New French Naturalization Exam 2025: What's Changing

Since 2025, the French naturalization exam has been reformed to better assess candidates' knowledge of Republican values and French history. This reform aims to strengthen the integration process for future French citizens.

This comprehensive guide presents the new exam format, its content, and gives you all the tips to succeed.

🎯 Why an Exam Reform?

The naturalization exam reform addresses several objectives:

Strengthening Civic Knowledge Assessment

Better understanding of Republican values
In-depth knowledge of French history and culture
Adherence to principles of secularism, equality, and freedom

Modernizing the Format

Digitalization of the exam process
Updated questions reflecting contemporary France
More objective and standardized assessment

Harmonizing Practices

Same format in all prefectures
Standardized evaluation criteria
Clear and transparent grading scale

📋 The New Exam Format

Exam Structure

The naturalization exam now consists of two distinct parts:

Part 1: Civic Knowledge Test (30 minutes)

20 multiple-choice questions (MCQ)
4 possible answers per question
Only 1 correct answer
Minimum score: 12/20 to pass

Part 2: Oral Interview (15-20 minutes)

Discussion with a prefecture officer
Assessment of French language level (minimum B1 oral)
Verification of adherence to Republican values
Questions about personal background and integration

Practical Details

Registration

Summons sent by the prefecture
Exam date and location set by the administration
Mandatory attendance with ID

Process

Computer-based exam (digital format)
Individual session in an examination center
Results communicated within 15 days

Taking the Exam

Free (included in the naturalization procedure)
No limit on attempts
Possibility to retake in case of failure

📚 Exam Content

Theme 1: Principles and Values of the Republic (6 questions)

Fundamental Principles

Liberty, Equality, Fraternity
Secularism and separation of Church and State
Human and citizen rights
Rule of law and democracy

Republican Values

Gender equality
Respect for human dignity
Solidarity and fraternity
Freedom of conscience and expression

Sample Questions

"What is the principle of secularism?"
"What are the three principles of the Republican motto?"
"In what year was the Declaration of the Rights of Man proclaimed?"

Theme 2: Republican Institutions (5 questions)

Organization of Powers

President of the Republic: role and election
Government and Prime Minister
Parliament: National Assembly and Senate
Justice and judicial independence

Territorial Authorities

Regions, departments, municipalities
Responsibilities of each level
Mayor and municipal councils

Sample Questions

"What is the length of the presidential term?"
"Who appoints the Prime Minister?"
"How many regions does metropolitan France have?"

Theme 3: French History (5 questions)

Major Historical Periods

Monarchy and French Revolution (1789)
Napoleon and the Empires
Third Republic and separation of Church and State (1905)
First and Second World Wars
Fifth Republic (1958)

Key Dates and Figures

July 14, 1789: Storming of the Bastille
1848: Abolition of slavery
1944-1945: Liberation of France
Charles de Gaulle, Simone Veil, etc.

Sample Questions

"When did the French Revolution take place?"
"Who abolished slavery in France?"
"What event marks the beginning of the Fifth Republic?"

Theme 4: Symbols and Culture of France (4 questions)

National Symbols

Tricolor flag (blue, white, red)
National anthem: La Marseillaise
Motto: Liberty, Equality, Fraternity
Marianne: symbol of the Republic

Cultural Heritage

French language and Francophonie
Architectural heritage (monuments, castles)
French literature and arts
Gastronomy and traditions

Sample Questions

"What are the colors of the French flag?"
"What is the name of the national anthem?"
"What does Marianne symbolize?"

✅ How to Prepare Effectively?

1. Study the Official Booklet

The citizen's booklet is available for free:

Online on the Ministry of Interior website
Provided when filing the naturalization application
Contains all essential information

Booklet Content

50 pages summarizing what you need to know
Illustrations and explanatory diagrams
Sample questions and answers
Glossary of important terms

2. Use Online Resources

Official Websites

Service-public.fr: practical guides
Vie-publique.fr: institutional news
France.fr: culture and heritage

Study Platforms

Free practice tests online
Mobile training apps
Educational videos on YouTube

3. Attend Civic Training

Free Training

Offered by prefectures
Duration: 4 days (24 hours)
Mandatory for some candidates
Recommended for all

Training Content

Principles and values of the Republic
French institutions
French history and culture
Citizen rights and duties

4. Practice with Mock Tests

Regular Training

Take at least 10 mock tests
Time your answers (90 seconds per question)
Identify your weak points
Review unmastered topics

Mock Test Examples

Official tests from the Ministry of Interior
Quizzes on foreign assistance association websites
Dedicated mobile apps

💡 Tips for Passing the Exam

Before the Exam

Intellectual Preparation

Start studying at least 2 months in advance
Study 30 minutes daily regularly
Read French press to stay informed
Watch TV news (8 PM news)

Logistical Preparation

Check your summons date and time
Locate the exam venue in advance
Prepare your ID documents
Arrive 15 minutes early

During the Exam (MCQ)

Response Strategy

Read carefully each question
Eliminate obviously wrong answers
Answer first the easy questions
Return to difficult questions later
Don't leave any question unanswered

Time Management

30 minutes for 20 questions = 1.5 minutes per question
Reserve 5 minutes for final review
Don't get stuck on a difficult question

Stay Calm

Breathe deeply if stressed
Focus on one question at a time
Trust your preparation

During the Oral Interview

Effective Communication

Speak clearly and calmly
Use simple but correct vocabulary
Don't hesitate to ask for a question to be repeated
Show interest and motivation

Topics to Prepare

Why do you want to become French?
What does France represent to you?
What is your knowledge of French culture?
How have you integrated into France?

Attitude to Adopt

Be smiling and courteous
Make eye contact
Show adherence to Republican values
Be authentic and sincere

📊 Success Criteria and Grading

MCQ Grading Scale

Minimum required score: 12/20

20 questions = 20 points
Each correct answer = 1 point
No penalty for wrong answers
No partial points

Success Statistics

Average pass rate: 85%
Average candidate score: 15.5/20
Best performed topics: symbols and values
Most difficult topics: history and institutions

Oral Interview Evaluation

Assessed Criteria

Oral French level (70% of evaluation)
Knowledge of values (20%)
Motivation and integration (10%)

B1 Level Required

Ability to hold a regular conversation
Understanding of questions asked
Clear expression of ideas
Vocabulary appropriate to the situation

❌ In Case of Failure

Understanding the Reasons for Failure

Failure in MCQ (score < 12/20)

Insufficient preparation
Poor time management
Excessive stress
Gaps in certain topics

Failure in Oral Interview

Insufficient French level (< B1)
Lack of knowledge of Republican values
Lack of preparation
Communication difficulties

Retaking the Exam

New Summons

Minimum delay: 3 months between attempts
New date set by the prefecture
Review identified weak points
Attend civic training if necessary

Improving Your Chances

Analyze errors from first attempt
Train on the exam format
Practice speaking with French speakers
Take French classes if needed

No Limit on Attempts

Failure doesn't prevent reapplying
Each attempt is a new opportunity
The naturalization process remains open

🔄 After Passing the Exam

Continuation of the Naturalization Process

Passing the exam does not automatically guarantee obtaining French nationality, but it constitutes a mandatory step.

Next Steps

File processing by the Ministry of Interior
Administrative investigation (character, integration)
Decision on naturalization (favorable, postponement, or refusal)
Naturalization decree if accepted
Welcome ceremony into French citizenship

Total Timeline

12 to 18 months after passing the exam
Varies by prefecture
Possibility to track progress online

Preparing for the Ceremony

Welcome Ceremony into French Citizenship

Official and solemn event
Mandatory attendance
Delivery of naturalization decree
Signing of the charter of rights and duties

What Changes After

Ability to apply for a French passport
Automatic registration on electoral rolls
Access to all public service jobs
Right to vote in French and European elections

🤝 VisaPref Supports You

Passing the naturalization exam is a crucial step in your journey to French citizenship. Good preparation maximizes your chances of success.

At VisaPref, we help you:

Prepare effectively for the exam with adapted resources
Understand oral interview expectations
Build a solid naturalization file
Track your process until the ceremony

👉 Contact us for personalized support toward French nationality.

❓ FAQ – New Naturalization Exam

1. Is the naturalization exam mandatory?

Yes, since 2025, all candidates for naturalization must take the exam, except exemptions (refugees, people over 60 with 15 years of residence).

2. Can the exam be taken in English or another language?

No, the exam is conducted only in French. It is also an assessment of your language level.

3. How much does the exam cost?

The exam is completely free. It is included in the naturalization procedure.

4. Do you need to memorize all historical dates?

No, the exam focuses on major dates and key events in French history. The citizen's booklet lists the essential dates to know.

5. What happens if I fail multiple times?

There is no limit to the number of attempts. You can retake the exam as many times as necessary, with a minimum 3-month delay between attempts.

6. Can the exam be adapted for people with disabilities?

Yes, accommodations are possible (extra time, technical assistance). You must request this from the prefecture during registration.

7. Do exam questions change every year?

Yes, questions are updated regularly to reflect the evolution of French society. The citizen's booklet content is the official reference.

8. Can documents be used during the exam?

No, the exam is taken without documents, no phone, no calculator. Only your knowledge and reasoning are assessed.