom a disability or health condition makes the assessment impossible (with a medical certificate). Exemptions differ by procedure, so confirm your own situation with the préfecture or on service-public.gouv.fr.

You register with an approved centre run by the CCI Paris Île-de-France ("Le français des affaires") or France Éducation International. Fees are set by the centre, not nationally, so check the price when you book. If you live abroad, contact an Institut français, an Alliance française or the French consulate.

You can sit the exam as many times as you need. Your attestation of success has no expiry date.

• Read the official list of knowledge questions for your mention. For CSP and CR it is on formation-civique.interieur.gouv.fr; for naturalisation it is published on the Ministry of the Interior's immigration site. The lists give the questions but not the answers.
• Study the Livret du citoyen (new version approved in July 2026) and the official référentiel.
• Practise scenario questions: they are not published, so focus on understanding laïcité, equality, freedoms and their legal limits rather than memorising.
• Official preparation material is free. Paid sites are not run by the ministry, and no one can sell you the "real" exam.