The naturalization interview (often called the assimilation interview) is a key step. The goal is not to trap you, but to verify your integration, your level of French, and your understanding of the principles of the Republic.
Civique 2026 is an independent training tool. It is not affiliated with public authorities.
Two Aspects to Distinguish: Civic Exam + Prefecture Interview
Since 2026, official sources describe a civic exam (MCQ) and, for naturalization, an interview at the prefecture. The two are not prepared in the same way.
1) The Civic Exam (MCQ)
- 40 questions, 45 minutes
- Objective: 32 correct answers / 40
- Structure: 28 knowledge questions + 12 situational exercises
Important: the “situational exercises” and official answers are not published. Training therefore consists of understanding the logic of values and doing simulations.
2) The Interview (Oral)
Orally, the expectation is mainly:
- clear and structured responses;
- the ability to explain your journey and your project in France;
- a simple understanding of principles (secularism, equality, respect for laws, etc.).
How to Practice for the Oral (Simple Method)
- Prepare a 2-minute narrative: who you are, your journey, your project.
- Review by themes (values, institutions, history/culture, life in France).
- Practice explaining: not memorized phrases, but your own wording.
- Simulate: quick questions + short answers, then more developed responses.
Common Mistakes
- Searching for “official answers”: there is no publicly available official answer key, and situational exercises are not published.
- Reviewing only history: the interview also assesses adherence to principles and project coherence.
- Neglecting the format (40/45/32): time pressure needs to be practiced.
Next Step
- Do a simulation (to gauge yourself):
/simulation/ - Download the app:
/app/
Official Sources (Useful Links)
- Service-Public — News « new civic exam »: https://www.service-public.gouv.fr/particuliers/actualites/A18713
- Service-Public — Naturalization (by decree): https://www.service-public.gouv.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F2213
- Service-Public — Civic exam (naturalization): https://www.service-public.gouv.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F39426
- Service-Public — Multi-year residence permit (CSP): https://www.service-public.gouv.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F35799
- Service-Public — Resident card (CR): https://www.service-public.gouv.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F2208
- Service-Public — Republican Integration Contract (CIR): https://www.service-public.gouv.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F17048
- Civic Training — General information on the civic exam: https://formation-civique.interieur.gouv.fr/examen-civique/informations-g%C3%A9n%C3%A9rales-sur-lexamen-civique/
- Vaucluse Prefecture — Press release (situational exercises not published): https://www.vaucluse.gouv.fr/Actualites/Salle-de-presse/Communiques-de-Presse/2025/Decembre/Nouvel-examen-civique-a-partir-du-1er-janvier-2026
- Citizen's Booklet (ministry): https://www.immigration.interieur.gouv.fr/Integration-et-Acces-a-la-nationalite/La-nationalite-francaise/Le-livret-du-citoyen