France's civic exam 2026: the complete guide (format, pass mark, price, registration)

Updated on August 22, 2026 · 7 min read

Since 1 January 2026, passing the civic exam (*examen civique*) is required to obtain a first multi-year residence permit, a first long-term resident card, and as part of the naturalisation process. This guide gathers everything you need to know before you start: who it applies to, the exact format, the themes, the cost, how to register and the best way to prepare.

Who has to take the civic exam?

The exam applies to three procedures, each tied to a distinct French level (the language test is a separate requirement from the civic exam):

Renewals of permits you already hold are not affected. For residence permits, beneficiaries of international protection and certain nationals covered by bilateral agreements are also exempt (this exemption does not apply to naturalisation). If you are unsure about your situation, start with our free eligibility test: in a few questions it tells you whether the exam applies to you and at which level.

The format: 40 questions, 45 minutes

• 40 multiple-choice questions, one correct answer out of four options;
• 28 knowledge questions and 12 real-life situation questions;
• 45 minutes maximum, on a tablet or computer, in an accredited exam centre;
• pass mark: 32 correct answers out of 40, i.e. 80%.

The 80% threshold is high: it allows only 8 mistakes. The situational questions, often underestimated, make up nearly a third of the exam. To learn how to approach each question type, read our method to pass the exam on your first try.

The 5 official themes

The decree of 10 October 2025 (NOR: INTV2527907A) sets out five themes:

1. principles and values of the Republic;
2. the institutional and political system;
3. rights and duties;
4. history, geography and culture;
5. living in French society.

The knowledge questions are public: the Ministry of the Interior published the official question bank on formation-civique.interieur.gouv.fr. Civinora reproduces this bank exactly (657 questions), sorted by procedure and theme — see where to find the official questions.

How much does it cost and where to register?

Registration is online only, with one of the two operators accredited by the Ministry of the Interior: CCI Paris Île-de-France (via "Le français des affaires") and France Éducation International. In early 2026, the observed fee is €70 to €80 per sitting depending on the centre. Step by step: exam price and registration and exam centres.

Results and certificate of success

The result is usually sent by email within 24 to 48 hours. If you pass, you receive a certificate with no expiry date, to attach to your file. If you fail, you can retake the exam as many times as needed (paying each time). Full details: results, timelines and certificate.

How to prepare effectively

The good news: the exam draws on a known question bank and a known format. The method that works has three steps — diagnose your level with a mock exam, revise theme by theme targeting your mistakes, then repeat timed mock exams until you comfortably clear 32/40. A complete 30-day revision plan is available.