French Civic Exam CSP 2026: Complete Guide to Passing
Everything you need to know about the civic exam for the multi-year residence permit (CSP) in 2026. Discover the exam format, the 5 topics to study, and our tips for effective preparation for the civic MCQ.
What is the CSP civic exam?
The CSP civic exam is a mandatory test required to obtain the multi-year residence permit (carte de sejour pluriannuelle) in France. Established as part of the Republican Integration Contract (CIR), this exam verifies that the candidate has sufficient knowledge of the principles, values, and institutions of the French Republic. It is one of the key steps in the integration process, alongside language training and civic education.
Since 2025, the civic exam has become an essential requirement for foreign nationals wishing to settle permanently in France. It replaces the former assessment system and introduces a standardized multiple-choice format (QCM), ensuring an objective and fair evaluation for all candidates.
Since 2025, the civic exam has become an essential requirement for foreign nationals wishing to settle permanently in France. It replaces the former assessment system and introduces a standardized multiple-choice format (QCM), ensuring an objective and fair evaluation for all candidates.
Exam format: 40 MCQs in 45 minutes
The CSP civic exam consists of a 40-question multiple-choice questionnaire, to be completed in 45 minutes. Each question offers several possible answers, only one of which is correct. The candidate must achieve a minimum score of 80%, i.e., 32 correct answers out of 40, to pass the exam.
The exam is taken on a computer or tablet at an approved testing center (CCI or external integration training organization). The questions are written in French, using clear and accessible language. There are no trick questions: the questions cover factual knowledge that any resident of France should know. The 45-minute time limit is generally sufficient, provided the candidate has prepared well in advance.
The exam is taken on a computer or tablet at an approved testing center (CCI or external integration training organization). The questions are written in French, using clear and accessible language. There are no trick questions: the questions cover factual knowledge that any resident of France should know. The 45-minute time limit is generally sufficient, provided the candidate has prepared well in advance.
The 5 topics of the civic exam
The CSP civic exam covers 5 major topics that reflect the fundamentals of life in France:
- Principles and values of the Republic: liberty, equality, fraternity, secularism (laicite), democracy, the national motto and symbols of the Republic.
- Institutional and political organization: the President, the Government, Parliament, the Constitutional Council, local authorities and the European Union.
- Access to rights and employment: labor law, social protection, public services, access to housing and administrative procedures.
- Daily life in France: the education system, the healthcare system, community life, transportation and culture.
- History and geography of France: key historical dates, European integration, physical and administrative geography of the territory.
How to register for the CSP civic exam?
Registration for the CSP civic exam is done through an approved Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) or an external integration training organization (FEI) accredited by the State. Your prefecture or your OFII (French Office for Immigration and Integration) will direct you to the nearest testing center.
To register, you will need to provide a valid ID document and the receipt from your Republican Integration Contract (CIR). The cost of the first attempt is generally included in your integration program. In case of failure, each subsequent attempt costs 70 euros, to be paid by the candidate. It is therefore strongly recommended to prepare thoroughly before taking the exam.
To register, you will need to provide a valid ID document and the receipt from your Republican Integration Contract (CIR). The cost of the first attempt is generally included in your integration program. In case of failure, each subsequent attempt costs 70 euros, to be paid by the candidate. It is therefore strongly recommended to prepare thoroughly before taking the exam.
How to prepare effectively?
The best way to prepare for the CSP civic exam is to combine several approaches. Start by reading and understanding the educational materials provided during your mandatory civic training. These courses cover all the exam topics and form the foundation of your study.
Then, practice regularly with practice MCQs that replicate real exam conditions. Mon Exam Civique offers over 1,000 questions covering all 5 topics, with detailed explanations for each answer. Aim for a consistent score of 90% or higher during your practice sessions to approach the exam with confidence.
Finally, focus on your weak areas. After each practice session, identify the topics where you struggled the most and spend more time on them. Targeted preparation of 2 to 4 weeks is generally sufficient for committed candidates.
Then, practice regularly with practice MCQs that replicate real exam conditions. Mon Exam Civique offers over 1,000 questions covering all 5 topics, with detailed explanations for each answer. Aim for a consistent score of 90% or higher during your practice sessions to approach the exam with confidence.
Finally, focus on your weak areas. After each practice session, identify the topics where you struggled the most and spend more time on them. Targeted preparation of 2 to 4 weeks is generally sufficient for committed candidates.
What happens if you fail?
If you do not achieve the required 80% on your first attempt, you have the option to retake the exam. Each new attempt costs 70 euros and must be rescheduled through your testing center. There is no mandatory waiting period between attempts, but it is advisable to take time to study before re-registering.
There is no limit on the number of attempts. However, repeated failure can delay obtaining your multi-year residence permit and extend your integration process. This is why thorough preparation beforehand is essential. Analyze your mistakes, identify the topics that need further study, and do not hesitate to use online practice tools to consolidate your knowledge before retaking the exam.
There is no limit on the number of attempts. However, repeated failure can delay obtaining your multi-year residence permit and extend your integration process. This is why thorough preparation beforehand is essential. Analyze your mistakes, identify the topics that need further study, and do not hesitate to use online practice tools to consolidate your knowledge before retaking the exam.