Who is concerned
The civic exam was created by the law of 26 January 2024 on immigration and integration. Since 1 January 2026 it has applied to:
- a first application for a multi-year residence permit, except “talent” permits;
- a first application for a resident card;
- an application for naturalisation by decree, since a decree of 15 July 2025.
Who is not concerned
- the renewal of a multi-year permit or a resident card;
- the first temporary residence permit, valid for one year;
- French nationality by declaration, for example after marrying a French national;
- people over 65.
Beneficiaries of international protection are exempt. People with a disability or a chronic illness can obtain adjustments or an exemption, on medical evidence. Other exemptions exist depending on the permit applied for: they are checked case by case.
How the exam works
The exam is taken on a computer, in an approved centre. It has 40 multiple-choice questions: 28 knowledge questions and 12 scenario questions, across five themes.
| Theme | Questions |
|---|---|
| Principles and values of the Republic | 11, including 6 scenarios |
| Institutions and political life | 6 |
| Rights and duties | 11, including 6 scenarios |
| History, geography and culture | 8 |
| Living in French society | 4 |
You need at least 32 correct answers out of 40. The difficulty varies with the permit applied for. The pass certificate does not expire.
The level of French required
| Application | Minimum level |
|---|---|
| First multi-year residence permit | A2 |
| First resident card | B1 |
| Naturalisation | B2 |
The level is proven by a recognised diploma or certificate. A2 corresponds to simple everyday use of the language, B2 to an easy command of written and spoken French.
Preparing
On its civic training website, the Ministry of the Interior publishes the official list of knowledge questions and fact sheets by theme. The scenario questions are not published. The civic training of the integration contract, organised by OFII, covers the same themes.
- Check whether your application is concerned, and on what date you will file it.
- Register early with an approved centre: the pass certificate will be required with the application.
- If needed, take a French language certificate at the required level.
What the firm can do
Etienne Lemichel and his team check whether the exam applies to your residence permit application, prepare the file with you and challenge any refusal before the administrative court. If your application was filed before 1 January 2026, they also examine which rules apply to your case. The other conditions for residence permits are set out on the Residence permits page.
Preparing a multi-year permit or a resident card application? Call the firm on +33 7 49 90 46 30 or write to it.
This guide gives general information as of the date shown, based on the Ministry of the Interior announcement (updated on 1 January 2026), the Ministry’s civic training website, the Service-public.fr guide, Le Monde du droit’s summary of the decree of 15 July 2025 and the presentation of the exam by the CCI Paris Île-de-France, an approved centre (sources in French). It does not replace a consultation.