Since January 1, 2026, a major change has affected non-European foreign nationals wishing to settle permanently in France. A civic exam has become mandatory in order to obtain certain residence permits or French nationality. Here is what you need to know about this new measure.
What is the civic exam?
Introduced by the law of January 26, 2024, to control immigration and improve integration, this exam aims to assess knowledge of the principles and values of the French Republic, as well as the rights and duties of residents.
Format of the test
The exam is conducted entirely on a digital platform and lasts a maximum of 45 minutes. It takes the form of a multiple-choice questionnaire (MCQ) consisting of 40 questions:
28 questions on general knowledge about France, its institutions, and its values
12 questions based on real-life situations testing your practical understanding of life in society
Each question offers four options, only one of which is correct. To pass the exam, you must get at least 32 questions right, which is a pass rate of 80%.
Who is concerned ?
From January 1, 2026, passing this exam will be mandatory in order to:
- Obtain French nationality through naturalization
- Acquire a multi-year residence permit (multi-year residence card or resident card) if you are a national of a country that is not a member of the European Union
Important exceptions
You are not required to take this exam in the following cases:
- You are applying to renew your multi-year residence permit or resident card
- You are receiving international protection (refugee status, subsidiary protection)
- You are a citizen of the European Union
When should you take the exam?
The civic exam must be taken before you submit your application for a residence permit or naturalization.
Mandatory civic training
For those wishing to obtain a multi-year residence permit, the exam takes place at the end of a 24-hour civic training course spread over 4 days. Previously, this training was taken after obtaining a residence permit as part of the republican integration contract. It is now a prerequisite.
Good to know: The certificate of successful completion of the civic exam has no expiry date. Once obtained, it remains valid indefinitely.
What topics are covered?
The exam covers five main topics studied during the civic training course:
- Principles and values of the Republic
The republican motto (Liberty, Equality, Fraternity)
The symbols of the Republic (flag, anthem, Marianne, etc.)
The principle of secularism - Institutional and political system
The organization of the French Republic (executive, legislative, and judicial powers)
Local authorities
The European Union and its institutions - Fundamental rights, obligations, and duties
The rights of people residing in France
Civic obligations
Residents’ duties - History, geography, and culture
Major periods in French history
French geography
Major cultural elements - Living in French society
Parental authority and the education system
The world of work in France
Access to public services
Daily life and social codes
How to prepare
The Ministry of the Interior provides resources to help you prepare for the exam. You can consult preparation sheets and obtain all the practical information you need on the official website: https://formation-civique.interieur.gouv.fr/
Where can you take the exam in Hérault?
There are currently two approved centers offering the civic exam in the Hérault department:
In Montpellier
LSF Montpellier
6 rue Foch, 34000 Montpellier
Phone: 04 67 91 31 60
Email: contact@lsf-france.com
In Béziers
Centre Hobson
6 rue Pierre Flourens, 34500 Béziers
Phone: 04 67 49 33 39
Email: contact@centre-hobson.com
The cost is currently 70 euros to sign-up to pass the exam.
Our tips for success
With a required pass rate of 80%, the exam requires serious preparation. Here are a few recommendations:
- Carefully follow the 24-hour civic training course: it forms the basis of your preparation.
- Use the official resources available online to revise.
- Practice with multiple-choice questions to familiarize yourself with the format.
- Don’t neglect any topics: all of them are covered in the exam.
- Take your time: you have 45 minutes, which leaves about 1 minute per question
In summary
This new civics exam represents an additional step in the integration process for non-European foreign nationals in France. While it may seem demanding with its 80% pass rate, it aims to ensure that future permanent residents have the essential knowledge to fully integrate into French society.The good news? Once passed, the exam does not need to be retaken, and the resources