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Pass the French civic exam first time

Practice tests in the exam format: 40 questions, 45 minutes, 32 correct answers to pass. Every answer is explained in French and in your language.

Take the free level check See the pass
40multiple-choice questions
45 minmaximum
32/40to pass (80%)
3 levelsCSP, resident, naturalisation

How does the civic exam work?

Since 1 January 2026, the civic exam (examen civique) is required for a first multi-year residence card (carte de séjour pluriannuelle, CSP), a first resident card (carte de résident, CR) and naturalisation. It is taken in French, on a tablet or computer, at an approved centre (CCI Paris Île-de-France or France Éducation International). You can retake it as many times as you need, and the certificate does not expire.

The exam has 28 knowledge questions and 12 real-life situations, spread over five themes:

ThemeQuestions
Principles and values of the Republic (including 6 situations)11
Institutions and political system6
Rights and duties (including 6 situations)11
History, geography and culture8
Living in French society4
Total40

Source: decree (arrêté) of 10 October 2025 on the syllabus, tests and organisation of the civic exam.

What ViaExam gives you

The exam format

40-question mock exams with a 45-minute timer and the same mix of themes as on exam day.

Explained in your language

Every question and correction in French, with the translation and explanation in your language.

Real-life situations

They are not published and are worth 12 points: we train you on concrete cases about secularism, equality and daily life.

Score per theme

See straight away where you lose points and what to revise before the exam.

All three levels

CSP, resident card and naturalisation have different question lists; your pass covers all three.

No subscription

One payment for 60 days of access. Nothing renews automatically.

Languages available for translations and explanations:

FrançaisEnglishالعربيةPortuguêsEspañolTürkçeРусскийУкраїнська中文

Sample questions with answers

Six questions from the free level check, with the right answer and the explanation. The exam has 40.

Quelle est la devise de la République française ?

What is the motto of the French Republic?

  1. A. « Travail, famille, patrie »“Work, family, homeland”
  2. B. « Liberté, égalité, fraternité »“Liberty, equality, fraternity”
  3. C. « Unité, progrès, justice »“Unity, progress, justice”
  4. D. « Paix, ordre, liberté »“Peace, order, liberty”
Show the answer

Correct answer: “Liberty, equality, fraternity”

The motto of the Republic is “Liberté, égalité, fraternité” (liberty, equality, fraternity). It is written in Article 2 of the Constitution and on the front of town halls and schools. “Work, family, homeland” was the motto of the Vichy regime (1940–1944), not of the Republic.

À partir de quel âge a-t-on le droit de voter en France ?

From what age can you vote in France?

  1. A. 16 ans16
  2. B. 18 ans18
  3. C. 21 ans21
  4. D. 25 ans25
Show the answer

Correct answer: 18

To vote you must be 18, have French nationality and not have been deprived of your civil and political rights. EU citizens living in France can also vote in municipal and European elections.

En quelle année a débuté la Révolution française ?

In which year did the French Revolution begin?

  1. A. 15151515
  2. B. 17891789
  3. C. 18481848
  4. D. 19141914
Show the answer

Correct answer: 1789

The French Revolution began in 1789 (the Estates-General met, the Bastille was stormed on 14 July, the Declaration of the Rights of Man was adopted on 26 August). The First Republic was proclaimed in 1792.

Quel numéro d’urgence permet d’appeler le SAMU ?

Which emergency number calls the SAMU (medical emergency service)?

  1. A. 1515
  2. B. 1717
  3. C. 1818
  4. D. 39193919
Show the answer

Correct answer: 15

15 is the number for the SAMU (medical emergencies). 17 calls the police, 18 the fire brigade, and 112 is the European emergency number, valid across the European Union.

Amina travaille comme agente d’accueil à la mairie. Pendant son travail, elle souhaite porter un signe religieux visible. Que dit la règle ?

Amina works at the reception desk of the town hall. At work, she wants to wear a visible religious sign. What is the rule?

  1. A. Elle peut le porter, comme n’importe quel usagerShe can wear it, like any member of the public
  2. B. Elle ne peut pas le porter pendant son service, car les agents publics doivent être neutresShe cannot wear it while on duty, because public officials must be neutral
  3. C. Elle peut le porter si son chef est d’accordShe can wear it if her boss agrees
  4. D. Elle doit démissionnerShe must resign
Show the answer

Correct answer: She cannot wear it while on duty, because public officials must be neutral

Public service staff (town hall, prefecture, state school, public hospital…) must be religiously neutral while on duty. Members of the public, on the other hand, may wear religious signs in public services, as long as public order is respected.

Paul voit une personne tomber inconsciente dans la rue. Que doit-il faire ?

Paul sees someone collapse unconscious in the street. What should he do?

  1. A. Continuer son chemin : ce n’est pas son problèmeWalk on: it is not his problem
  2. B. Appeler les secours (15, 18 ou 112) et lui porter assistance sans se mettre en dangerCall the emergency services (15, 18 or 112) and help the person without putting himself in danger
  3. C. Attendre qu’un policier arriveWait for a police officer to arrive
  4. D. Prendre une photo pour la publierTake a photo to post online
Show the answer

Correct answer: Call the emergency services (15, 18 or 112) and help the person without putting himself in danger

Helping a person in danger is a legal duty. Failing to do so when you could without risk to yourself is punished by law (failure to assist a person in danger). At the very least, call 15 (medical emergency), 18 (fire brigade) or 112.

Take the free level check

The ViaExam pass

€19.90
one-off payment · 60 days of access · no subscription
  • Unlimited mock exams (40 questions, 45 min)
  • All three levels: CSP, resident card, naturalisation
  • Every correction explained, in French and in your language
  • Score per theme and progress tracking
Start with the free test

Good to know: you can prepare for free. The French Ministry of the Interior publishes the knowledge questions (without the answers) and revision sheets at formation-civique.interieur.gouv.fr. ViaExam adds explained answers, translations, real-life situations and timed mock exams.

Frequently asked questions

Who has to take the civic exam?

Adult foreign nationals who have signed the republican integration contract (CIR) and apply for a first multi-year residence card or a first resident card, as well as applicants for naturalisation. Some people are exempt, including beneficiaries of international protection. Renewing a permit does not require a new exam.

How many correct answers do I need?

At least 32 out of 40, which is 80%. A wrong answer and a blank answer both score 0, so answer every question.

Are the questions the same for everyone?

No. There are three levels (CSP, resident card, naturalisation) with different question lists. Passing at resident-card level also counts for the multi-year residence card.

How much does the exam cost and where do I take it?

The exam is taken at a centre approved by the ministry: CCI Paris Île-de-France or France Éducation International. Each centre sets its own price; check when you register.

Does the ViaExam pass renew?

No. It is a one-off payment for 60 days of access, with no subscription.

Is ViaExam a government website?

No. ViaExam is a private preparation service, independent of the French administration. We do not sell exam registration and we do not issue certificates.