Examen civique - Centre de Formation ABC Franconville | FLE

Find out more Register Prepare Take the test Obtaining your certificate Understanding its results

Find out more

The Civic Exam is an official assessment of knowledge of values, rights, and responsibilities in France. It is intended for foreign nationals who wish to obtain:

a multi-year residence permit,
a resident card,
or French nationality.

The exam is gradually becoming mandatory, starting from the January 1, 2026, in the context of numerous long-term residency and naturalization procedures.

The Ministry of the Interior has entrusted the CCI Paris Île-de-France | Le français des affaires with the mission of deploying this examination in a network of approved centers throughout the French territory (metropolitan France and overseas).

What does the Civics Exam look like?

The test consists of 40 multiple-choice questions (multiple choice questions) divided into 5 major themes, to be completed on a computer.

It consists of:

28 questions covering detailed knowledge by topic,
12 scenarios where the candidate must apply this knowledge in a specific context.

Each question has only one correct answer.

The 5 main themes of the Civics Exam, as well as ideas for organizing your revision, are detailed in the right-hand column.

Register

Step 1: Choose your center

You register directly for a Civic Exam session at one of the approved centers. Choose a center near you and register as soon as possible, depending on your administrative procedures.

When registering, be sure to select the good grade on the Civics Exam depending on your situation:

Civic examination – mention “multi-year residence permit” (CSP)
Civic exam – mention “resident card” (CR)
Civic exam – mention “naturalization”

Step 2: After your registration

Once your registration is validated, your testing center will send you all the practical information by email: date, time, exact address, specific instructions, etc.

If you do not receive a message a few days before the scheduled date, please check your junk mail/spam folder or contact the center directly.

Prepare

Good preparation greatly increases your chances of success. Start early, for example: 15 minutes a day for several days or weeks.

Set yourself a realistic goal : gradual revision rather than everything at the last minute.
Use reliable sources : official documents, fact sheets, resources from your center.
Vary the media : texts, videos, quizzes, maps, timelines, etc.

You can rely on the formation civique offered as part of your integration process as well as on the content made available online.

Ideas for organizing your revision

In the right-hand column you will find several concrete suggestions: fact sheets by topic, practice with multiple-choice questions and situational exercises.

The day before the test

Check the time, address and means of transport to get to the center.
Prepare your identity document and your summons.
Go to bed early so you arrive rested on the big day.

Take the test

On the day of the exam, go to your testing center at the time indicated on your appointment confirmation. The invigilator will check your ID and personal information (name, surname, date of birth, email address) and ask you to sign on a tablet or in a register.

This information will appear on your results certificate. Please check carefully that it is correct and report any errors immediately.

A test entirely on a computer

The Civics Exam is taken on a computer: the questions appear on the screen, and you select your chosen answer using the mouse. You have a set amount of time to answer all 40 questions.

A proctor is present in the room to assist you in case of technical problems (connection difficulties, headset issues, etc.), but cannot help you answer the questions.

Obtaining your certificate

Your results are sent to the center within a period generally between 24 to 48 business hours from the day of handover.

You will then receive an email with a link allowing you to access a secure digital safeFrom this space, you can download your results certificate in PDF format.

The certificate can be presented to the French authorities as part of your procedures (multi-year residence permit, resident card, naturalization, etc.).

Each certificate is personalized with your identity information and photo. Keep it safe and remember to keep a digital copy.

The certificate is generally kept for several years by the relevant authorities. Contact your local prefecture or administration to find out the validity period and how to use it.

Understanding its results

To obtain a certificate of achievement, a score of at least 80 % de bonnes réponses, soit 32 correct answers out of 40.

Each question yields:

1 point for a correct answer.
0 points for incorrect answer or no answer.

Your certificate shows your overall score, as well as information on your results by subject. This allows you to identify your strengths and areas where you can still improve.

The answers to the main questions (dispute and possibility of retaking the exam) can be found in the right-hand column.

Namely
The Civic Examination will gradually become mandatory for certain applications for long-term residence permits and naturalization. Contact your local prefecture or support organization to find out the exact procedures.

Note

The test accommodations are possible for people with disabilities or a particular health condition (upon presentation of a medical certificate).
People over 65 years of age may, in certain cases, be exempt from passing the exam, according to the regulations in force.
Check with your local prefecture or center to find out the rules applicable to your procedure.

Things to remember during the test

Mobile phones and electronic devices must be switched off and put away.
No dictionaries, documents or personal notes are allowed.
Only your identity document may remain on the table.
Communication between candidates is prohibited for the entire duration of the test.
No latecomers are admitted once the test has started.
Leaving the room is not permitted except with specific instructions from the center.

What topics are covered?

1. Principles and values of the Republic +

Questions about symbols, fundamental freedoms, secularism, gender equality, as well as the major principles that structure democratic life in France.

2. Institutional and political system +

Organization of powers (President, Government, Parliament, local authorities), role of elections, functioning of the rule of law and justice.

3. Rights and responsibilities +

Civic, civil, and social rights, but also duties related to life in society, respect for the law, children's schooling, taxes, etc.

4. History, geography and culture +

Historical landmarks, diversity of territories, languages, cultural heritage, artistic creation and international influence of France.

5. Living in French society +

Daily life: housing, work, health, school, transport, public services, community life, fight against discrimination, etc.

Ideas for organizing your revision

Fact sheets by topic +

Create or use flashcards for each of the five themes: key definitions, important dates, concrete examples, vocabulary words to remember.

Practice with multiple-choice questions +

Get used to the multiple-choice format: read the question carefully, eliminate impossible answers, then choose the most relevant one. Try to stick to a time limit close to that of the exam.

Working in situ +

The role-playing scenarios assess your ability to apply the rules in everyday life (work, school, public services, civic life, etc.). Practice explaining what you would do in each situation.

Frequently asked questions about the results

Can I contest my results? +

In case of a serious problem (major technical incident, obvious error on the certificate, etc.), you can contact your center which will tell you the procedure to follow to file an appeal or verification request.

Can I retake the Civics Exam? +

If you did not reach the passing threshold, you can register for a new session. There is no limit to the number of attempts, but each registration is subject to a fee and depends on the availability of places at the centers.

Useful links