Since January 1, 2026, a new Civic Exam (often called the “Civilization Test”) is mandatory for foreign nationals wishing to settle long-term in France. This measure is part of the 2024 Immigration Law, designed to ensure commitment to the principles of the French Republic.
Here is a breakdown of the conditions, the content, and the timeline.
📅 Timeline: Key Dates
The new rules apply to all applications submitted starting from early 2026.
- January 1, 2026: Official implementation. The certificate of success is now a mandatory document for your file.
- Throughout 2026: Full rollout across approved examination centers (usually the same centers that handle TCF/TEF language tests).
- Validity: Once obtained, the certificate is valid for life.
👤 Who is concerned?
The exam is required for non-EU nationals in the following cases:
- First application for a Multi-year Residence Permit (CSP): 2 to 4-year permits.
- First application for a Resident Card (CR): 10-year permit.
- Naturalization: Applying for French citizenship.
Exemptions (Who does NOT take it?)
- Applicants for a simple 1-year temporary residence permit.
- People applying for a renewal (if they already obtained their title under the new rules or previously).
- Individuals aged 65 and older.
- Beneficiaries of international protection (refugees, stateless persons).
- Individuals with a health condition making the exam impossible (medical certificate required).
📝 Exam Format and Requirements
The exam is conducted on a computer or tablet at authorized centers.
- Format: Multiple Choice Questionnaire (MCQ) consisting of 40 questions.
- Duration: 45 minutes.
- Passing Score: You must answer at least 32 out of 40 correctly (80% success rate).
- Levels: While the core subjects are the same, the difficulty may vary slightly depending on whether you are applying for a residence permit or citizenship.
Topics Covered
- Principles and Values (11 questions): Liberty, Equality, Fraternity, Secularism (Laïcité), and Republic symbols.
- Institutional System (6 questions): Role of the President, Parliament, and how the EU works.
- Rights and Duties (11 questions): Freedom of expression, gender equality, paying taxes, and obeying the law.
- History, Geography, and Culture (8 questions): Key historical dates, rivers, and famous monuments.
- Daily Life (4 questions): Healthcare, schools, work, and practical living in France.
💡 How to Prepare
The Ministry of the Interior has provided resources to help candidates.
- OFII Civic Training: If you sign the Contrat d’Intégration Républicaine (CIR), you will attend 4 days of training (24 hours total) covering the entire exam syllabus.
- The Citizen’s Booklet (Livret du citoyen): This is the official study guide.
- Online Portal: You can find sample questions on the official formation-civique.interieur.gouv.fr website.
Important Note: In addition to this exam, language requirements have also increased (A2 level for multi-year permits, B1 for the 10-year card, and B2 for naturalization).
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