Examen civique
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Are you planning to apply for a carte de séjour pluriannuelle (multi-year residence permit), a carte de résident (residence card) or French naturalisation (citizenship)?  
The Examen civique is an official state exam designed by the French ministère de l’Intérieur that assesses knowledge of French culture and society, its values, and how it works.   
The ministère de l’Intérieur has entrusted the CCI Paris Île-de-France Education | Le français des affaires to roll out this exam across its network of approved centers throughout France (metropolitan and overseas).  

This exam becomes mandatory in France starting January 1, 2026, for carte de séjour pluriannuelle, carte de résidence, or naturalisation applications.   

There are three different versions of this exam, depending on your application: 

  • Examen civique for carte de séjour pluriannuelle (CSP)  
  • Examen civique for cartes de résidence (CR)    
  • Examen civique for naturalisation.  

There are different levels of difficulty depending on the permit you are applying for (CSP or CR).

The test consists of 40 multiple-choice questions divided into five topics, to be completed on a computer :   

  • 28 questions on knowledge of the concepts detailed by topic (a list of official questions is published on the Formation civique (Civic Education) website)  
  • 12 scenarios, where you will have to apply this knowledge in a specific context (or case). 

The official list of knowledge questions will soon be available on the official Formation civique website of the ministère de l’Intérieur.  

What topics are covered on the Examen civique?

1.Principles and Values of the French Republic – 11 questions

  • Motto and symbols of the Republic: 3 questions 
  • Secularism: 2 questions
  • Role-playing exercises: 6  

2. Institutions and Political System – 6 questions

  • Democracy and voting rights: 3 questions 
  • Organisation of the French Republic: 2 questions 
  • European institutions: 1 question  

3. Rights and responsibilities – 11 questions

  • Fundamental rights: 2 questions 
  • Obligations and duties of persons residing in France: 3 questions
  •  Role-playing exercises: 6  

4. History, geography, and culture – 8 questions

  • Major historical periods and figures: 3 questions 
  • Territories and geography: 3 questions 
  • French heritage: 2 questions  

5. Living in French society – 4 questions

  • Settling and living in France : 1 question 
  • Access to healthcare : 1 question 
  •  Working in France : 1 question
  •   Parental authority and the education system : 1 question  

Further information

How long is my test valid ?

Once obtained, the Examen civique certificate is valid indefinitely.

What level of French will enable me to understand the test questions ?

The language level of the questions is adapted to each version of the Examen civique by the ministère de l’Intérieur, in accordance with the level required for the title requested.  .  

Are there any exemptions from the Examen civique?

Yes, regulations provide for several situations in which a candidate may be exempted or benefit from accommodations : 

  • People with disabilities or chronic health conditions may benefit from accommodations for the tests or be exempted from providing the required diplomas, certifications, or certificates. 
    → Medical proof is required to benefit from these measures, in accordance with the conditions set by a joint decree of the relevant ministers.
  •  Foreigners over the age of 65 are not required to pass the Examen civique

What is your policy on processing my personal data?

When you register for the Examen civique, CCI Paris Ile-de-France Education | Le français des affaires collects information necessary to process your application and in accordance with French laws on resident card and naturalisation applications. 
 
If you obtain the required level, your data will be made available to the French authorities. It will not be disclosed to other, third parties. If you object to this transfer or if you modify or delete data, your application cannot be processed by the French authorities. 
 
Your data is kept by Le français des affaires for 10 years. Data that may be transmitted to the French authorities will be kept in accordance with French law. 
The information collected may also be processed electronically for the purpose of conducting studies and surveys to improve our services. In this context, the data collected during surveys is not disclosed to third parties and is kept for a period of one year. 
 
In accordance with the amended French Data Protection Act of January 6, 1978, and Regulation (EU) 2016-679 on data protection, and within the framework and limits set by these texts, you may exercise your right to access your personal data and have it corrected or deleted by contacting francais@cci-paris -idf.fr or, in case of difficulty, the data protection officer at : cpdp@cci-paris-idf.fr
 
Finally, you may lodge a complaint with the CNIL, 3 Place de Fontenoy – TSA 80715 – 75334 PARIS CEDEX 07.