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
The exam is required for a first multi-year residence permit. Renewals are not concerned.
Exemptions - 2
Prove an A2 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 CSP list. The exam also includes everyday 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:
En quelle année a débuté la Révolution française ?
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.
Keep going with 10 questions5Frequently 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.
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 (CSP)
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.