Guides · checked 19 October 2026
Which test do I need?
Since 1 January 2026, residence cards and French nationality need a French level, and most need the civic exam too. Answer four questions to see what applies to you and how to prepare.
Test finder · question 1
What are you applying for?
The rules at a glance
| Application | French level | Civic exam | Interview |
|---|---|---|---|
| First multi-year residence card (2 to 4 years) | A2 | Yes, CSP version | No |
| 10-year resident card (carte de résident) | B1 | Yes, CR version | No |
| French nationality by naturalisation (decree) | B2, spoken and written | Yes, naturalisation version | Yes |
| French nationality through marriage (declaration) | B2, spoken and written | No | Yes, with your spouse |
| Renewing a card you already have | Not needed again | No | No |
Exemptions, accepted diplomas, study time and costs are in the complete guide.
Official sources
- service-public.fr F34501: French level for residence cards
- service-public.fr F11926: French level for nationality
- service-public.fr F2726: nationality through marriage
- Ministry of the Interior: the civic exam
A guide to the official rules, not legal advice. Your préfecture has the final word.