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The New French Civics Exam Explained: What You Need to Know for 2026

Updated January 2026

You’ve gathered your paperwork, refreshed your French, and familiarised yourself with key moments in French history — and you think you’re ready to move forward with your French residency or citizenship application. However, as of January 2026, the French authorities have introduced a new mandatory Civics Exam, changing the process for both long-term residency and citizenship applicants.

Here’s a clear breakdown of what the new exam involves, who it applies to, and how to prepare.

What Has Changed?

In reality, the content of the Civics requirement is not new — candidates have always been expected to understand French history, institutions, and values. What has changed is how this knowledge is assessed.

Instead of answering civics questions informally during your Prefecture interview, applicants must now pass a standardised, computer-based Civics test before submitting their application. This exam has also been extended to applicants for residency permits and multi-year Carte de Séjour cards.

Who Is Required to Take the Civics Exam?

From 1 January 2026, the Civics Exam certificate is mandatory for:

All applicants for French citizenship, including EU/EEA nationals
Applicants applying through marriage
Applicants for residency cards and multi-year Carte de Séjour permits

The exam is not required for straightforward renewals of an existing permit (like-for-like renewals).

Exam Format and Pass Requirements

The Civics Exam is:

Conducted entirely in French
Taken digitally at an approved test centre
Made up of 40 multiple-choice questions
Timed at 45 minutes

To pass, candidates must answer at least 32 questions correctly (80%).

Results are typically available within 24–48 hours, and once passed, the certificate is valid for life.

Does This Replace the Citizenship Interview?

No. Applicants will still attend an in-person interview at the Prefecture as part of the citizenship process.

However, the focus of the interview has shifted. Instead of testing factual knowledge, officials will now assess:

Your integration into French society
Your understanding and application of French values
Your economic, professional, and social stability in France
Your spoken French level

It’s also important to note that, from January 2026, the required language level for citizenship has increased from B1 to B2.

Where to Take the Exam and How to Register

The Civics Exam is offered at a network of approved testing centres across France.

When registering, you must select the correct version of the test:

Mention Naturalisation (citizenship applications)
Mention Carte de Résident (10-year residency card)
Mention Carte de Séjour Pluriannuelle (2–4 year permits)

You will also need your AGDREF number, the 10-digit foreigner identification number found on your Carte de Séjour.

Cost of the Civics Exam

The exam fee is approximately €70, though prices may vary slightly depending on the test centre.

Topics Covered in the Exam

The questions are drawn from five main areas:

French principles and republican values
Rights and responsibilities
History and culture
Political institutions
Life in French society

Around 12 questions are scenario-based, presenting everyday situations (such as workplace issues or neighbour disputes) and asking candidates to select the response that best reflects French law and values.

How to Prepare Effectively

The key reference document remains the Livret du Citoyen, an official guide published by the French government and available on sites such as service-public.fr. It contains all the core knowledge required for the exam.

Additionally, the Ministry of the Interior has launched an official preparation platform:
formation-civique.interieur.gouv.fr, which includes fact sheets and practice questions to help candidates familiarise themselves with the exam format.

How We Can Support You

Understanding and adapting to these new requirements can feel overwhelming. Our specialist courses are designed to prepare candidates for both the Civics Exam and the Prefecture interview.

Because the exam and interview are conducted fully in French, success depends not only on memorising facts, but on being able to understand, process, and respond confidently in real time. Continued French practice — through group or private lessons — is strongly recommended.

Whether your goal is a Carte de Séjour or French citizenship, our experienced team is here to guide you through the process with clarity and confidence.

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