Pass your civic exam with the Citoyen app.
All the official questions for your procedure, with answers and explanations, plus mock exams just like the real day.
or try the free test here, no sign-up needed- 522 official questions with answers and explanations
- 133 real-life scenarios and unlimited mock exams
- English and Arabic: translation under each official question
Hi! Choose your procedure below: I'll show you your French level, your list of questions, and your step-by-step plan.
Civic exam 2026 · free preparation
Which procedure are you taking the exam for?
The format is the same for everyone. But the list of questions and the French level change: we adapt everything to your situation.
Personalised
Compare
Your plan for the multi-year residence permitYour plan for the resident cardYour plan for naturalisationThe three procedures, side by side
Multi-year residence permit
- Who is it for?
- First application
- French
- A2
- Official list
- 191 questions
- Interview
- No
- Exemption for 65 years and over
- Yes
Resident card
- Who is it for?
- First application
- French
- B1
- Official list
- 209 questions
- Interview
- No
- Exemption for 65 years and over
- Yes
Naturalization
- Who is it for?
- Naturalisation by decree
- French
- B2
- Official list
- 244 questions
- Interview
- Yes
- Exemption for 65 years and over
- No
The same exam for everyone: 40 questions, 45 minutes, 32 correct answers needed. Renewals of the multi-year residence permit (carte de séjour pluriannuelle) are not included.
- Civic exam40 questions · 32 correct answers
- Official list191 questions (CSP)
- French levelA2
- InterviewNo
- 1
Check if you are eligible
The exam is required for your first multi-year residence permit (carte de séjour pluriannuelle). Renewals are not concerned. You are exempt if you are 65 or older.
- 2
- 3
Revise the multi-year residence permit list
191 official knowledge questions, plus real-life scenarios from daily life (12 out of 40 on exam day).
- 4
Take the exam
40 questions in 45 minutes, you need 32 correct answers. The certificate of success does not expire.
- Civic exam40 questions · 32 correct answers
- Official list209 questions (CR)
- French levelB1
- InterviewNo
- 1
Check if you are eligible
The exam is required for your first resident card (carte de résident) (spouse of a French citizen, family reunification, long-term EU resident, etc.). You are exempt if you are 65 or older.
- 2
- 3
Revise the resident card list
209 official knowledge questions, plus real-life scenarios from daily life (12 out of 40 on exam day).
- 4
Take the exam
40 questions in 45 minutes, you need 32 correct answers. The certificate of success does not expire.
- Civic exam40 questions · 32 correct answers
- Official list244 questions
- French levelB2
- InterviewYes, at the prefecture
- 1
Check the conditions
In general, you need 5 years of residence in France and to be at least 18 years old. From 1 January 2026, the required French level is B2.
- 2
- 3
Revise the naturalisation list
244 official knowledge questions, plus real-life scenarios from daily life (12 out of 40 on exam day).
- 4
Online application and interview
Submit your application with your certificate of success and a 255 € tax stamp, then attend the assimilation interview at the prefecture.
Where should you start?
Test your level now
The free test: 10 official questions, with answers and explanations straight away. Then, try a mock exam just like on the real day.
A question from the multi-year residence permit list
Quel numéro d'urgence permet d'appeler le SAMU ?
Indicative translation : Which emergency number do you call to reach the SAMU (emergency medical service)?
In France, calling 15 connects you to the SAMU for any medical emergency. This system is defined by the Public Health Code to ensure fast access to emergency medical assistance. Numbers 17 and 18 are for the police and fire services, while 112 is the European emergency number.
A question from the resident card list
Quelle est la durée du mandat du conseil municipal et du maire ?
Indicative translation : How long is the term of office of the municipal council and the mayor?
In France, the municipal council and the mayor are elected for a six-year term. This period is set by the General Code of Local Authorities. Members may be re-elected during municipal elections at the end of each term.
A question from the naturalisation list
Dans quelle ville les rois de France étaient-ils couronnés ?
Indicative translation : In which city were the kings of France crowned?
In France, most kings were crowned in Reims, notably in the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Reims, a tradition that began in the Middle Ages. This symbolic site highlights the central role of monarchy and coronation ceremonies in French national history. Although Versailles became the political center during the Ancien Régime, it was not the location for royal coronations. Paris and Orléans are historically significant cities, but the crowning of kings did not take place there.
An official question
En quelle année a débuté la Révolution française ?
Indicative translation : In which year did the French Revolution begin?
In France, the French Revolution began in 1789, marking the end of the Ancien Régime and the beginning of fundamental principles such as liberty and equality. This foundational event led to the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen and major political changes. 1789 is a key date in France’s republican history.
The Citoyen app
All your preparation, in your pocket.
- All the official questions, with answers and explanations
- 133 real-life scenarios and unlimited mock exams
- In French, English and Arabic
Frequently asked questions
Does renewing a multi-year residence permit require the exam?
No. According to service-public.fr, the civic exam concerns the first application for a multi-year residence permit.
Who is exempt from the civic exam?
People aged 65 or over. An adjustment or exemption is also possible for health reasons, with a medical certificate.
Does the pass certificate expire?
No, it has no expiry date.
How much does the civic exam cost?
There is no national price: each approved centre sets its registration fee. If you fail, you must register again.
How is it different from the multi-year permit exam?
The format is the same (40 questions, 32 correct answers). The question list differs (209 questions for the CR versus 191 for the CSP) and the French level is B1 instead of A2.
Who is exempt from the civic exam?
People aged 65 or over. An adjustment or exemption is also possible for health reasons, with a medical certificate.
Does the pass certificate expire?
No, it has no expiry date.
How much does the civic exam cost?
There is no national price: each approved centre sets its registration fee. If you fail, you must register again.
Do I need the civic exam for naturalization through marriage?
No. The civic exam concerns naturalization by decree and reinstatement. A declaration of nationality through marriage is not concerned, but B2 French is required.
What French level for naturalization?
B2 since 1 January 2026 (it used to be B1).
How much does a naturalization application cost?
A €255 tax stamp (€127.50 in French Guiana), plus the civic exam registration fee set by each centre.
How is it different from the residence permit exams?
The format is the same (40 questions, 32 correct answers), but the question list is specific to naturalization and the syllabus is presented in 4 domains.
What is the civic exam?
A compulsory multiple-choice test since 1 January 2026 for your first multi-year residence permit (carte de séjour pluriannuelle), first resident card (carte de résident), and naturalisation by decree. It covers values, institutions, rights and duties, history, and life in society.
How does the exam work?
40 multiple-choice questions in 45 minutes, on a computer or tablet. You need at least 32 correct answers. A wrong answer does not lose you any points.
Why do the questions change depending on your procedure?
The format is the same for everyone, but each procedure has its official list of knowledge questions (191 for the multi-year residence permit, 209 for the resident card, 244 for naturalisation) and its own French language level.
How much does the exam cost?
There is no national price: each approved centre sets its own registration fee. Preparation can be completely free.
Hi, I'm Aymeric 👋
Creator of Citoyen
I created Citoyen because I believe every candidate deserves a quality tool to prepare for this exam with peace of mind.
- No stress, no tricks
- A clear, step-by-step method
- A design made to help you feel confident
Happy studying!
Any questions? Write to me