Citizen's Handbook for citizenship: July 2026 version
The Citizen's Handbook, called Livret du citoyen, is an official study resource. It helps you understand what is expected for the civics exam and citizenship interview. Read it carefully rather than just skimming it.
Last updated: 3 August 2026
What is the Citizen's Handbook for?
The handbook covers French history, culture, society, institutions and the Republic's values. It helps prepare for the interview at the prefecture and, since 2026, the civics exam.
Do more than read the PDF once. Turn each theme into possible questions, practice exercises, personal examples and mistakes to correct.
Main topics to know
The French Republic
The motto, symbols, principles and shared framework of citizenship.
Values and principles
Liberty, equality, fraternity, secularism, non-discrimination and equality between women and men.
Rights and duties
Voting rights, obeying the law, taxes, basic rights and citizens' responsibilities.
Institutions
President, Government, Parliament, justice, local authorities and democratic life.
Key points in history
The French Revolution, founding texts, major periods and important events.
France in Europe and the world
The European Union, France's international role and geography.
Geography and culture
Territory, regions, overseas France, the French language and shared cultural references.
Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen
A founding text for understanding freedoms and equality before the law.
How to study without learning everything by heart
- Read the handbook once to understand its structure.
- Note the themes: values, institutions, rights, history, geography and society.
- Turn each section into simple questions.
- Test yourself with multiple-choice questions. Then reread the parts linked to your mistakes.
- Prepare spoken examples about your life in France too.
Simple exercises using the Citizen's Handbook
- Choose a theme and write three possible questions.
- Prepare a short answer with a definition and a concrete example.
- Turn each test mistake into a study note.
- Explain a value such as secularism, equality or fraternity out loud.
- Connect a handbook topic to your life in France. Do not invent a situation.
What you should be able to explain out loud
In the interview, repeating a definition may not be enough. You often need to explain it in simple words.
- Secularism: state neutrality, freedom of conscience and respect for shared rules.
- Liberty, equality, fraternity: connect these principles to daily life and rights.
- Voting rights: taking part in democratic life.
- Paying taxes: funding public services and solidarity.
- Equality between women and men: equal rights and rejecting discrimination.
- Institutions: distinguish the President, Government, Parliament, local councils and prefectures.
Practice example
Practice example — not a published official question
Du Livret à une réponse d'entretien : la laïcité Practice example — not a published official question
La laïcité, c'est la séparation de l'État et de la religion. Practice example — not a published official question
La laïcité signifie que l'État est neutre face aux religions. Chacun est libre de croire ou de ne pas croire, mais dans la vie publique on respecte les mêmes lois communes. Pour moi, c'est important parce que cela permet à des personnes différentes de vivre ensemble avec les mêmes droits. Practice example — not a published official question
What to remember
- The Citizen's Handbook is an important official resource for citizenship preparation.
- It helps prepare for both the civics exam and citizenship interview.
- Turn it into questions, corrections and personal examples rather than trying to recite everything.
- Cap Nationalité currently has 547 multiple-choice questions and 70 interview questions to turn the themes into practice.
- Cap Nationalité does not replace the handbook. It helps you practise the themes you need to know.
Official sources and limits
This page suggests ways to use the handbook without copying long passages. Consult the official document as your reference. Cap Nationalité is an independent private service. It does not replace the handbook, the Charter of Rights and Duties or ministry pages. Cap Nationalité learning guidance
Study by theme
Use the handbook as a source. Then choose a theme guide to turn the topics into active practice.
Common questions
Should I read the whole Citizen's Handbook?
Yes. Read it all at least once, then return to the parts you find harder.
Is it enough to pass?
The handbook is an important starting point. Questions, corrections and spoken answers help check that you can explain the themes.
Is the handbook official?
Yes. The Citizen's Handbook is an official resource listed for citizenship preparation.
Is the citizenship welcome booklet the same document?
Candidates sometimes use different names. To prepare for the exam and interview, check that you are using the Citizen's Handbook and official resources for your application route.
What exercises can I do with the handbook?
Turn each theme into questions, short answers, personal examples and notes about mistakes. This helps more than passive reading.
Is it useful for the interview?
Yes. The ministry says applicants can use the handbook and Charter to prepare for the interview.
Is it useful for the civics exam?
Yes. The handbook is a listed civics exam resource, alongside the Charter and published knowledge questions.
Does Cap Nationalité replace the handbook?
No. Cap Nationalité turns its themes into private practice questions and interview preparation. It does not replace the official handbook.