QUIDDROITThe civic exam, explained simply
Since 1 January 2026, you must pass it before applying for a multi-year permit, a resident card or naturalisation. Here is how it works and how to prepare.
- 40
- multiple-choice questions
- 45 min
- at most, on a computer
- 32 / 40
- correct answers to pass, i.e. 80%
Who has to take it?
The exam applies to non-EU nationals who apply for:
- a first multi-year residence permit;
- a resident card;
- French naturalisation.
It must be passed before you file your application: the pass certificate is part of the file. It does not expire.
The video loads from YouTube when you click. It is in French.
How the exam works
The exam is taken on a computer at an approved centre. Each question has four possible answers and only one is correct. There are 28 knowledge questions and 12 scenarios, that is, everyday situations where you must choose the right behaviour.
The list of centres and the official study sheets are published on formation-civique.interieur.gouv.fr.
The five topics
| Thème | Knowledge | Mises en situation |
|---|---|---|
| Principles and values of the RepublicMotto, secularism, symbols, equality between women and men. | 5 | 6 |
| Institutional and political systemPresident, Parliament, government, elections, local authorities, European Union. | 6 | – |
| Rights and dutiesFreedoms, justice, taxes, school, obeying the law in daily life. | 5 | 6 |
| History, geography and cultureKey dates, historical figures, territory, heritage. | 8 | – |
| Living in French societyHealth, work, housing, formalities, local life. | 4 | – |
| Total | 28 | 12 |
Breakdown set by the order of 10 October 2025. The questions differ depending on the permit requested: the naturalisation exam is more demanding than the one for the multi-year permit.
How to prepare
- Learn the material topic by topic, starting with those with the most questions: history and institutions.
- Practise the scenarios: they are often where points are lost, because several answers seem possible.
- Take timed mock exams in 45 minutes until you regularly score above 32 correct answers, with a margin.
Prepare for the exam on QUIDDROIT
- All three levels: multi-year permit, resident card, naturalisation.
- 40-question mock exams in 45 minutes, with the official breakdown of topics.
- An explanation for every answer, and your mistakes to review.
- 1 674 original questions and scenarios.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the exam cost?
The fee is set by each approved centre. Ask the centre you choose when you register.
What happens if I fail?
You can retake the exam. Use the time in between to review the topics where you lost points, especially the scenarios.
Do I also need a level of French?
Yes: the civic exam does not replace proof of language level, which is still required separately. The level required depends on the permit or procedure: check it on service-public.gouv.fr.
Are the QUIDDROIT questions the real exam questions?
No. They are original questions, written on the same topics and in the same format, for practice. The real exam questions are not public.