Since January 1, 2026, passing the civic exam is required for certain procedures (particularly a first multi-year residence permit and a first resident card). The objective is to verify your knowledge of the principles and values of the Republic and your ability to apply them in concrete situations.
Civique 2026 is an independent training tool. It is not affiliated with public authorities.
Who is the civic exam for?
According to official pages, the exam particularly concerns adult foreigners engaged in an integration pathway (CIR) and applying for a first multi-year title:
- Multi-year residence permit (CSP): passing the civic exam with mention "multi-year residence permit" (exceptions exist, for example based on age).
- Resident card (CR): passing the civic exam with mention "resident card" (exceptions exist, for example based on age).
Exemptions/accommodations may exist depending on your situation (international protection, agreements, etc.). The safe reflex is to check your case on Service-Public.
CSP vs CR: two distinct pathways
Important point: there are separate official lists of "knowledge questions" for the CSP and for the CR. Before reviewing, clearly identify the targeted title in order to study the correct reference framework.
Official format: 40 questions, 45 minutes, target 32/40
The format described by official sources is as follows:
- Duration: 45 minutes (digital support).
- Number of questions: 40 (MCQ, 1 correct answer out of 4).
- Passing threshold: 32/40 (80%).
- Structure: 28 knowledge questions + 12 situational exercises.
Themes (what it covers)
The questions cover 5 main themes (civic training):
- Principles and values of the Republic
- Institutional and political system
- Rights and duties
- History, geography and culture
- Living in French society
What is published (and what is not)
To avoid scams and misunderstandings:
- Published: the wording of the "knowledge questions" (separate lists for CSP and CR).
- Not published: the situational exercises (scenarios), the exact topics on the day, and no official answer key is provided publicly.
Practical conclusion: training is done on a mix of public reference + educational questions (MCQ training, explanations, repetition).
When to take it (timing)
Official sources indicate that the success certificate may be required when submitting the title application. In clear terms: avoid taking it "at the last moment" if your file schedule is tight.
Where to take it (centers / registration)
Official pages refer to accredited centers and registration procedures (depending on the organizer). To avoid outdated information, use the official links in the "Sources" section.
How to prepare effectively
A simple and realistic method:
- Choose the right pathway (CSP or CR) and align with the correct public list.
- Review by themes (values, institutions, rights/duties, history/culture/geo, life in France).
- Train in the format: series of 40 questions, then timed simulations.
- Address errors: understand the "why" (rather than memorizing "official" answers that do not exist).
Next step
- Do a simulation:
/simulation/ - Download the app:
/app/
Official sources (useful links)
- 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/
- Official lists (knowledge questions):
- 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 — News "new civic exam": https://www.service-public.gouv.fr/particuliers/actualites/A18713
- 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
- Immigration — Civic exam (first multi-year title application): https://www.immigration.interieur.gouv.fr/Immigration/Examen-civique-pour-une-premiere-demande-de-titre-de-sejour-pluriannuel
- Service-Public — Republican Integration Contract (CIR): https://www.service-public.gouv.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F17048
- France Éducation international — Candidate information: https://www.france-education-international.fr/examen-civique/examen-civique-informations-pour-les-candidats
FAQ
Can you retake the exam in case of failure?
Yes, official pages indicate that it is possible to retake it as many times as necessary. In practice, a new attempt may delay your file, hence the interest in training seriously.
Does the certificate have a limited validity period?
Official sources indicate that the success certificate does not have a limited validity period. Always check the exact case of your procedure on official pages.
Are the questions the same for everyone?
No. The published lists differ depending on the procedure (CSP vs CR).
Where to find the "official answers"?
There is no public official answer key. Beware of sites claiming to sell "official answers".