CIR, civic training and civic exam: what is the difference?
Many candidates mix up three things: the republican integration contract (CIR), the civic training and the civic exam. Here is how they fit together.
The CIR: a contract with the State
The CIR is signed between the State and a non-European foreign national admitted to live in France. It is prepared by OFII and signed by the prefect. It lasts 1 year, extendable by 1 year at most. You commit, among other things, to follow the prescribed training and answer OFII's invitations.
Civic training: 24 hours to discover France
Under the CIR, civic training has 4 sessions, 24 hours in total. It covers the principles of the Republic, institutions, rights and duties, history, geography and culture, and life in society. Language training may also be prescribed if your French level is too low.
The civic exam: a test you must pass
The civic exam is a separate assessment, mandatory since 1 January 2026 for a first multi-year permit, a first resident card and naturalisation:
- 40 multiple-choice questions, in French;
- 45 minutes maximum;
- 32 correct answers out of 40 to pass;
- registration with an approved body (France Éducation international or the Paris Chamber of Commerce).
In short
- CIR: the contract, signed when you arrive.
- Civic training: the classes the contract provides.
- Civic exam: the test that checks your knowledge. Attending the training does not exempt you from passing it.
Sources: CIR on service-public.fr and formation-civique.interieur.gouv.fr.
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