Quick Answer
From January 1, 2026, France requires two independent passes for most integration paths: proof of French at the required CEFR level (DELF, TCF, or TEF — B2 for naturalisation, B1 for first carte de résident, A2 for first multi-year permit) AND a passed examen civique (40-question civic QCM in French, 45 minutes, 32/40 to pass). Renewals of existing cards are exempt from the civic exam. Prep2Go covers language prep only.
Most guides about French citizenship focus on DELF B2 since the January 2026 language upgrade. Many skip the examen civique — but both are mandatory for naturalisation, and the civic exam also applies to first multi-year residence permits and first resident cards.
This guide explains what each exam tests, who must take them, and how to plan prep. For DELF B2 structure and a 12-week language plan, see DELF B2 for French citizenship (2026).
You Need Two Separate Exams
| Exam | What it tests | Administered by | Duration | Pass mark |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DELF / TCF / TEF | French language proficiency | France Éducation International / accredited centres | 2–3 hours (DELF B2) | 50/100 + note éliminatoire (DELF) |
| Examen civique | Republic values, institutions, rights, history, society | Interior Ministry (centres agréés) | 45 min | 32/40 (80%) |
These are completely independent. Different administrators, registration, centres, and preparation. Passing one does not substitute for the other — the same pattern as DELE A2 + CCSE for Spanish citizenship.
Examen civique: What It Tests
The examen civique verifies knowledge of:
- Principles and values of the French Republic (laïcité, equality, liberty)
- How the Republic is organised (institutions, voting, local government)
- Rights and duties of residents and citizens
- History and society (key dates, cultural references, daily life in France)
Format: 40 multiple-choice questions on a digital platform — 28 knowledge questions and 12 situational scenarios. One correct answer per question. Duration: 45 minutes. Pass threshold: 32 correct answers (80%). Questions are in French; you need enough reading comprehension to understand the prompts, but this is not a DELF-style production exam.
There are different syllabus mentions depending on your goal: carte de séjour pluriannuelle, carte de résident, or naturalisation. Register for the version that matches your dossier. Official resources: formation civique and Service Public.
Who Must Pass — and Who Is Exempt
Since January 1, 2026, the examen civique is mandatory before you file an application for:
- Your first carte de séjour pluriannuelle (multi-year permit)
- Your first carte de résident (10-year resident card)
- French naturalisation (citizenship by decree)
Not required for: renewing a carte de séjour pluriannuelle or carte de résident you already hold. Some permit categories are also exempt (certain protection statuses, specific talent/refugee routes, applicants over 65) — check the official list before you book.
For multi-year permits, you must also complete a 24-hour formation civique (four days) before the exam — this moved from post-arrival to pre-permit under the 2026 rules.
The Language Requirement (Still Separate)
| Goal | French level | Typical proof |
|---|---|---|
| First multi-year permit | A2 | DELF A2, TCF, TEF |
| First carte de résident | B1 | DELF B1, TCF, TEF |
| Naturalisation | B2 | DELF B2, TCF, TEF |
The B2 upgrade for naturalisation took effect on the same date as the civic exam — January 1, 2026 — but they remain different tests. A DELF B2 pass does not exempt you from examen civique, and vice versa.
How to Prepare Both
Language (DELF / TCF / TEF)
Allow 12–16 weeks from a solid B1 base for DELF B2. Focus on all four skills — the note éliminatoire (5/25 minimum per section) fails many candidates who are strong in only two skills. Prep2Go offers DELF-style mock previews, section practice, and a 2,000+ word Anki deck for exam-frequency vocabulary.
Examen civique
Use the official question lists published by the Interior Ministry — or our printable full Q&A bank (657 questions, all three mentions). Most candidates need 4–6 weeks of daily QCM practice after the formation civique course. This is fact recall, not essay writing — similar prep intensity to CCSE, usually shorter than DELF.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need both DELF B2 and examen civique for citizenship? Yes — for naturalisation dossiers filed under the January 2026 rules. Both certificates must be valid when you submit.
Is examen civique harder than DELF B2? Different skills. DELF B2 takes longer to prepare (months of language production). Civic prep is shorter but requires memorising specific facts about French institutions and history. Many candidates find the civic exam easier once they have done the official drills.
Do I need examen civique to renew my titre de séjour? No. Only first applications for a carte de séjour pluriannuelle or carte de résident are affected. Renewals are exempt.
Can I take examen civique before my French level is ready? Yes — there is no dependency order, but you need both passes before filing. Many candidates run language prep and civic drill in parallel in the final months.
Prepare the Language Side with Prep2Go
Prep2Go covers DELF B2 with exam-format exercises across listening, reading, writing, and speaking — plus a vocabulary deck with native French audio. Start with the DELF mock preview to see where you stand before booking a seat.