The French civic exam for citizenship
40 questions in French, 45 minutes, 32 correct answers to pass. What the official texts say.
free
Motto, secularism (laïcité), gender equality, freedom of expression.
- 3 free questions
- No sign-up
Full interview (12 questions) + written report: €4.90 · one-time payment
For applications for naturalisation or reinstatement filed since 1 January 2026, a pass certificate for the civic exam (examen civique) is part of the file. The exam checks sufficient knowledge of French history, culture and society. The interview at the préfecture still takes place: the simulator above helps you prepare it, in French.
Format
- 40 multiple-choice questions in French: 28 knowledge questions and 12 real-life situations;
- one correct answer out of four; 1 point per correct answer, 0 otherwise;
- at least 32 correct answers to pass (80 %);
- on a screen, 45 minutes at most (adjustments possible for disability or health reasons).
Topics (order of 10 October 2025)
| Topic | Questions |
|---|---|
| Principles and values of the Republic (incl. 6 situations) | 11 |
| Institutions and political system | 6 |
| Rights and duties (incl. 6 situations) | 11 |
| History, geography and culture | 8 |
| Living in French society | 4 |
| Total | 40 |
Registration
The exam is taken in a centre approved by one of the two bodies chosen by the ministry: the CCI Paris Île-de-France or France Éducation international. Abroad, contact an Institut français, an Alliance française or the consulate. Each centre sets its own fee.
The official questions, explained (in French)
We list every official knowledge question word for word, with the answer and a short explanation: questions officielles de l’examen civique. The full French guide is here: examen civique de naturalisation.
FAQ
How many questions are there in the French civic exam?
40 multiple-choice questions in French: 28 knowledge questions and 12 real-life situations, with one correct answer out of four for each.
What is the pass mark?
At least 32 correct answers out of 40 (80 %). A wrong answer or no answer scores 0.
Are the questions published?
The knowledge questions are: the Ministry of the Interior publishes the list for naturalisation (244 questions in the 12 December 2025 version). The situation questions are not published.
Who has to take it?
People applying for naturalisation or reinstatement in French nationality (by decree), for applications filed since 1 January 2026. Declarations of nationality, for example through marriage to a French citizen, are not concerned by this exam.