What’s in the PDF
- 94 official knowledge questions, organised into the 5 French civic exam topics
- All 4 answer options for each question, just like on exam day
- The answer key at the end of each topic, with an explanation for every answer
- For each question, the relevant procedure: multi-year residence permit (carte de séjour pluriannuelle), resident card (carte de résident) or naturalisation
- A page to help you understand the exam: 40 questions, 45 minutes, 32 correct answers to pass
Preview: 3 questions from the PDF
Parmi les propositions suivantes, laquelle constitue une participation citoyenne ?
Which of the following is a form of civic participation?
- A Détenir un passeport français en cours de validité
- B Être inscrit au fichier national des électeurs
- C Voter lors d’une élection municipale
- D Recevoir sa carte nationale d’identité
Answer
C · Voter lors d’une élection municipale
In France, voting in a municipal election is a true act of civic participation, as it allows citizens to make their voices heard in local affairs. According to the 1958 Constitution, universal suffrage is a fundamental principle of French democracy. Possessing identity documents, such as the ID card or passport, relates to citizenship status but is not active participation. Being registered on the electoral roll is a prerequisite, but not a participatory act by itself.
Quel était le surnom de Louis XIV ?
What was Louis XIV's nickname?
- A L'Empereur des Français
- B Le Père de la Nation
- C Le Roi Soleil
- D Le Citoyen Roi
Answer
C · Le Roi Soleil
In France, Louis XIV is known as 'the Sun King' because he wished to symbolize absolute royal authority and the centralization of power in his person. This nickname reflects the absolute monarchy that defined his reign from 1643 to 1715, a key period in French history shaped by the principles of divine right monarchy.
Qu'est-ce que l'État de droit ?
What is the rule of law (État de droit)?
- A Un type de gouvernement où le pouvoir est exercé uniquement par le président de la République.
- B Un mode d'organisation qui accorde les pleins pouvoirs au Parlement pour voter toutes les lois sans limitation.
- C Un principe selon lequel la justice est rendue uniquement par les citoyens réunis en assemblée populaire.
- D Un système dans lequel toutes les autorités publiques sont soumises à la loi et où les droits des citoyens sont protégés par des règles juridiques.
Answer
D · Un système dans lequel toutes les autorités publiques sont soumises à la loi et où les droits des citoyens sont protégés par des règles juridiques.
In France, the rule of law means that all public authorities and institutions must comply with the law. This system protects fundamental rights and freedoms, as guaranteed by the 1958 Constitution. An independent judiciary ensures these principles are upheld in French society.
How to revise with this PDF
- 1
Answer the questions for a topic without looking at the answer key. Write your answers on a sheet of paper.
- 2
Check your answers using the key at the end of the topic, and read the explanations for any questions you got wrong.
- 3
Try the questions you got wrong again a few days later, until you get them right.
- 4
Finish with a 40-question mock exam in 45 minutes, to get used to the pace of exam day.
What’s not in the PDF
On exam day, 12 of the 40 questions are real-life scenarios. The ministry does not publish them, so they are not included in this PDF. The Citoyen app offers more than 130 corrected scenarios, all the official questions for your procedure and unlimited mock exams.
Frequently asked questions
Is the PDF really free?
Yes. You can download it directly, without signing up or giving an email address. You can print and share it.
Are these questions from the official exam?
Yes: these are knowledge questions from the official lists published by the French Ministry of the Interior for the multi-year residence permit (carte de séjour pluriannuelle), resident card (carte de résident) and naturalisation. The wording of each question is unchanged.
Is the PDF enough to pass the exam?
It’s a good starting point, but it contains 94 questions out of several hundred and no real-life scenario questions, even though the exam includes 12 out of 40. To be ready, also practise all the questions for your application under exam conditions: 40 questions in 45 minutes.
How many correct answers do you need to pass?
You need at least 32 correct answers out of 40, or 80%. The test lasts 45 minutes, and wrong answers don’t deduct points.
Official sources
- Official list of knowledge questions — multi-year residence permit (carte de séjour pluriannuelle)
- Official list of knowledge questions — resident card (carte de résident)
- Citizen's Handbook (Livret du citoyen) 2026 (official PDF)
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.