Since the publication of the decree of October 10, 2025, relating to the civic exam, France has profoundly reformed the conditions for accessing multi-year residence permits, resident cards, and naturalization. This reform marks a significant break with the past: republican assimilation, which until now was mainly assessed during an interview, is now based on a standardized national exam, strictly supervised and with a detailed program.

The purpose of this article is to explain, in an accessible and comprehensive manner, this new exam, its content, its rules, its consequences for foreigners, and the legal issues that arise from it.

1. A strengthened legal framework: assimilation becomes a criterion assessed by multiple-choice questions
The decree is based on:

The Code on the Entry and Stay of Foreigners (CESEDA)
The Civil Code (Art. 21-24)
The decree of December 30, 1993, on naturalization

It introduces a mandatory civic exam, which has three possible outcomes, depending on the procedure initiated:

Multi-year residence permit
Resident card
Naturalization

For each of these procedures, the administration now assesses the applicant’s civic knowledge through a multiple-choice questionnaire, which is identical throughout the country.

2. A single, standardized test lasting 45 minutes
The exam is conducted digitally in dedicated centers and cannot exceed 45 minutes (except for accommodations for disabilities).

Each candidate must answer 40 questions divided into five main themes, precisely defined in Appendix I of the decree:

1. Principles and values of the Republic – 11 questions
Freedom, gender equality, fraternity, secularism, national symbols, fundamental rights, the fight against discrimination, the prohibition of polygamy, etc.

2. Institutional and political system – 6 questions
Democracy, elections, the functioning of institutions, the role of the President, Parliament, local authorities, European institutions.

3. Rights and duties – 11 questions
Fundamental rights, tax obligations, respect for public order, participation in the functioning of society.

4. History, geography, culture – 8 questions
Major historical landmarks, French geography, overseas departments and territories, cultural heritage, gastronomy, the French-speaking world, major periods of the 20th century.

5. Living in France – 4 questions
Access to healthcare, work, housing, education, essential administrative procedures, child protection.

Each question is worth 1 point.
There is only one correct answer.
The pass mark for naturalization is set at 80% correct answers.

3. The obligations of the examination center and procedural guarantees
Examination centers must comply with very strict rules:

Systematic verification of the candidate’s identity
Taking a photograph before the test
Room arranged in such a way as to prevent any communication
Direct supervision and possibly video surveillance
Absolute ban on phones and headphones
Ban on communication between candidates
Immediate exclusion in the event of disruptive behavior

The use of means of communication or outside assistance is strictly prohibited.

4. Penalties for fraud: unprecedented severity
The decree provides for very strict penalties:

Immediate cancellation of the test in the event of cheating or attempted cheating
Prohibition on retaking the exam for two years
Direct consequence: concrete impossibility of obtaining a residence permit or naturalization during this period
Possibility of criminal prosecution in the event of falsification of identity documents

This tightening of the rules reflects a clear desire on the part of the administration to secure the process and prevent any fraud or candidate substitution.

5. A particularly demanding program: reinforced republican assimilation
The reference document appended to the decree is extensive.
It covers not only the institutional foundations of France, but also:

Republican history and secularism
The obligations of citizens and residents
Geography and demography
Rules of daily life
Administrative procedures related to residence, housing, social benefits, and health
The organization of the school system and parental obligations

The objective is clear: to assess not only theoretical knowledge, but also practical understanding of life in France.

6. Concrete impacts for foreigners

For the multi-year residence permit
Passing the exam becomes an essential step in obtaining a permit valid for several years.

For the resident card (10 years)
The exam becomes a determining factor.
Failure can result in:

refusal of a resident card
extension of temporary cards

For naturalization
Passing the multiple-choice test is now a prerequisite for access to the application process.
Failure may render the application inadmissible, regardless of language level or other criteria.

7. Legal issues and possible remedies
In the event of failure or irregularity, several remedies may be available:

A. Verification of the conditions under which the exam was taken

Case law recognizes that a procedural irregularity may invalidate the basis for a refusal.
This includes:

lack of or insufficient supervision
technical problems
failure to comply with disability accommodation rules
failure to inform the candidate
malfunctions of the digital medium

B. Administrative appeals and litigation
In the event of a refusal of citizenship or naturalization related to the exam, a reasoned appeal may be lodged to:

challenge the regularity of the test
challenge the administration’s assessment
request individualized treatment (disability, health condition, age, particular difficulties)

8. Conclusion: a demanding exam, essential preparation
This new civic exam profoundly changes access to permanent residence and French nationality. It requires rigorous preparation, a good command of French, and a genuine understanding of how French society works.

Faced with these new requirements, it is essential to have support in order to: