Civic exam exemption for disability or health reasons
Par Antonin GAVREL - le vendredi 11 septembre 2026 - 7 min read
Accommodations and exemptions are not the same
A disability or chronic health condition does not automatically lead to exemption from the civic exam. The 2026 scheme first provides for accommodations where taking the test remains possible. An exemption may be granted when a person's health makes the assessment impossible, including with appropriate adjustments.
This distinction must appear in the prescribed medical certificate. The doctor states either the accommodations required or that the person is unable to take the exam.
What accommodations are available?
The order of 30 December 2025 refers in particular to:
- an enlarged exam paper, brighter lighting or use of a magnifying glass for certain visual impairments;
- amplified sound, hearing aids, headphones or lip-reading for certain hearing impairments;
- adapted IT equipment for a motor impairment;
- accessible premises and assistance getting set up;
- an additional one-third of the allotted time in several situations.
This list is not necessarily exhaustive. The certificate may recommend other adjustments based on the applicant's specific needs.
When is an exemption possible?
The exemption applies to a person whose disability or chronic health condition makes it impossible to assess their knowledge of French history, culture and society. The order also specifies that applicants who read only Braille must be exempted from the civic exam.
Neither the test centre nor a relative makes this decision alone. A doctor documents the situation using the official certificate template, after which it is assessed as part of the administrative application.
How to prepare the medical evidence
Download the template appended to the current order. The certificate must identify the doctor and state their RPPS number, identify the patient and provide the relevant medical conclusion. It is given to the patient and included as instructed for the procedure.
Avoid a one-line certificate stating only “cannot take the exam”. The prescribed document distinguishes language tests from the civic exam and asks the doctor to tick the relevant assessments.
An accommodation or exemption must be properly documented
VisaPref helps you identify the prescribed documents and submit a coherent administrative request.
When should you contact the test centre?
If the doctor recommends an accommodation, contact the centre before finalising your registration, or as soon as possible. Ask for written confirmation that the accommodation can be provided, how long preparations will take and which documents to submit. Not every venue or date will necessarily allow the same arrangements to be put in place immediately.
However, if the certificate concludes that you are unable to take the exam, follow the instructions of the department processing the naturalisation application. Do not pay for a session solely to prove that you cannot take it.
What about the French test?
The same order governs accommodations and exemptions relating to language assessment, but the two forms of evidence are legally distinct. Exemption from the civic exam does not automatically mean exemption from the TCF, TEF or another form of proof of French proficiency. The doctor must specify the assessments concerned.
Mistakes to avoid
- using a free-form certificate when an official template exists;
- confusing difficulty studying with a medical inability to be assessed;
- requesting an accommodation only on the day of the exam;
- sending unnecessary medical information to someone who is not authorised to receive it;
- assuming that a language exemption also covers the civic exam.
Official sources
Article updated on 16 September 2026. Only a healthcare professional can make the necessary medical findings.