Examen civique : everything you need to know to pass this mandatory test starting in January 2026

From 1 January 2026, the Civic Exam becomes compulsory in France (metropolitan and overseas territories). You must pass this test if you are planning to submit your first application for a carte de séjour pluriannuelle (multi-year residence permit), a carte de résident (residence card), or French naturalisation (citizenship).

Good News : Starting 8 December 2025, you can register and take the test at an approved Le français des affaires centre in France (metropolitan and overseas territories). 
CCI Paris Île-de-France Education | Le français des affaires has been officially designated by the French Ministère de l’Intérieur to administer this exam through its network of approved test centres.

You must take the exam if you are an adult, live in France, and are planning to apply for the first time, for a carte de séjour pluriannuelle (multi-year residence permit), a carte de résident (residence card), or French naturalisation (citizenship).

🔹The Examen civique is not mandatory for the carte de séjour temporaire (1-year temporary residence permit), valid for only 1 year.
🔸 Certain special cases, even those exempt from the language test, must also sit this exam.
👉 Check the exemption conditions that may apply to you.

📚What do you need to learn to pass ?

The Examen civique assesses your civic and cultural knowledge of French society, in French. It consists of 40 questions: 28 multiple-choice questions and 12 role-play exercises, divided into five themes covering several concepts : 

1. Principles and Values of the French Republic (11 questions)  
2. Institutions and Political System (6 questions)  
3. Rights and responsibilities  (11 questions) 
4. History, geography, and culture (8 questions)  
5. Living in French society (4 questions) 

✅ To pass : achieve 80% correct answers (32 out of 40).
⏱  Duration : 45 minutes
💻 Format : computer-based
🎉 Your result is valid for life !

Everything you need to know is here  : I am an Examen civique candidate – Le français des affaires 

🛠 How to prepare for your Exam ?

• Start early : set yourself a goal, for example, 15 minutes of revision per day for a week. 

• Use reliable sources : consult the official Formation civique website to access thematic fact sheets and the official list of multiple-choice questions. 

• On the big day : arrive early with your exam notification and a valid identity document (residence permit for all foreign candidates; passport or identity card for EU nationals). 

 Prêt(e)s ?

Register now by visiting Find a center- Le français des affaires !