Registering for the civic exam: approved centres and steps

Where can you take the civic exam in 2026?

The civic exam must be taken at a centre affiliated with an organisation approved by the Ministry of the Interior. The official portal lists two networks: France Éducation international (FEI) and the Paris Île-de-France Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIP).

Always use the government website links to reach the registration platform. A commercial intermediary may offer preparation, but cannot issue the official certificate unless it is an approved centre.

Step 1: choose the correct category

Before paying, identify the procedure you are preparing for:

• initial multi-year residence card: CSP category;
• initial resident card: CR category;
• naturalisation or reinstatement by decree: naturalisation category.

These exams share a general format, but their levels and question lists differ. The centre cannot guess your procedure. If in doubt, consult the official page for your permit or ask the competent department for written confirmation.

Step 2: compare centres

Consider the town or city, available date, price, rescheduling conditions and stated result time. Fees are set by the organisations and may change; do not rely on an old amount found on a forum.

Choose a session that leaves a margin before submission. Allow time to receive the certificate, correct a civil-status error and, if necessary, retake the test.

Step 3: enter your identity exactly

Copy the details from your passport: surname, given names, date and place of birth. If your documents show several surnames or a transliteration, contact the centre before completing the registration. A discrepancy between the certificate and the ANEF application may lead to a request for additional documents.

You will generally need a valid identity document, an accessible email address and an accepted means of payment. The centre specifies the exact supporting documents.

On the day of the exam

Arrive at the stated time with the identity document accepted by the centre and your notice. The digital test contains 40 questions and lasts 45 minutes. You may not use revision materials during the multiple-choice test.

If you need an accommodation because of a disability or health condition, do not wait until the test day to mention it. Contact the centre when registering and submit the requested documents within the prescribed time.

After the test

Keep the results email, certificate and invoice. Immediately check:

• the complete spelling of your identity;
• your date of birth;
• the exam category;
• the date and identification of the organisation;
• the legibility of the digital file.

Passing the exam does not replace evidence of language proficiency or the other residence or naturalisation documents.

Fraud and fake centres: warning signs

Be wary of a website that guarantees success, sells a certificate directly without an exam, requests payment into a personal account or uses a domain almost identical to a public website. Check the centre in the directory available through the Ministry’s portal.

Frequently asked questions

Can you take the exam in another département?

Refer to the organisation’s registration rules. The essential points for the application are that the centre is approved and the category is correct.

Does the prefecture send you a notice?

Registration for the exam is something you must plan for according to your procedure. Do not automatically wait for a notice from the prefecture.

Is proof of registration enough for ANEF?

No. Where passing is required, you must provide the relevant certificate, not merely proof of a future session.

Official source

• Approved organisations and centres for the civic exam

Article updated on 16 September 2026. Check the fee and conditions directly with the selected centre.