So, what’s changed?
The good news is that the Civics Exam is more of a format change than a content change. When applying for French Citizenship, you have always been expected to be able to discuss French history, politics, geography and culture. The recent changes have simply formalised this: instead of responding to questions about these topics during your interview at the Prefecture, you will now have to demonstrate your knowledge in a standardised, computer-based test that you must pass before you even submit your application.
They have also introduced the Civics Exam as a requirement for those applying for a residency card or a multi-year Carte de SĂ©jour.
Who needs to take the new Civics Exam?
Anyone submitting their application for French Citizenship from 1st January 2026 will need to present the certificate from their Civics Exam. This includes EU/EEA citizens and those
applying via marriage.
In addition, the exam is now required for residency cards and multi-year Carte de SĂ©jours.
However, the Civics Exam is not necessary for those applying for like-for-like renewals.
What is the format of the new exam?
The exam is a digital multiple-choice questionnaire in French, made up of 40 questions. The exam duration is 45 minutes. To pass you must answer 32 out of 40 (80%) questions
correctly. Once passed, the certificate is valid for life. You will receive your result within 24-48 hours of taking the test.
Does this replace the Citizenship interview?
No, as a part of your Citizenship application you will still be invited to an interview at the Prefecture. The interview now focuses more on how well you have integrated into life in
France: seeing if you practice French values in your day-to-day life, have a stable life rooted (economically, professionally, and socially) in France, and double checking that your
language is up to scratch.
Don’t forget, from January 2026, the requirement for Citizenship has moved from B1 (intermediate) to B2 (upper intermediate).
Where do I take the test and how do I register?
The test is available at a network of approved test centres across France. You can check out the list here: Civics Exam Testing Centres .
When signing up for the test, you will need to choose the correct version of the test depending on your situation:
- Mention Naturalisation (for Citizenship)
- Mention Carte de RĂ©sident (for 10-year card)
- Mention Carte de SĂ©jour Pluriannuelle (for 2-4 year cards)
You will also need your AGDREF number (the 10-digit numéro étranger found on your Carte de Séjour).
What is the cost of the new Civics Exam?
The price is approximately €70, though it can vary slightly by centre.
What topics are covered by the exam?
The exam focuses on the following subject areas:
- Principles and Values
- Rights and Duties
- History and Culture
- Political Institutions
- Life in Society
The exam includes 12 scenario-based questions. These describe a situation (e.g., a neighbour dispute or a workplace issue) and ask you to choose the response that best aligns
with French law and values.
How do I prepare for the Civics Exam?
As before, the Livret du Citoyen is the “bible” for the test. It is a PDF booklet (available on government sites like service-public.fr) that contains all the history and values you need to
know.
In addition, the Ministry of the Interior has launched an official portal, formation-civique.interieur.gouv.fr, which includes fact sheets and practice questions.
How can PDS Formation help?
Navigating these new rules can feel a bit daunting, so our teachers at PDS Formation have refined our specialist Citizenship group course to ensure you are fully prepared.
The new Civics Exam and Prefecture interview are conducted entirely in French. Success requires more than just memorising facts; you must be able to process and respond in French quickly, meaning it’s a good idea to continue regular practice of your French, in either group or private lessons.
