FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Since when is the civic exam mandatory?
Since 1 January 2026, for a first multi-year residence permit, a first resident card and naturalisation.
How many questions are there?
40 multiple-choice questions: 28 knowledge questions and 12 real-life scenarios, in 45 minutes maximum.
What score do I need?
At least 32 correct answers out of 40 (80%).
Can I take the exam in English?
No. The exam is written in French only.
Do I need to retake it to renew my permit?
No. Renewals of multi-year residence permits and resident cards are not concerned.
Does the certificate expire?
No. The certificate of success has no expiry date.
What level of French do I need?
A2 for the multi-year residence permit, B1 for the resident card, B2 for naturalisation.
Is Le bon civique an official website?
No. It is an independent, free revision tool. Official information is on service-public.gouv.fr and the Ministry of the Interior website.