Civic exam exemption: who does not have to take it?
Since 1 January 2026, the civic exam is mandatory for a first multi-year residence permit, a first resident card and naturalisation. But several situations exempt you.
The two general exemptions
For the multi-year permit and the resident card, you do not have to take the exam if:
- you are 65 or older;
- your health or a disability makes it impossible to assess your knowledge. You then need a medical certificate from a doctor.
For naturalisation, the medical exemption also exists, with a medical certificate.
Applications that are not concerned
- Renewals: the exam is only required for a first multi-year permit or resident card.
- The one-year temporary residence permit is not concerned.
- Nationality by declaration (for example through marriage) is not concerned: the exam applies to naturalisation by decree.
- Some multi-year permits are not concerned, notably those outside the republican integration contract, and those of subsidiary protection beneficiaries, stateless people and their families.
How do you know if you are exempt?
The rules depend on the exact permit you apply for. Check your case on the official service-public.fr page or with your prefecture before registering.
Careful: an exam exemption is not a French exemption
The French level (A2, B1 or B2 depending on the permit) is a separate condition. Being exempt from the civic exam does not necessarily exempt you from proving your language level.
If you are not exempt, start early: you need 32 correct answers out of 40 to pass.
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