0
multiple-choice questions
28 knowledge questions + 12 real-life scenarios, 4 choices per question
Mandatory since January 1, 2026
The 2026 civics exam, revise by playing.
Since January 1, 2026, passing the civics exam is mandatory for a first multi-year residence permit, a resident card, or French nationality. Format, registration, official themes, and a free quiz to test yourself.
📊 The exam in numbers
0 min
maximum
On tablet or computer, at an approved centre
0 / 40
required (80%)
Certificate of success with no expiry date
€70-0
roughly
Fee set by each approved centre, retakes allowed with no waiting period
🏛️ The context
What is the civics exam?
The civics exam is an official test that checks knowledge of the values, institutions, and workings of French society. It replaces the simple attendance certificate for civics training: attending the republican integration contract (CIR) training days is no longer enough, you now have to prove your knowledge through an exam.
This requirement comes from the law of January 26, 2024 "to control immigration, improve integration", detailed by decree No. 2025-648 of July 15, 2025 and the order of October 10, 2025. It applies to all applications filed since January 1, 2026.
In practice: without a civics exam certificate of success, a first application for a multi-year residence permit or resident card will be refused. It's therefore an unavoidable step in the integration process in France.
👥 Who's affected
Who is affected?
- ✓Any non-European adult applying for a first multi-year residence permit (CSP)
- ✓Any first application for a resident card (CR)
- ✓Candidates for French naturalization
- ✓In practice: signatories of the republican integration contract (CIR) settling in France long-term
Exempt: beneficiaries of international protection, nationals of countries covered by certain bilateral agreements, and renewals of permits already obtained.
🗺️ Process
How do you register for the exam?
Three steps, from choosing a centre to the final certificate on ANEF.
1
Choose an approved centre
Two organizations are approved by the Ministry of the Interior: CCI Paris Île-de-France (francais.cci-paris-idf.fr) and France Éducation International (test-civique.fr). Pick the centre closest to you.
2
Register and take the exam
Register online, pay the fee (roughly €70 to €90 depending on the centre), then sit the exam on tablet or computer at the centre: 40 multiple-choice questions in 45 minutes maximum. If you fail, you can retake it with no waiting period.
3
Attach your certificate on ANEF
With 32 or more correct answers, you receive a certificate of success with no expiry date. Attach it to your residence permit application on ANEF (administration-etrangers-en-france.interieur.gouv.fr).
📚 Official curriculum
The exam's 5 official themes
The 40 questions are drawn from these five official themes of civics training. Revision sheets and question lists are published for free at formation-civique.interieur.gouv.fr.
Principles and values of the Republic
Liberty, equality, fraternity, secularism, motto and symbols of the Republic.
Institutional and political system
The President, Parliament, Government, local authorities, elections and the European Union.
Rights and duties
Fundamental freedoms, gender equality, non-discrimination, legal obligations.
History, geography and culture
Key dates, figures, heritage, and the geography of France.
Living in French society
Healthcare, school, work, taxes, housing and everyday life in France.
💡 Method
5 tips to pass on your first try
Study the official revision sheets
The Ministry of the Interior publishes free revision sheets by theme and official lists of knowledge questions at formation-civique.interieur.gouv.fr. That's the source of truth: start there.
Practice under real conditions
40 questions in 45 minutes works out to just over a minute per question. Time your practice sessions to learn not to get stuck on a hard question.
Don't neglect the real-life scenarios
12 of the 40 questions are everyday practical situations (work, health, school, administration). They test good judgment, not theory: think "what does the law say in this situation?".
Aim for over 80% in practice
Exam-day stress costs points. If you regularly score 85-90% in practice, clearing the 32-correct-answers bar will be comfortable.
Plan your registration ahead
Spots at approved centres can be limited depending on your region. Register several weeks before filing your residence permit application on ANEF.
Free civics exam practice quiz
Free quiz
Ready for the French civics exam?
5 multiple-choice questions, one per official theme, drawn at random each round. Score and answers shown at the end, no sign-up required.
❓ Frequently asked questions
Your questions about the civics exam.
Is the civics exam mandatory in 2026?
Yes. Since January 1, 2026, passing the civics exam is mandatory for any first application for a multi-year residence permit (CSP) or a resident card (CR). This requirement stems from the immigration law of January 26, 2024, detailed by decree No. 2025-648 of July 15, 2025 and the order of October 10, 2025.
How many questions and how much time?
The exam has 40 multiple-choice questions (one correct answer among 4): 28 knowledge questions and 12 real-life scenarios. You have 45 minutes maximum, on tablet or computer.
What score do you need to pass?
You need at least 32 correct answers out of 40, i.e. 80%. The certificate of success issued has no expiry date.
How much does the civics exam cost?
The fee is set freely by each approved centre: expect roughly €70 to €90. Each new attempt requires a new payment.
What happens if you fail?
You can retake the exam as many times as needed, with no mandatory waiting period between attempts. Each attempt is paid.
Who is exempt from the civics exam?
Beneficiaries of international protection (refugees, subsidiary protection) and nationals of countries covered by certain bilateral agreements are not affected. The exam is also not required for renewing a permit already obtained.
Where do you register for the civics exam?
With one of the two organizations approved by the Ministry of the Interior: CCI Paris Île-de-France (francais.cci-paris-idf.fr) or France Éducation International (test-civique.fr). Once you pass, attach the certificate to your residence permit application on ANEF.
Does the civics exam also apply to naturalization?
Yes, the civics exam also applies to French naturalization applications since January 1, 2026, in addition to first applications for a multi-year residence permit and a resident card.
🎓 After the exam
See live availability →Passed the exam? All that's left is your préfecture appointment.
Perfecture monitors your préfecture's appointment slots live, residence permit, naturalization, and all your processes.