Civic exam questions: the 5 topics to revise
Par Antonin GAVREL - le jeudi 17 septembre 2026 - 7 min read
What you really need to learn for the civic exam
Since 1 January 2026, passing the civic exam has been one of the conditions for naturalisation by decree. The multiple-choice test contains 40 questions in French, each with four options and only one correct answer. To pass, you need at least 32 correct answers, or 80%.
The exam consists of 28 knowledge questions and 12 scenarios. The former are based on an official list published by the Ministry of the Interior. The latter are not made public: they check whether you can apply republican principles in a practical situation.
The five official topics
1. Principles and values of the Republic
Revise the motto “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity”, secularism, equality between women and men, freedom of expression, human dignity and the fight against discrimination. Reciting a definition is not enough: you must recognise behaviour compatible with these principles.
2. The institutional and political system
This topic covers the President of the Republic, the Government, Parliament, elections, the courts and local authorities. Learn the role of each institution instead of a list of names that may change.
3. Rights and duties
You must know the fundamental freedoms, the duty to obey the law, payment of taxes, schooling, parental authority and the essential rules of civic life. Scenarios are particularly common in this area.
4. History, geography and culture
Focus on the major stages that explain France today: the French Revolution, the development of the Republic, the World Wars, European integration and major civic figures. Add geographical landmarks, national symbols and cultural heritage.
5. Living in French society
This highly practical topic covers employment, housing, healthcare, schools, public services and everyday life. Its purpose is to check your independence and understanding of shared rules.
Prepare for your civic exam methodically
VisaPref helps you organise your revision and secure the other stages of your naturalisation application.
How to use the official list
Create five sets of notes, one per topic. For each official question, note the correct answer and a one-sentence explanation. Then mix the topics: on the exam day, the questions are not grouped by chapter.
Do not memorise questionnaires found at random on social media. They may reproduce an older version, contain incorrect answers or confuse the “multi-year residence card”, “resident card” and “naturalisation” categories. Always work from the list corresponding to your category.
Knowledge questions or scenarios?
A knowledge question asks for an identifiable fact. A scenario instead describes an everyday scene: discrimination at work, a conflict with a school rule, freedom of conscience or an interaction with a public service. To answer, first identify the relevant principle, then select the action that respects both the law and other people’s rights.
A simple method for long-term retention
- revise for 20 to 30 minutes each day;
- alternate between reading, revision cards and timed multiple-choice tests;
- explain each answer aloud;
- record your mistakes by topic;
- repeat only the difficult questions two days later.
Read our 30-day revision plan and guide to scenarios.
Frequently asked questions
Are all the questions published?
No. The Ministry publishes the knowledge questions, but not the 12 scenarios.
Is the Citizens’ Handbook enough?
It is a useful resource, but the official list and the civic-training website’s information sheets should be your most up-to-date reference.
Do you need to follow current political affairs?
Above all, understand how institutions operate. Nevertheless, check who holds the principal offices before the exam, as some answers can change.
Official sources
Article updated on 16 September 2026. Rules may change: check your notice and official sources before registering.