Civic Exam 2026: Complete Guide to the Mandatory Test

Since January 1, 2026, the civic exam is mandatory to obtain a multi-year residence card, a resident card, or French nationality through naturalization. This 40-question MCQ in 45 minutes requires a minimum score of 32/40.

Required Documents

Mandatory since January 1, 2026
Format: 40 multiple-choice questions (MCQ)
Duration: 45 minutes
Minimum passing score: 32/40 (80%)
Takes place in an approved center in France
Convocation sent by the prefecture or OFII
Result given immediately after the test
Can be retaken in case of failure

Steps to Follow

Study the values of the French Republic (liberty, equality, fraternity, secularism)
Review French institutions: President, National Assembly, Senate, Constitutional Council
Learn citizens' rights and duties (voting, taxes, defense, gender equality)
Review major dates in French history (Revolution, Declaration of Rights, EU construction)
Learn the administrative geography of France (regions, departments, overseas territories)
Practice with sample MCQs under timed conditions
Read the Citizen's Handbook from the Ministry of the Interior

Sample Civic Exam Questions

What is the motto of the French Republic?
Who is the President of the French Republic?
When did the French Revolution take place?
What does secularism (laicite) mean?
What are the three powers in a democracy?
What is the French national anthem?
How many regions does metropolitan France have?
What is the Declaration of the Rights of Man?
At what age can you vote in France?
What are the colors of the French flag?

Official Resources

Departments

01 Ain 02 Aisne 03 Allier 04 Alpes-de-Haute-Provence 06 Alpes-Maritimes 07 Ardèche 08 Ardennes 09 Ariège 10 Aube 11 Aude 12 Aveyron 67 Bas-Rhin 13 Bouches-du-Rhône 14 Calvados 15 Cantal 16 Charente 17 Charente-Maritime 18 Cher 19 Corrèze 2A Corse-du-Sud 21 Côte-d’Or 22 Côtes-d'Armor 23 Creuse 79 Deux-Sèvres 24 Dordogne 25 Doubs 26 Drôme 91 Essonne 27 Eure 28 Eure-et-Loir 29 Finistère 30 Gard 32 Gers 33 Gironde 971 Guadeloupe 973 Guyane 68 Haut-Rhin 2B Haute-Corse 31 Haute-Garonne 43 Haute-Loire 52 Haute-Marne 70 Haute-Saône 74 Haute-Savoie 87 Haute-Vienne 05 Hautes-Alpes 65 Hautes-Pyrénées 92 Hauts-de-Seine 34 Hérault 35 Ille-et-Vilaine 36 Indre 37 Indre-et-Loire 38 Isère 39 Jura 974 La Réunion 40 Landes 41 Loir-et-Cher 42 Loire 44 Loire-Atlantique 45 Loiret 46 Lot 47 Lot-et-Garonne 48 Lozère 49 Maine-et-Loire 50 Manche 51 Marne 972 Martinique 53 Mayenne 976 Mayotte 54 Meurthe-et-Moselle 55 Meuse 56 Morbihan 57 Moselle 58 Nièvre 59 Nord 988 Nouvelle Calédonie 60 Oise 61 Orne 75 Paris 62 Pas-de-Calais 987 Polynésie Française 63 Puy-de-Dôme 64 Pyrénées-Atlantiques 66 Pyrénées-Orientales 69 Rhône 71 Saône-et-Loire 72 Sarthe 73 Savoie 77 Seine-et-Marne 76 Seine-Maritime 93 Seine-Saint-Denis 80 Somme 81 Tarn 82 Tarn-et-Garonne 90 Territoire de Belfort 95 Val-d'Oise 94 Val-de-Marne 83 Var 84 Vaucluse 85 Vendée 86 Vienne 88 Vosges 89 Yonne 78 Yvelines

FAQ

Who must take the civic exam?

Anyone applying for a multi-year residence card, resident card, or French nationality through naturalization since January 1, 2026.

What happens if I fail?

You can retake the exam. Failure does not automatically result in refusal, but passing is required to finalize your application.

Is the exam in French?

Yes. A B1 French level is recommended to understand the questions.

Is the exam free?

Yes, the exam is free and organized by OFII or the prefecture as part of your administrative process.

Where can I take the exam?

In an approved center. You receive a convocation with the location and date after submitting your application.

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