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What is the French civic exam? A 2026 overview
Mandatory since 1 January 2026, the civic exam tests knowledge of French history, values and institutions. Here's what you need to know.
Articles & advice
Everything about the French civic exam and how to prepare effectively.
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Civic exam and residence permit: who is concerned?
First applications, renewals, exemption from age 65… A look at who must take the civic exam — and who is exempt.
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Civic exam: the main topics to know
The civic exam covers five main topics: values of the Republic, institutions, rights and duties, history-geo-culture and life in society.
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How to prepare effectively for the civic exam
Method, practice and guidance: our tips to pass the civic exam — and how our programme prepares you, exam included.
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What French level for the civic exam and residence permit?
A2 for the multi-year residence card, B1 for the resident card, B2 for naturalisation: the French level required in 2026, and its link to the civic exam.
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Civic exam: format, duration and pass mark
40 questions, 45 minutes, 80% correct answers: everything about the civic exam format and how to give yourself the best chance.
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Civic exam: dates, registration and where to take it
Where to take the civic exam, how to register and when? The essentials of the process, with official links.
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Sample questions for the civic exam
What do the civic-exam questions look like? Here are practice examples, by topic, to give you an idea.
