Mandatory since 1 January 2026, the civic exam tests knowledge of French history, values and institutions. Here's what you need to know.
The civic exam is a test required, since 1 January 2026, for a first application for a multi-year residence card, a resident card, or for access to French nationality. It checks knowledge of the essential principles of the Republic and how French society is organised.
Where does this requirement come from?
The framework was set by the immigration law of 26 January 2024, then specified by the decrees of 15 July 2025 (no. 2025-647 for residence permits, no. 2025-648 for naturalisation) and the order of 10 October 2025 on the civic exam. The obligation takes effect on 1 January 2026.
What is the format?
The exam is a multiple-choice test of 40 questions in French, to be completed in 45 minutes at an approved centre. The pass mark is 80%, i.e. 32 correct answers out of 40.
What does the test cover?
The questions cover five main topics: the principles and values of the Republic, institutions, the rights and duties of citizens, history-geography-culture, and life in French society.
Official sources
- Ministry of the Interior — The civic exam
- formation-civique.interieur.gouv.fr
- service-public.fr
- Légifrance — decree no. 2025-648
Always check this information with the official sources before taking any steps.
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