Prepare for the French civic exam 2026
Since January 2026, the « examen civique » is required for multi-year residence permits, the 10-year resident card and naturalisation. Train under real exam conditions and master every question with in-depth explanations in English.
Try a free mock exam →The exam at a glance
Introduced by the immigration law of 26 January 2024, in force since 1 January 2026. One exam, three versions depending on what you're applying for.
| Format | 40 multiple-choice questions (knowledge + situational), on computer, in an approved centre |
|---|---|
| Duration | 45 minutes |
| Pass mark | 32/40 correct answers (80%) |
| Language | French only |
| Who needs it | First multi-year residence permit (CSP) · 10-year resident card (CR) · Naturalisation (NAT) — increasing difficulty |
| Language certificate | On top of the exam: French level A2 for the CSP · B1 for the 10-year card · B2 for naturalisation |
| Registration | Directly with an approved centre (CCIP or France Éducation International networks) — the fee is set by the centre |
Unsure whether the exam applies to you? Take the one-minute eligibility assessment →
From registration to certificate, in four steps
The registration process is straightforward; the examination itself is the real challenge. Focus your effort on preparation.
Identify the exam version that applies to you (CSP / CR / NAT) — online self-assessment
Over 240 approved centres across France — locate the nearest one. Places are limited; early booking is recommended
Study each theme, complete timed mock exams and review your errors until you consistently score above 35/40
Take the 45-minute computer-based exam with valid identification; your pass certificate is added to your application file
What's on the exam? The 5 official themes
Every question comes from the official programme (formation-civique.interieur.gouv.fr). Our 2,000+ questions follow the same structure, so you can conquer it theme by theme.
Why prepare with Prépa-Examen
A unique feature: every question includes an in-depth English explanation covering the underlying rule, common pitfalls and memorisation techniques, with key French terms retained and translated.
40 questions, a 45-minute timer and a 32/40 pass mark — a faithful reproduction of real exam conditions, including the situational questions with the highest failure rate.
The most comprehensive question bank for this exam, supporting both full mock exams and theme-specific practice.
In practice mode, each answer is corrected immediately with a concise explanation, allowing errors to be addressed at once.
Incorrectly answered questions automatically enter a review pool and reappear until fully mastered — clearing the pool before exam day is the ideal state.
Score curve, per-theme accuracy and exam history; once you consistently exceed 35/40, you are ready to book the exam.
Once you're in: your training dashboard
Every practice session is converted into measurable data: a global dashboard tracks overall progress, while each exam module maintains its own score curve and per-theme accuracy.
Every question, explained in depth in English
Each explanation covers the underlying rule, the common pitfall and a memorisation technique — in clear English, with key French terms retained for exam day.
The other answers are wrong because they belong to different historical periods. Napoléon Bonaparte (early 1800s) and Louis XIV (1600s) came before public education was established. Charles de Gaulle (1900s-1960s) was a later leader who never created this system. Students often pick these names because they are famous French leaders, but the exam specifically asks about the 1880s.
🔑 Memory tip"Free, secular, compulsory" = the Ferry Laws, 1881-1882 — the 1880s point straight to Jules Ferry.
A faithful simulation: the practice interface mirrors the exam
On exam day, the interface is entirely in French. The platform deliberately keeps its training interface identical, ensuring full familiarity with the exam environment. The following ten terms are all you need:
| Commencer | Start |
| Question suivante | Next question |
| Valider | Confirm |
| Examen blanc | Mock exam |
| S'entraîner par thème | Practise by theme |
| Réviser mes erreurs | Review my mistakes |
| Tentatives | Attempts |
| Score moyen | Average score |
| Résultats | Results |
| Mon compte | My account |
Frequently asked questions
What level of French is required?
Questions are written in A2-B1 level French. If you can understand the general meaning of an administrative letter, the exam is entirely achievable — the English explanations help you master the content while building exam vocabulary. Candidates with weaker French are advised to begin earlier and to focus on situational questions.
How long should I prepare?
Most candidates require two to four weeks: the first week studying theme by theme, followed by a timed mock exam every other day with error review. The relevant indicator is not time but performance — consistent scores above 35/40 indicate readiness.
What if I fail? Can I retake it?
Yes, although this requires registering and paying the fee again, with a waiting period of several weeks. Passing on the first attempt is therefore the most economical outcome — hence our recommendation to train to 35 or above, maintaining a safety margin over the pass mark.
How much does the exam cost?
The fee is set by each approved centre and displayed at registration. We recommend reaching the required level before booking, so the examination fee is paid only once.
Are the explanations human-translated?
Explanations are AI-generated for each question and stored permanently, covering the rule, the pitfall and a memorisation aid, with key French terms retained and translated. The entire question bank is covered and explanations load instantly.
Do I also need a French language certificate?
Yes. In addition to the civic exam, proof of French proficiency is required: A2 for the multi-year permit, B1 for the 10-year card and B2 for naturalisation (via TCF/TEF tests or a French diploma). Both can be prepared in parallel.
Assess your level — free of charge
Forty questions under real exam conditions, with instant scoring. Measure your current distance from the 32/40 pass mark.
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