Passing the 2026 Civic Exam: The Complete Guide to Preparing for the French Civic MCQ

As of January 1, 2026, a civic exam has become mandatory in France for many foreigners wishing to settle permanently.

This national test, presented in the form of a Multiple Choice Questionnaire (MCQ), aims to evaluate your knowledge of the values of the Republic, history, and the functioning of French society, in order to verify your successful "Republican integration." It consists of 40 questions (MCQ) to be completed in 45 minutes, and requires at least 32 correct answers (80% success rate) to be validated. In this guide, we detail who must take this new civic exam, exactly what it consists of, the themes to review, and 10 practical tips to prepare well and pass on the first try. You will also find answers to frequently asked questions (required score, registration, exemptions, etc.), all backed by references to official sources to guide you best.

What is the Civic Exam and why was it introduced?

The civic exam is a national test introduced by the Law of January 26, 2024, as part of the Republican Integration Contract (CIR) signed by newcomers. Its main objective is to ensure that every future long-term resident masters a minimum number of benchmarks regarding France: the principles of the Republic, the rights and duties of individuals, the functioning of institutions, as well as basic French history, geography, and culture.

It is not a "trap" exam, but a pedagogical step: it covers the essential content addressed during the OFII civic training sessions and in the Citizen's Booklet (Livret du Citoyen). In other words, if you have seriously followed the civic training and studied these concepts, the exam serves to validate your knowledge. The French State wants to guarantee that all new residents share a common foundation of knowledge to facilitate successful integration into society.

In practice, the civic exam takes place on a computer or tablet, in an accredited examination center (see registration details below). You will have 40 multiple-choice questions regarding life in France, and 45 minutes to answer them. Each question offers 4 possible answers (A, B, C, D), only one of which is correct. The questionnaire includes both knowledge questions (e.g., "Who writes the laws in France?") and concrete scenario-based questions (e.g., a practical daily life case where you must choose the right attitude to adopt in France). To succeed, you must obtain a minimum of 32 correct answers out of 40, i.e., a score of 16/20, equivalent to an 80% success rate. This threshold is the same for all candidates, whether for a multi-year residence permit, a 10-year resident card, or naturalization. However, the level of the questions may vary slightly depending on your profile (see below).

Who must take this civic exam in 2026?

Any adult foreigner who is applying for one of the following for the first time must strictly pass the civic exam in 2026:

• Application for a Multi-year Residence Permit (CSP - Carte de Séjour Pluriannuelle): This is a residence permit of 2 to 4 years issued after the initial long-stay visa. For example, if in 2026 you apply for a 2-year "private and family life" card or a multi-year employee card for the first time, you will need to provide the civic test certificate.
• Application for a 10-Year Resident Card (CR - Carte de Résident): This residence permit valid for 10 years, often requested after 5 years of residence in France, is now conditional on passing the civic exam.
• Application for French Naturalization: Whether by decree (individual file) or by marriage, access to French nationality has required passing this Civic MCQ (marked "NAT mention") since 2026. Note that for naturalization, other criteria apply, such as the B2 level of French and the interview at the Prefecture, but the Civic MCQ is an eliminatory component.

In short, if you are applying for a first long-term residence permit (more than one year) or French citizenship, expect to have to pass this civic exam. Once passed, the certificate obtained is valid for life and can be used for other procedures later. For example, if you validate the exam for your residence permit and decide a few years later to apply for nationality, your initial certificate of achievement will still be accepted (no need to retake the test).

Who is exempt from the civic exam?

Several categories of candidates are exempt from this civic test requirement, in accordance with official texts:

• Persons over 65 years old: By an age clause, seniors are immediately exempt.
• Talent Passport holders: Holders of a "Passeport Talent" visa or title (as well as their spouse and children) do not have to pass the civic exam to obtain their multi-year card, so as not to complicate the reception of international talent in France.
• Beneficiaries of international protection: Refugees, beneficiaries of subsidiary protection, and stateless persons are not subject to the civic exam when their residence permits are issued.
• Certain nationalities with specific agreements: If you are a national of a country with a bilateral integration agreement with France providing for reciprocal exemption, you might be exempt (rare cases, check based on your nationality).
• Residence permit renewals: If you are renewing a multi-year card or resident card obtained before 2026, the test does not apply retroactively.
• Holders of 1-year Temporary Residence Permits (CST): Visas and temporary residence permits lasting one year (student, temporary worker, visitor, etc.) do not require passing the civic exam. However, if you later switch to a 4-year title, you will have to pass it at that time.
• Persons with proven incapacity: A major disability or documented health problem that makes taking the MCQ impossible may justify a medical exemption. Accommodations (e.g., extra time) can also be granted depending on your situation, rather than a total exemption.

With the exception of these listed cases, all other newcomers will have to undergo the Civic MCQ exercise. For example, a foreign spouse of a French national applying for their resident card, a parent of a French child applying for a residence permit, or a foreign worker about to obtain their multi-year card are affected by the measure in 2026. In case of doubt, always check with official sources (Prefecture, OFII) to confirm whether or not you must take the exam.

Civic MCQ Format: What awaits you

The civic exam consists of a computer-based MCQ (on screen) of 40 multiple-choice questions, for which you have a maximum of 45 minutes. The principle is simple: for each question, four answer proposals (A, B, C, D) are displayed, and you must check the correct one. Only one answer is correct per question. The minimum score to pass is 32 correct answers out of 40, i.e., an 80% success rate. This gives you the possibility of making up to 8 errors maximum.

The questionnaire is composed of a mix of "theoretical" knowledge questions and practical scenario-based questions:

• Knowledge questions verify your grasp of key facts or concepts (history, institutions, etc.). Example: "Who appoints the Prime Minister in France?", "What are the colors of the French flag?". These are general civic culture questions.
• Scenario-based questions present scenarios of daily life in France to ensure you know the expected procedures or behaviors. Example: "If you move, what administrative step must you take as a priority?" (Answer: update your address with agencies, particularly the Prefecture for your permit). Or: "In France, what must you do if you witness a serious accident on the public highway?" (Answer: alert emergency services by dialing 15 or 18, do not put yourself in unnecessary danger, etc.). These questions evaluate your understanding of customs and rules in France.

Variants by profile: The exam is common to everyone, but the questions can be adapted in difficulty. For a first multi-year residence permit, questions remain at an approachable level, focused on daily life and basic knowledge. For a resident card or naturalization, the MCQ may include some sharper questions (e.g., more historical dates, institutional details, or questions on the European Union). This changes nothing regarding the format or the scoring scale; it is simply the content that is slightly more demanding for citizenship candidates. In any case, if you prepare seriously on all themes, you will be ready to answer regardless of the level of detail.

The 5 Themes to Know for the Test

The official program of the civic test covers five main themes. Ensure you review concepts in each of these areas, as the exam will draw questions from each:

• Principles and Values of the Republic: Knowledge of fundamental values (Liberty, Equality, Fraternity) and their concrete meaning, the principle of Secularism (Laïcité) and its implementation, as well as national symbols (tricolor flag, Marianne, national anthem La Marseillaise, motto). You must understand what these values imply in law and society (e.g., equality of citizens, neutrality of the State regarding religions, etc.).
• Rights and Duties of Citizens and Residents: Notions on rights guaranteed in France (public liberties, right to education, social rights, etc.), but also everyone's obligations (respecting the law, paying taxes, schooling children, potential universal national service, etc.). Expect concrete questions like: "At what age is schooling mandatory?", "What must you do if you lose your job in France?" (Answer: register with France Travail/Pôle Emploi).
• History, Geography, and French Culture: Major periods of French history (1789 Revolution, Republic, 20th-century events), famous figures (generals, presidents, scientists, artists), geography elements (regions, rivers, bordering countries, overseas territories), cultural heritage (monuments, gastronomy, national holidays). This section is vast: the goal is to have main benchmarks rather than knowing everything in detail. For example, knowing the date of the National Holiday (July 14th), the name of the current Prime Minister, the capital of major regions, etc.
• Political System and French Institutions: Organization of powers in France (who makes laws, who applies them, who controls their application), role of the President, Parliament, mayors, and local authorities, concept of the Constitution, principles of French democracy (elections, separation of powers). You also need some basics on the European Union (EU members, role of the European Parliament, common currency). Typical questions: "How many consecutive terms can a President of the Republic serve?", "What does the European Union represent for France (treaties, institutions)?"
• Living in French Society: Practical functioning of services and daily life: health system (Carte Vitale, Social Security, calling SAMU), school system (mandatory schooling, role of parents, orientation), world of work (employee rights, CDD, CDI, unemployment rights, retirement), and broadly common customs (politeness, highway code, waste management, etc.). This theme is often addressed via practical scenarios to verify you know how to act correctly in daily life in France.

How to Prepare Well: Methods and Resources

It is strongly advised to prepare well in advance to maximize your chances. Do not underestimate this MCQ: even if it covers general knowledge, it has 40 questions and the required score of 80% does not tolerate many errors. Here is how to structure your preparation:

• Familiarize yourself with official content: Start by browsing the resources provided by the Ministry of the Interior. Read the Livret du Citoyen (booklet given during the CIR) and the online thematic sheets on the civic training website. Also, look at the official list of knowledge questions published by the Ministry for your level (CSP/CR or NAT). This list is available in PDF and lists potential theoretical questions. This will give you a precise idea of the type of questions asked and the expected level. If certain questions or answers are unknown to you, identify the corresponding themes and review them as a priority.
• Organize your revisions over time: Do not wait until the last minute. Ideally, spread your learning over a few weeks. For example, you can dedicate each week to a specific theme (one week for history/geography, another for institutions, etc.), while continuing to practice a little French every day. Set a realistic schedule and stick to it. Short but regular sessions (30 minutes a day) are often more effective than infrequent intensive days.
• Practice with Mock MCQs: Practicing the MCQ format is essential. Once you have reviewed the basic concepts, test yourself with quizzes. Many online tools offer mock exams similar to the real civic exam. For example, the platform PrépaCivique.fr provides a free civic test to evaluate your level, as well as series of over 2,000 practice questions covering the entire program. Do several to get used to the 40 questions/45 minutes format. Train under the same conditions, without help, to simulate the big day. Then correct your errors to understand what you missed. Ideally, complete at least 2 or 3 full mock exams: this will give you confidence and allow you to improve your score progressively.
• Stay informed and interested in France: Alongside "academic" revisions, immerse yourself in French culture and news. Watching a TV news broadcast occasionally, reading a few news articles on Service-Public.fr or other reliable sites can help. You will contextualize learned concepts better (e.g., following political news reminds you of the role of Parliament). It's not mandatory, but having concrete examples in mind often makes the answers more obvious and motivates your learning.

10 Tips to Pass the Civic Exam on the First Try

1. Golden Rule: "In doubt? Don't answer immediately." – In MCQ management, this is strategy number one. Do not waste time stuck on a question that embarrasses you. Skip it temporarily and answer all the questions you are sure of first. You can come back to the harder ones later. On the interface, you can "flag" questions to return to. Use this to avoid freezing for more than 30 seconds on a complicated question. Harvest all the easy points first. If you have time left at the end (and you should if you applied this method), dedicate it to the pending questions. And don't forget: there are no negative points, so it's better to guess than to leave it blank!

2. Beware of absolute words in answers: – Answer proposals containing words like "always," "never," "all/every," "none" should be taken with caution. In France, rules often have exceptions or nuance. Therefore, an overly categorical statement is generally false in the MCQ. For example, if an option says "It is always forbidden to..." or "All citizens must...," ask yourself if truly no exception exists. Often, the correct answer will be the one that nuances or uses moderate terms (e.g., "except with authorization," "in certain cases..."). Of course, this is not an absolute rule either, but it is a useful clue to eliminate trap choices.

3. Master the 4 fundamental values by heart: – Liberty, Equality, Fraternity, Secularism (Laïcité): these concepts must be perfectly clear to you. Not only must you be able to cite them, but understand what they mean and imply in French society. Many questions revolve around these Republican values. For example, knowing the definition of secularism (State neutrality, freedom of conscience) will help you answer a scenario about religion at school. Similarly, equality between citizens, gender equality, freedom of expression, fraternity (national solidarity) are notions that can appear under different question forms. If an answer option contradicts one of these values, you will know immediately it is incorrect.

4. Read all proposals well before validating: – A frequent trap in MCQs is rushing. You read proposal A, it looks okay, and zap, you check it without looking at B, C, D. Mistake! Get into the habit of scanning all choices offered for each question. Sometimes, several answers may seem right at first glance, but there is always one that is more complete or precise. For example, a question might have two partially correct answers, but only one covers all expected aspects. If you don't read to the end, you risk missing this subtlety. So discipline yourself: even if the first answer seems good, read the other three before deciding.

5. Review Geography and "easy markers": – Do not focus solely on history or values and neglect things that seem simple. Several general knowledge questions can earn you easy points if you have reviewed a minimum: for example, knowing how many countries border France and which ones (there are 8 in mainland France, plus a few via overseas territories), knowing the main rivers (Seine, Loire, Rhône, Garonne) and mountains (Alps, Pyrenees, Massif Central...), or national symbols (flag colors, July 14th, Marianne...). These are basic facts that can be quickly forgotten if not learned at school, but are easily learned in revision. Do not leave out these potential questions which are among the most accessible of the exam.

6. Train in real exam conditions: – We said it, but it is crucial: take timed mock exams. Sit in a quiet place, start a 45-minute timer, and answer a series of 40 questions as if you were there. Treat it seriously, like D-Day: no notes, no help. Then, calculate your score and analyze your errors. This type of training gets you used to the stress of limited time and helps you find your rhythm. Furthermore, you will spot which themes give you the most difficulty so you can review them. If possible, use dedicated platforms that provide MCQs compliant with the official program (with detailed corrections). The more you confront the test format, the more confidence you will gain. Many candidates testify that repeating mock exams is what helped them succeed the most.

7. Watch out for cultural differences ("false friends"): – What is true or customary in your country of origin is not necessarily so in France. The exam seeks to verify your understanding of French norms, not those of your initial culture. You must think "French-style" for certain scenarios. For example, in some countries, you systematically pay for medical care then get reimbursed, whereas in France with the Carte Vitale, many costs are covered directly. Or, on the road, certain gestures or priorities may differ from one country to another. Be aware of these differences so as not to project your own references onto the questions. If a scenario describes a situation in France, answer according to French rules even if, at home, you would do otherwise. This seems obvious, but under stress, one can forget and answer instinctively according to habits—which would be a mistake.

8. Take care of your physical state the day before: – Preparation is not just intellectual, it is also physical and mental. A rested and relaxed brain will perform better. So, the day before the test, do not spend the whole night revising frantically. Reread your notes in the late afternoon, then plan a quiet evening. Go to bed early to get your sleep quota. On the morning of the test, eat a real breakfast to have energy (without abusing coffee which can stress you unnecessarily). Remember to take a bottle of water with you if allowed, to stay hydrated during the exam. By being in good physical and mental condition, you will avoid careless errors and approach questions with more serenity.

9. D-Day: Be early and have your documents ready: – Punctuality is required for an official exam. Plan your trip to arrive at least 15 minutes early at the exam center. You may have reception formalities (convocation check, identity verification). If you arrive late, you may be refused entry once the exam has started; that would be a shame. Ensure the day before that you prepare your ID (passport, residence permit...) and your printed convocation. Without these documents, you cannot take the test. Once there, listen carefully to the instructions given by the examiner. Turn off your mobile phone and put away all personal belongings; nothing of the sort should be consulted during the test. Settle in comfortably, breathe deeply before starting, and go!

10. Use dedicated preparation tools rather than scattering your efforts: – Rather than scouring forums or sites with sometimes obsolete information, rely on recent pedagogical resources compliant with the program. For example, the site PrépaCivique.fr offers a complete preparation path, updated according to the official decree of October 2025. Similarly, the FAQ of Service Public, OFII documents, or the CCI Paris Le français des affaires site provide reliable information. By using these tools, you are certain to cover 100% of the required concepts. Avoid overloading yourself with useless documents: focus on official sources and recognized specialized platforms. This will save you time and prevent you from learning useless or outdated details. In short, work more efficiently, not necessarily harder.

By following these tips and seriously committing to your revisions, you will maximize your chances of passing the civic exam on the first try. And remember: in case of initial failure, it is not a fatality. Analyze your errors, fill your gaps, and try again as soon as possible. There is no limit on the number of attempts, and many candidates succeed brilliantly on the second try after preparing better.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Official Sources and References: Decree of October 10, 2025 (program, tests, and modalities of the civic exam); Code of Entry and Residence (Law n°2024-42 of 01/26/2024 establishing the civic test); Ministry of the Interior Guide (civic training); Service-Public.fr practical sheet on French naturalization; Le français des affaires website – CCI Paris (civic exam registration); PrépaCivique.fr platform (preparation and training for the civic exam).