French Civic Exam 2026: How to Register, Price, Centres and Results

Need to take the civic exam for a multi-year residence permit, a resident card or naturalization? Here is, step by step, how to register and what happens after the test.

Where can you take the civic exam?

The exam is only held in an approved centre. The Ministry of the Interior has approved two networks:

• Le français des affaires (CCI Paris Île-de-France);
• France Éducation International.

Both networks have many centres across France. If you are applying for naturalization from abroad, check with the Institut français, the Alliance française or the French consulate in your country.

How to register

1. Create an account on the website of one of the two approved networks.
2. Choose the right "mention": multi-year residence permit, resident card or naturalization. This matters: the knowledge questions differ by mention.
3. Pick a centre and a date, then pay online.
4. You receive a convocation to bring on exam day.

How much does the civic exam cost?

There is no national price: each centre sets its own fee. Check the exact amount when you book, and compare a few centres near you.

What to bring on the day

• Your convocation;
• Valid ID: residence permit or passport (EU nationals applying for naturalization can bring their national ID card).

The test lasts 45 minutes maximum on a computer or tablet: 40 multiple-choice questions, including 12 situational questions. You need 32 correct answers out of 40 to pass. Note: any fraud or attempted fraud means a 2-year ban from retaking it.

Results and certificate

If you pass, you receive a certificate of success (attestation de réussite) to add to your application. Good news: it never expires. A pass with the resident-card mention also counts for the multi-year residence permit.

What if you fail?

You can retake the exam as many times as you need, with no waiting period. See our article on what to do after failing.

Prepare before you book

Every attempt costs money, so it pays to arrive ready. Check your level with our free civic test, then practice on the official-format QCM.