Practice for the French Civic Exam 2026
Take 40-question mock exams in 45 minutes, just like on the day, then read the explained answers and your score per theme. Practice questions written by Chatzam, not the official questions, translated into English to help you understand the concepts.
- 40 questions in 45 min
- 5 themes
- Explained answers
- Free
100% private — Everything is processed directly in your browser: your files, voice, and image are never sent to Chatzam's servers.
How to practice for the French civic exam
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Start a mock exam
40 questions drawn from the practice bank, with a 45-minute timer, just like the real exam.
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Read the answers
Every answer is marked and explained, and your score is broken down by theme so you can spot your weak points.
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Work on your weak points
Switch to free practice on a specific theme, then take another mock exam and aim for at least 32/40.
Practice close to real exam conditions
Timed mock exams
40 multiple-choice questions in 45 minutes, with the 80% pass mark (32 correct answers) as your target.
Detailed answers
For each question, the right answer and an explanation, so you understand the concept rather than just memorizing an answer.
Score per theme
Values of the Republic, institutions, rights and duties, history-geography-culture, living in French society: see where you stand on each one.
Free practice by theme
Review a single theme at your own pace, as many times as you need, before taking another full mock exam.
The French civic exam, mandatory since January 1, 2026
Since January 1, 2026, a civic exam (examen civique) has been mandatory to obtain a multi-year residence permit (carte de séjour pluriannuelle), a resident card (carte de résident) or French citizenship by naturalization. It is governed by decree no. 2025-647 and by the order of October 10, 2025. It takes the form of a 40-question multiple-choice test to be completed in 45 minutes, and you need at least 80% correct answers to pass, or 32 out of 40. The questions cover five main themes, described below. The official exam is taken in French: this English version is meant to help you understand the concepts, so also practice in French before the day. Practical details (registration, approved test centers, level required for each permit) are set by the French administration: always check them on the official websites before taking any steps. This tool is for practice only: you can't register for or take the exam here.
The 5 themes of the French civic exam
The questions are split across five themes: principles and values of the Republic; institutions and the political system; rights and duties; history, geography and culture; living in French society. In our practice bank you'll find, for example, the motto "Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité" (Liberty, Equality, Fraternity) and secularism (laïcité), the role of the President of the Republic, the Government and Parliament, guaranteed freedoms and equality between women and men, key dates and French territory, as well as daily life, school and work. At the end of each mock exam, the tool shows your score for each theme: it's the best way to know which one to review first in free practice mode.
Practice questions, not the official questions
The questions here were written by Chatzam for practice: they aren't the official exam questions, and on the day the wording will be different, and in French. So the goal isn't to memorize answers but to understand the concepts: that's why every answer comes with an explanation. A good approach: take a first mock exam to gauge your level, spot the themes where you're below 80%, review them in free practice, then take another full mock exam with the 45-minute timer. Aim for a margin above 32/40 so you can go into the exam with confidence. If you have any doubt about a rule or procedure, the official French government websites are the authority.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions are on the French civic exam?
40 multiple-choice questions, to be completed in 45 minutes. The tool's mock exams use the same format.
What score do you need to pass the French civic exam?
You need at least 80% correct answers, or 32 out of 40.
Who has to take the French civic exam?
Since January 1, 2026, it has been mandatory to obtain a multi-year residence permit, a resident card or naturalization. Check the official websites for the level required for each permit.
Is the civic exam in English?
No, the official exam is taken in French. The questions here are practice questions written by Chatzam on the exam's 5 themes and translated into English: they help you understand the concepts, not memorize answers. French names and terms are kept so you'll recognize them on the day.
How do I register for the French civic exam?
You can't register on Chatzam. The details (registration, approved test centers, dates) are listed on the official French government websites: check them before taking any steps.