Guides
Registration, price, exam day, exemptions, results, revision: everything about the civic exam and the procedures that require it, checked against the official texts.
Your procedure
The exam is the same, but the question list and the French level change.
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The examHow to Register for the Civic Exam: Approved Centres and StepsHow to register for the civic exam in 2026: the two approved organisations, how to find a centre, your AGDREF number, choosing the right option (CSP, CR or naturalisation), and your exam notice.
The examHow much does the civic exam cost?The price of the civic exam in 2026 is not set nationally: each approved centre (centre agréé) sets its own fee. Here’s what you need to know about payment, absence, failing, and free preparation.
The examCivic exam day: what to expect and what to bringCivic exam day: bring your ID and exam invitation, be strictly on time, computer test with 40 questions in 45 minutes, scoring and special arrangements. Everything you need to be ready.
The examCivic exam real-life scenarios: the methodThe real-life scenarios of the 2026 civic exam describe a concrete situation from daily life. Here is the 3-step method to find the right answer, with explained examples.
RevisingPrepare for the civic exam in 4 weeks: the planA week-by-week revision plan for the 2026 civic exam: assessment, revision by topic, real-life scenarios, and mock exams to aim for 32/40 or higher.
The examThe civic exam certificateWhen and how you receive the civic exam certificate, how long it is valid for (no time limit), the CR/CSP equivalence, and how to use it in your application.
The examFailed the civic exam: how to retake itDid you fail the civic exam? You can retake it as many times as you need. Here are the official rules: waiting period between attempts, new registration, fraud—plus the best way to succeed next time.
The examExemption from the civic exam: who is affected?Who is exempt from the civic exam in 2026? Over 65s for residence permits, health reasons, renewals, naturalisation cases: the official rules.ProceduresA2, B1 or B2: what French level do you need for your residence permit or naturalisation?Since 2026, you must prove that you have A2 level for a first multi-year residence permit (carte de séjour pluriannuelle), B1 for a resident card (carte de résident) and B2 for naturalisation. Tests, accepted diplomas and exemptions.
p. 5–14Citizen's HandbookCitizen's Handbook (Livret du citoyen) 2026: summary of part 1, the principles and values of the RepublicSummary of part 1 of the Citizen's Handbook (Livret du citoyen) 2026: the motto, the symbols of France, secularism and the 4 principles of the Republic, with the key points to remember for the civic exam.
p. 15–23Citizen's HandbookCitizen's Handbook (Livret du citoyen) 2026: summary of part 2, the institutional and political systemSummary of part 2 of the Citizen's Handbook 2026: the president, Parliament, the justice system, voting rights, communes, departments, regions, overseas territories and the European Union, with key figures to remember.
p. 24–36Citizen's HandbookCitizen's Handbook (Livret du citoyen) 2026: a summary of Part 3, citizens' rights and dutiesA summary of Part 3 of the Citizen's Handbook (Livret du citoyen) 2026: freedoms, dignity, justice, political rights, then duties (laws, taxes, defence, solidarity), with the key information for the civic exam.
p. 37–60Citizen's HandbookCitizen's Handbook (Livret du citoyen) 2026: summary of Part 4, history, geography and cultureSummary of Part 4 of the Citizen's Handbook (Livret du citoyen) 2026: the main periods and dates in French history, the presidents of the Fifth Republic, geography and culture, with key facts for the civic exam.
p. 61–76Citizen's HandbookCitizen's Handbook (Livret du citoyen) 2026: summary of Part 5, living in French societySummary of Part 5 of the Citizen's Handbook (Livret du citoyen) 2026: housing, transport, healthcare, emergency numbers, work, marriage, children's rights and school, followed by the handbook's appendices, with the key points for the civic exam.No guide matches.
Practise for free
Free test10 official questions, corrected and explained, to check your level.Mock exam40 questions in 45 minutes, split like the official exam.Questions by themeOfficial questions from the 5 themes, with the answer and the explanation.Livret du citoyenThe official 2026 handbook, to read online page by page.