Civic exam guides (examen civique)
Short answers to your questions about the examen civique, each rule with its official source.
Examen civique 2026: who must take it, and how does it work?
Since 2026, the examen civique is required for a first multi-year residence permit or resident card. 40 questions, 45 minutes, 32 correct answers: the whole official framework.
Read the guideExamen civique and naturalisation: who is affected?
Naturalisation by decree and reinstatement: the examen civique is required, the declaration by marriage is not. Format, registration, certificate and medical exemptions.
Read the guideExamen civique for the multi-year residence permit (CSP) and the resident card (CR)
Examen civique for a first CSP or a first resident card: who is affected, who is not, the exemption at 65, and the CR exam that also counts for the CSP.
Read the guideRegistering for the examen civique: approved centres, certificate, accommodations
Where to take the examen civique, how to find an approved centre, what the certificate of success provides, fraud (2-year ban) and medical accommodations.
Read the guideFormation civique or examen civique: do not confuse them
The formation civique (4 days, 24 hours) and the examen civique (40-question multiple-choice test) are not the same thing. What the Ministry of the Interior says about each.
Read the guideHow to revise for the examen civique: a 5-step method
A simple method to revise for the examen civique: the 5 topics, the official list of questions, understanding rather than memorising, and timing yourself. No promise of success.
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