1What is required
You need both: the civic exam pass certificate and proof of your French level.
2The steps
- 1
Check that it applies to you
This concerns in particular spouses of French citizens, parents of a French child, family reunification, the long-term EU resident card and the permanent resident card.
Exemptions - 2
Prove a B1 level
With a certification (TCF, TEF), a French language diploma (DELF, DALF…) or a recognised French diploma.
- 3
Register for the civic exam
At an approved centre, through CCI Paris Île-de-France or France Éducation international. Each centre sets its own fee.
Registering - 4
Revise
Knowledge questions come from the official CR list, slightly longer than the CSP list. The exam also includes real-life scenarios.
Questions by theme - 5
Take the exam
40 multiple-choice questions on a computer, in 45 minutes. You need at least 32 correct answers.
Exam day - 6
3Compare the 3 procedures
| Multi-year residence permit | Resident card | Naturalization | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exam format | 40 · 32/40 | 40 · 32/40 | 40 · 32/40 |
| Official list | 191 questions | 209 questions | 244 questions |
| French level | A2 | B1 | B2 |
| Interview | No | No | Yes |
Good to know
According to the Ministry of the Interior, a certificate with the CR mention is also valid for a multi-year residence permit application. The certificate does not expire.
4Revise the official list
Knowledge questions come from the official list of your procedure. The exam adds 12 real-life scenarios, which are not published. Try a question from the list:
Quelle est la durée du mandat du conseil municipal et du maire ?
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.
Keep going with 10 questions5Frequently asked questions
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.
Official sources · checked on 3 October 2026
- Service-public.fr — Examen civique (carte de séjour pluriannuelle, carte de résident)
- Service-public.fr — Justifier de sa connaissance du français
- Ministère de l'Intérieur — Liste officielle des questions (CR)
This information does not replace that of the prefecture or the exam centre. Citoyen is an independent app, not affiliated with the French Ministry of the Interior.