Guide · checked 19 October 2026
The civic exam, explained
A 40-question multiple-choice test in French. You need 32 right answers. Since 1 January 2026 it is required for naturalisation by decree, a first carte de résident and a first multi-year residence card. It does not apply to nationality through marriage or to renewals.
The format
- 40 questions, one correct answer out of four
- 45 minutes at most, on a tablet or computer
- In French
- Pass mark 32/40 (80%); a wrong or missing answer scores 0
- Taken at a centre accredited through the CCI Paris Île-de-France or France Éducation International, not at the préfecture
- You can retake it as many times as you need
The five themes
| Theme | Questions | |
|---|---|---|
| Principles and values of the Republic | 11 | of which 6 situations |
| Institutions and politics | 6 | |
| Rights and duties | 11 | of which 6 situations |
| History, geography and culture | 8 | |
| Living in French society | 4 |
28 questions test knowledge and come from an official list the ministry publishes for each type of application. The other 12 put you in an everyday situation; they are not published.
Study by theme
Each theme page sets out what the theme covers, from the ministry's study sheets, with free sample questions and the official questions for naturalisation.
- Principles and values of the Republic (Principes et valeurs de la République)
- Institutions and politics (Système institutionnel et politique)
- Rights and duties (Droits et devoirs)
- History, geography and culture (Histoire, géographie et culture)
- Living in French society (Vivre dans la société française)
For naturalisation
The civic exam does not replace the assimilation interview at the préfecture. You need to pass the exam and then attend the interview.
Not sure which version you need? Use the test finder, or read the complete guide.