What is the examen civique?

The examen civique is a citizenship test which adult foreign nationals who wish to apply for a carte de séjour or carte de résident must sit and pass as part of the application process. Although the exam is in French, it is not a test of the applicant's knowledge of the French language. Rather, it assesses the applicant's knowledge of French society and culture, and the values of the French Republic.

It is only required to be taken by those applying for a residence card for the first time. Those looking to renew their residence do not need to retake the exam.

The examen civique is multiple choice. There are four possible answers for each question, but only one is correct. There are forty questions in total: 28 knowledge questions and 12 scenario questions, which test how you would apply your knowledge of French culture and society to certain everyday situations. Each of the questions falls under one of the following themes:

• Principles and values of the Republic
• Institutional and political system
• Rights and duties
• History, geography and culture
• Living in French society
  

You need to score 80% (at least 32 correct answers) to pass the exam. If you fail, however, you can take it again.

The examen civique can be taken at any of the test centres in France run by France Éducation International or La Chambre de commerce et d'industrie de Paris. Check out the website for each organisation to find your closest test centre and book to take the test.

• France Éducation International
• La Chambre de commerce et d'industrie de Paris

The cost of the exam varies from centre to centre, though it is often around €70.

It's a good idea to prepare for the exam a while in advance. The best resource is the official government Livret de Citoyen, which contains all the information you need to know. It is also worth checking out the official government website for the exam.

Bring photo ID to the test centre and confirmation of your exam booking. You don't need a pen or paper; the exam is taken on a computer or tablet and the centre staff will provide anything else you need.