Pass the French civic exam and the citizenship interview.
The exam at a glance
| Application | Level | Published questions |
|---|---|---|
| First multi-year residence card | A2 | 191 |
| Resident card (10 years) | B1 | 209 |
| Naturalisation (citizenship) | B2 | 258 |
Try 5 official questions
One question per theme, from the official list. Pick an answer to see the correction and the explanation.
1 / 5 · Principles and values of the Republic
Le régime de la France est :France’s system of government is:
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Answer: une république démocratique
According to Article 1 of the Constitution, France is a democratic Republic: power comes from the people, who vote.
Source: Constitution du 4 octobre 1958, article 1er
2 / 5 · Institutions and politics
Qui sanctionne l'auteur d'un vol ?Who punishes someone who commits theft?
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Answer: La justice (un tribunal)
It is not up to the victim to punish: theft is punished by the justice system. Generally, a court tries the offender and decides the penalty. For a theft of €300 or less, a fixed fine can also be imposed without a trial.
Source: Code pénal, article 311-3
3 / 5 · Rights and duties
Quelle est l'infraction la plus grave ?Which is the most serious type of offence?
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Answer: Le crime
Offences are ranked by seriousness: minor offence, misdemeanour, then crime. A crime is the most serious, such as murder or rape.
Source: Code pénal, article 111-1
4 / 5 · History, geography and culture
En quelle année a débuté la Révolution française ?In what year did the French Revolution begin?
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Answer: En 1789
The French Revolution began in 1789. On 14 July 1789, the people of Paris stormed the Bastille.
Source: Livret du citoyen (ministère de l'Intérieur)
5 / 5 · Living in French society
Quel numéro d'urgence permet d'appeler le SAMU ?Which emergency number do you call for the SAMU (emergency medical service)?
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Answer: Le 15
15 is the number to call the SAMU for a medical emergency. 17 is the police, 18 the fire brigade and 119 is for children in danger.
Source: service-public.gouv.fr – Numéros d'urgence
Free tools
No account, no download. The exam is in French, so each question shows the official French wording with an English translation.
- Do I need the exam?5 questions to find out whether the exam applies to you.Free
- Free quiz10 questions with answers, explanations and sources.Free
- Official questions191, 209, 258 questions, with the answers in English.Free
- My permit has expiredYour rights and what to do, depending on your situation.Free
- Documents checklistThe checklist for your application file.Free
- When can I apply?Your earliest filing date for naturalisation.Free
- Mock interviewAn officer asks you 8 questions. You answer out loud, in French.Free
In the app
- Mock exam under real conditions40 questions, 45 minutes, 32/40. The first one is free.
- Real-life situation questionsEveryday cases, explained.
- Everything read aloudIn French, to train your ear for exam day.
- Explanations in your languageIn English, French or Arabic.
- Readiness score and countdownYou know where you stand, day by day.
- The interview with an officerYou answer out loud, the app gives you feedback.
Free or Premium
One payment, no subscription.
| Website | Free app | Premium | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official questions, with Recite’s answers and explanations | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Everything read aloud, available offline after the first listen | – | ✓ | ✓ |
| Situation questions | 40 | 40 | 150 |
| Mock exam under real conditions | – | 1 | Unlimited |
| Mock interview out loud | 1, ungraded | 1 graded | Unlimited, graded |
| Mistakes, score, plan, countdown | – | ✓ | ✓ |
| Spaced repetition | – | – | ✓ |
| Practise telling your story out loud | – | – | ✓ |
| Access kept if you retake the exam | – | – | ✓ |
Latest guides
All guidesFrequently asked questions
Which applications require the civic exam?
Since 1 January 2026: a first multi-year residence card (including when moving from a 1-year card), a resident card, or naturalisation. Renewing a multi-year card generally doesn’t require it. Some people are exempt.
Take the test: do I need the exam?What level of French do I need?
A2 for the multi-year card, B1 for the resident card, B2 for naturalisation.
Read the guide: levels A2, B1, B2How much does the exam cost?
There is no national price. Each approved centre sets its own: between €60 and €80 depending on the centre (Ministry of the Interior answer to written question no. 11488, JO of 11 August 2026).
Read the guide (in French): exam centres and pricesWhat happens if I fail?
You can retake the exam at any time, as often as you need. You need 32 correct answers out of 40. A pass doesn’t expire (service-public.gouv.fr, page F39530): keep your certificate, because CCI Paris Île-de-France only archives it for 2 years.
Read the guide (in French): failing and retaking the examPractise the interview, out loud.
An officer asks you the assimilation interview questions. 1 graded interview free in the app.
Take a mock exam under real conditions.
40 questions, 45 minutes, 32/40. The first one is free in the app, with the situation questions.