Key points
- Bring your exam invitation and a valid ID (usually your residence permit).
- Be on time: no candidate is allowed in after the exam has started.
- The test is on a computer or tablet, in French: 40 questions, 45 minutes.
- 1 point for each correct answer, no negative marking: answer every question.
You’ve revised, you have your exam date: now it’s time to approach the big day calmly. Here’s what happens during the civic exam and what you must not forget.
What to bring
- Your exam invitation, received after you registered.
- A valid ID: usually your residence permit (titre de séjour). Passport or national ID card are accepted for European Union citizens taking the naturalisation option. If you don’t have a permit, France Éducation international accepts certain receipts (récépissés) such as for a residence permit application, asylum request, or international protection.
- For France Éducation international: your candidate account login details. Without these, you cannot take the exam.
Check the day before that your ID is not expired and that the name matches exactly with your exam invitation.
Be on time, really
This is the strictest rule: arrive at the time shown on your exam invitation. The official order for the exam says no candidate can be admitted after the start time, with no exceptions. If you are late, you lose your exam and your registration fee is not refunded.
A photo will be taken on site: it will appear on your certificate.
How the test works
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Device | Computer or tablet |
| Language | French |
| Number of questions | 40 (28 knowledge and 12 real-life scenarios) |
| Format | 4 possible answers, only one correct |
| Time | 45 minutes maximum |
| To pass | 32 correct answers (80%) |
Scoring: 1 point for each correct answer, 0 points for a wrong answer or no answer. There are no negative points: if you’re not sure, answer anyway.
Managing your 45 minutes
You have just over a minute per question. Here are some tips:
- Read each question to the end, especially the real-life scenarios, which are longer.
- Don’t get stuck: if a question is difficult, answer as best you can and move on.
- Keep a few minutes at the end to check you haven’t left any questions unanswered.
Special arrangements for medical reasons
If your health requires it, special arrangements are possible, such as extra time. This is the only case where you can have more than 45 minutes. You must request this in advance, with a medical certificate.
After the test
Results are not given on site: you will receive them within 12 to 48 working hours depending on the organisation, along with your certificate if you scored at least 32 out of 40.
Practise for free
Frequently asked questions
Which ID do you need to show?
Usually, your residence permit (titre de séjour). Passport or national ID card are accepted for European Union citizens taking the naturalisation option. France Éducation international also accepts, if you don’t have a permit, certain receipts (récépissés) such as for a residence permit application, asylum request, or international protection.
What happens if I arrive late?
No candidate can be admitted after the exam start time, and there are no exceptions. France Éducation international states that no refunds are given if you are late.
Do wrong answers lose points?
No. Each correct answer is worth 1 point and a wrong answer is worth 0. There are no negative points: don’t leave any question blank.
Is the exam in French?
Yes, all 40 questions are in French. Each question has 4 possible answers, but only one is correct.
Official sources
- French Ministry of the Interior — General information about the civic exam
- Légifrance — Order of 10 October 2025 about the civic exam
- Le français des affaires (CCI Paris Île-de-France) — Civic exam, how it works
- France Éducation international — Candidate’s handbook for the civic exam
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.
