The civic exam and the multi-year residence card in 2026
Par Antonin GAVREL - le mercredi 16 septembre 2026 - 7 min read
A new condition for the initial multi-year card
Since 1 January 2026, a national of a country outside the European Union who applies for a multi-year residence card for the first time may have to provide a certificate showing that they passed the civic exam. This condition is additional to the criteria for the permit requested and, where applicable, the required level of French.
The key words are initial application. The Ministry of the Interior states that the exam is not required for a straightforward renewal of a multi-year residence card. A change in circumstances may, however, result in the procedure being classified differently: check the category displayed by ANEF.
Who is affected?
The scheme applies to non-European foreign nationals who are following the Republican integration pathway and applying for an initial CSP in a category subject to the exam. Some people are excluded or exempt because of their status, age or health.
Do not determine whether the requirement applies based only on the title of your current permit. Two applicants with a temporary card may be subject to different rules. The correct method is to check:
- the applicant's nationality and status;
- the designation of the card sought;
- whether the application is an initial application or a renewal;
- any exemptions provided for in the legislation.
Which exam should you take?
When registering, choose the “multi-year residence card” (CSP) category. There are separate syllabuses for the CSP, resident card and naturalisation. A certificate obtained under the wrong category may not correspond to the required procedure.
The CSP exam has 40 questions, lasts 45 minutes and is taken in French on a digital device. Each question has four possible answers, only one of which is correct. You must obtain 32 correct answers out of 40.
The test includes 28 knowledge questions and 12 scenarios. The five topics are the values of the Republic, institutions, rights and duties, history-geography-culture, and life in French society.
Is your initial multi-year card application approaching?
VisaPref checks the conditions for your permit and helps you prepare a consistent application before submission.
Civic exam and French proficiency: two different forms of evidence
The civic certificate validates your knowledge of French society. It does not replace a diploma or language test. For an initial CSP, the reference language level is generally A2, subject to the exclusions and exemptions applicable to your category.
You should therefore prepare separately:
- the civic exam pass certificate;
- acceptable evidence of French proficiency;
- documents relating to your reason for residence;
- evidence of compliance with the Republican Integration Contract where it applies to you.
When should you register?
Do not wait until the day before submission. Places, fees and certificate-issue times depend on the approved centres. Register only with the organisations designated by the Ministry: France Éducation international or the Paris Île-de-France Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Keep the original certificate and a legible digital copy. When submitting through ANEF, check that your identity matches your passport exactly and that the exam category is correct.
Common mistakes
- taking the “naturalisation” category instead of the CSP category;
- confusing a renewal with an initial application;
- believing that the CIR automatically replaces the exam;
- submitting mere proof of registration instead of the pass certificate;
- forgetting evidence of A2 proficiency where required.
To understand the documents generated after submission, see our guide to ANEF certificates.
Official sources
Article updated on 16 September 2026. Only the prefecture has jurisdiction to assess your individual circumstances.