Civic exam for the resident card: 2026 guide

The civic exam becomes an application requirement

For an initial resident card application, passing the civic exam has been required since 1 January 2026 where the applicant falls within the scope of the reform. This new test does not apply to the renewal of a resident card the person already holds.

The exam does not automatically entitle you to a ten-year card. It provides one form of evidence among others: the length and lawfulness of your residence, resources, health insurance, family ties or category of protection continue to be assessed depending on the card sought.

The correct category: “resident card”

When registering, select the CR exam. Its syllabus is not identical to that for the multi-year residence card or naturalisation. The category must appear clearly on the certificate issued after you pass.

The common format is:

• 40 multiple-choice questions;
• 45 minutes;
• one correct answer from four options;
• 28 knowledge questions;
• 12 scenarios;
• pass mark: 32/40.

The questions cover five areas: Republican values, institutions, rights and duties, history-geography-culture, and everyday life in France.

Must you also prove a level of French?

Yes. For the cards concerned, language proficiency and the civic exam are two separate conditions. The reference level for an initial resident card is generally B1, whereas an initial multi-year card requires A2 and naturalisation requires B2.

Passing the civic multiple-choice test does not certify B1 proficiency. Conversely, a French-language diploma does not replace the civic certificate. Check that your language evidence is among the accepted documents and remains valid on the submission date.

Who may be exempt?

Exclusions or exemptions exist depending on the applicant's legal category, age or medical inability to take the test. They must be documented. A disability does not automatically lead to a full exemption: an exam accommodation may be offered when taking the test remains possible.

Do not rely on a general list without considering the exact card you are applying for. The rules for an “EU long-term resident” card, a card issued on the basis of family ties and a card linked to protection are not always identical.

Preparing both parts of the application

Start by creating a two-column table: residence conditions and integration conditions. In the first, place passports, previous permits, evidence of residence, income and health coverage. In the second, place the civic exam certificate, B1 evidence and CIR documents.

Then check:

1. that the five years or other required period is calculated correctly;
2. that absences from France are documented;
3. that resources cover the required period;
4. that names and dates of birth match on all certificates;
5. that the application is submitted within the correct timeframe.

If you are seeking European status, also read our guide to the EU long-term resident card.

Frequently asked questions

I already have a CSP: do I need to take the CR exam?

Having passed an earlier stage does not, by itself, answer the question. Check the category on your certificate and the reuse rules that apply to your initial resident card application.

Can I apply before receiving the result?

Proof of registration is not a pass certificate. Plan far enough ahead to have the required document when you apply.

Is the score included in the application?

The decisive document is the pass certificate. Keep your results statement and the centre's emails as well.

Official sources

• General information about the civic exam
• EU long-term resident card

Article updated on 16 September 2026. Always check the conditions specific to the card designation requested.