The civic exam: a new mandatory step since 2026


Since January 1, 2026, a civic exam has become mandatory for any foreign national applying for the first time for a multi-year residence permit, a resident card, or French nationality. It was introduced by the law of January 26, 2024 to control immigration and improve integration, detailed by decree n° 2025-648 of July 15, 2025.

What does this exam check?


The civic exam is a multiple-choice questionnaire (MCQ) of 40 questions, taken on a computer in a maximum of 45 minutes. It covers five themes:
  • Principles and values of the Republic (liberty, equality, fraternity, secularism).
  • Institutional and political system.
  • Rights and obligations.
  • History, geography and culture.
  • Living in French society.

    • The questions are split between 28 knowledge questions and 12 practical scenario questions.

    How is it scored?


    You must get 32 correct answers out of 40 (i.e. 80%) to pass the exam. There is no intermediate level: it is a pass or fail, unlike the TCF or TEF which give a nuanced score.

    Who is concerned, and who is exempt?


    It applies to adult foreign nationals who have signed the Republican integration contract (CIR) and are applying for a first multi-year residence permit or resident card, as well as applicants for naturalization. Some people are exempt, notably beneficiaries of international protection or nationals of countries bound to France by a bilateral agreement. Good to know: renewing a residence permit does not require retaking the exam. To check your situation and register, visit the official civic exam portal.