Can you take the French civic exam in Arabic or English?
Updated on October 7, 2026 · 5 min read
Short answer: no. The civic exam is a multiple-choice test written in French, and there is no version in English, Arabic or any other language. You can, however, prepare in your own language: understand each idea first, then practise on the questions in French, exactly as they appear on exam day.
What the official rules say
- 40 questions in French, multiple choice, on a screen: 28 knowledge questions and 12 real-life scenarios;
- 45 minutes at most and 32 correct answers out of 40 to pass;
- no translation is provided for: no English or Arabic version, no interpreter;
- the only exception: adjustments for candidates with a disability, on a medical certificate.
Source: service-public.gouv.fr and the Ministry of the Interior’s official leaflet (“an exam of 40 questions, in French”).
The real obstacle: vocabulary, not knowledge
Many candidates know the answer but get stuck on a single word in the question. The knowledge questions are public, so the same vocabulary keeps coming back. These are the terms that cause the most trouble.
| In French (as on the exam) | In English | Key idea |
|---|---|---|
| Laïcité | Secularism | The State is neutral and guarantees the freedom to believe or not to believe. |
| Suffrage universel | Universal suffrage | All adult citizens vote; voting is personal and secret. |
| Préfet | Prefect | Represents the State in the département. |
| Conseil municipal | Town council | Elected by residents; it elects the mayor. |
| Égalité femmes-hommes | Gender equality | Same rights, including at work and in marriage. |
| Liberté d’expression | Freedom of expression | Guaranteed, within the limits set by law. |
| Service public | Public service | Open to all, without discrimination, and neutral. |
| Devoir | Duty | An obligation: obey the law, pay taxes, send your children to school. |
How to prepare when French is not your first language
- Start from the official questions in French: they are exactly what you will read on screen;
- understand the answer in your language: on Civinora, each question stays in French but the explanation is available in English and Arabic;
- then reread the question in French without the translation, until you understand it on your own;
- write down the words that block you and revise them as a vocabulary list;
- practise in real conditions: 40 questions, 45 minutes, no help at all.
The civic exam does not replace proof of your French level: depending on the application, level A2 (multi-year residence permit), B1 (resident card) or B2 (naturalisation) is required separately. See the complete guide.
Test yourself with explanations in English
15 official questions in French, just like on exam day, no sign-up. With a free account, every answer is explained in English.
Take the free testFrequently asked questions
Can I take the French civic exam in English?
No. The civic exam is written in French only, for every candidate and in every accredited centre.
Can I bring an interpreter or a translation?
No. The rules provide for no translation or language help. Only candidates with a disability can get adjustments, on a medical certificate.
Are the official questions available in English or Arabic?
No, the official question bank is published in French only. On Civinora, the questions stay in French and each explanation is available in English and Arabic, so you understand before you practise.
How many times can I retake the exam if I fail?
As many times as needed, according to the Ministry of the Interior. Each sitting is paid (€60 to €80 depending on the centre).