Civic exam for the multi-year residence permit

Who is concerned

This concerns you if you are applying for the first time for a multi-year residence permit.

The civic exam only applies to a first application — not to a simple renewal of your permit.

Language level required

Level A2

For the multi-year residence permit, an A2 level of French is also required (separate from the civic exam).

You can sit your French language exam (DELF A2) through our partner site GoDELF.

The exam format

The exam is the same for every procedure: a multiple-choice test in French with 40 questions (28 knowledge + 12 situational), taken on a computer in 45 minutes maximum. You need 80% correct answers (32/40) to pass, and the certificate is valid for life.

It covers five topics: the values and principles of the Republic, its institutions, the rights and duties of citizens, history/geography/culture, and living in French society. It is sat at an approved centre (CCI Paris Île-de-France network), usually for €70–90.

Exemptions

Some people are exempt — those over 65, beneficiaries of international protection, people schooled or educated in France, and medical exemptions. See the details on our FAQ.

💡 For our trainees, we book the exam seat for you at a partner centre.