2026 citizenship civics exam: 40 questions, 32/40 pass mark and preparation
Since 1 January 2026, citizenship by decree requires proof of passing the civics exam. This page explains the format, 32/40 pass mark, study themes and how to move from corrected questions to a free test and full mock exam.
Last updated: 3 August 2026
Looking for the format, corrected questions, a free test or a PDF?
Choose the preparation material you need for the 2026 citizenship civics exam.
2026 format
40 questions in French, up to 45 minutes and at least 32 correct answers.
Corrected multiple-choice practice examples
Questions, answers and corrections to review official themes.
Free test
Start with 12 questions without an account to find weaker themes.
Find what I need to review
Take the free assessment before a full practice exam.
PDFs and documents
Understand the official list, citizen's handbook and limits of PDFs.
Citizen's handbook
Turn the handbook into study notes, exercises and spoken examples.
Registration and fees
Check approved centres, fees and steps before booking.
Corrected questions, free test or mock exam: which should I choose?
Corrected questions help you understand themes and learn from mistakes. The free test quickly finds weaker themes. A mock exam checks the real 40-question format and 32-answer target.
If the subject is new, start with corrected questions or the assessment. Take the full exam once the main themes are clearer.
What changed in 2026
Since 1 January 2026, the civics exam applies to citizenship and reinstatement applications by decree. It tests sufficient knowledge of French history, culture, society and the Republic's values.
The reform also raised the required French level to at least CEFR B2 in speaking and writing, except specific cases provided by law. Read the 2026 French level guide if unsure about B1 and B2.
Exam format
The civics exam is a multiple-choice test written in French.
- 40 questions in total.
- 28 knowledge questions.
- 12 practical-situation questions.
- Taken on a digital device.
- Up to 45 minutes.
- At least 32 correct answers to pass.
- Pass mark: 80%.
Minimum score: 32 correct answers out of 40
The pass mark is high: 32/40. Repeated mistakes on one theme, such as institutions, rights and duties or republican values, leave little room for error.
Take an assessment, find weaker themes and review corrected questions before another full test.
The 5 official themes
Questions cover the five broad themes of civic education.
Principles and values of the French Republic
Liberty, equality, fraternity, secularism, non-discrimination and respect for the Republic.
Political institutions
President, Government, Parliament, local authorities and democracy.
Rights and duties
Citizens' rights, voting, taxes, law, civic responsibilities and fundamental rights.
History, geography and culture
History, French territory, symbols, language, shared culture and France's place in the world.
Living in French society
Daily life, equality between women and men, school, work, citizenship and shared rules.
Knowledge questions and practical situations
Use official resources for knowledge questions: the citizen's handbook, rights and duties charter and published official knowledge questions.
The Ministry publishes knowledge question wording. Practical-situation questions are not public. Cap Nationalité does not know or promise the exact questions on exam day.
How to prepare well
Do not confuse the civics exam, citizenship interview and language certificate. Compare the two preparation paths if unsure what belongs to the test or interview.
- Read official resources to understand expectations.
- Start with a 12-question assessment to find weaker themes.
- Use corrected practice examples before the full test.
- Then take a full 40-question mock exam to check your level.
- Review weaker themes instead of reading everything without a plan.
- Take another full test after reviewing corrections.
- Prepare separately for the citizenship interview, which needs personal answers.
Practice examples
Practice example — not a published official question
Republican values
What does secularism mean in the French Republic?
- Banning all religions
- State neutrality and the freedom to believe or not believe
- A duty to have a religion
- The right to reject the law for religious reasons
Correct answer: B.
Secularism protects freedom of conscience and requires State neutrality. It does not ban religions, but everyone must respect common rules.
What to remember
- The civics exam has applied to citizenship by decree since 1 January 2026.
- The official format is 28 knowledge questions and 12 practical situations in French: 40 questions in up to 45 minutes.
- You need at least 32 correct answers, or 80%, to pass.
- Official sources for the 2026 programme were checked on 1 August 2026. Cap Nationalité's bank remains independent practice content.
- Practical-situation questions are not public. Study the themes rather than searching for hidden questions.
Official sources and limits
This page uses Interior Ministry information, the citizen's handbook and rights and duties charter. Cap Nationalité is independent and does not replace them. Conditions may change. Check official sources before submitting an application or booking an exam. Cap Nationalité learning guidance
View the mock exam
Understand the practice rules first, then take the 40-question exam when ready.
Common questions
How many questions are in the civics exam?
The official exam has 28 knowledge questions and 12 practical situations: 40 multiple-choice questions in French.
What score do I need?
At least 32 correct answers out of 40, or 80%.
Is the exam required?
Since 1 January 2026, passing is required for citizenship and reinstatement by decree, except specific cases provided by law.
Are the actual questions available?
Published official knowledge question wording can help study. Practical-situation questions are not public. Cap Nationalité writes choices and explanations for practice.
Where can I take the exam?
The Ministry lists approved providers, including CCIP and France Éducation International. Check conditions on official sites.
Where can I find corrected practice questions?
Start with the civics questions page. It offers multiple-choice examples, answers and corrections before the assessment or mock exam.
Is there a free test to start with?
Yes. Take a free 40-question mock exam without an account, then use the 12-question assessment to find weaker themes.
Which PDFs should I read?
Start with official knowledge questions and the citizen's handbook. PDFs help study, but the complete practical-situation question list is not published.
Is Cap Nationalité official?
No. It is an independent private preparation service and does not represent the French government.