Formation civique or examen civique: do not confuse them

Two different steps of the integration path. Here is what the official website of the Ministry of the Interior says.

Updated on 2026-10-28

The formation civique (civic training)

According to the formation-civique.interieur.gouv.fr website, the civic training is a mandatory step for foreign nationals who have newly received a residence permit. It aims to help people understand the principles and values of the Republic, to introduce French society and to present how administrations and public services work.

Length: 4 days, or 24 hours.
An interpreter is present throughout the training.
It is paid for by the State and the OFII sends the summons.
A personal certificate of seriousness and attendance is given at the end of the 4^th day, to be attached to the residence permit application.

The examen civique (civic exam)

The examen civique is a separate test: a 40-question multiple-choice test in French, with 32 correct answers needed, required for a first multi-year residence permit or resident card (apart from exceptions and exemptions) and for naturalisation by decree. Registration is not done on the training website.

What to remember

	Formation civique	Examen civique
Nature	4-day training with an interpreter	40-question multiple-choice test in French
Result	Certificate of seriousness and attendance	Certificate of success (32 correct answers)
Registration	Summons from the OFII	Approved centre

Taking the training does not replace the exam and does not guarantee you will pass it. To revise, see How to revise for the examen civique: a 5-step method.

Frequently asked questions

Does the formation civique replace the examen civique?

No. They are two separate steps: a 4-day training and a 40-question multiple-choice test.

Is the formation civique paid?

According to the Ministry of the Interior website, it is paid for by the State.