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Civic exam: permit, resident card or naturalisation?
Residence permit, resident card or naturalisation: which French civic exam do you take, and which French level (A2, B1, B2) applies to your application?
Not every application is prepared the same way. Depending on your situation, the civic exam uses different questions and a different language level.
Multi-year residence permit (A2)
Often the first step. The expected French level is A2 and the questions stick to essentials: the basics of the five topics.
Resident card (B1)
For the ten-year card, expectations rise. B1 means richer wording and a better grasp of institutions, history, and rights and duties.
Naturalisation (B2)
Becoming French requires the most complete preparation, at B2. The question bank is the widest, with more nuance in history, culture and situational questions.
One thing in common: the same exam format
Whatever the application, the exam stays a 40-question QCM in 45 minutes, with a 32/40 threshold. Only the content and level change. The civic exam doesn’t replace the language test, which is taken separately.
In CIVIC, you choose your application and the whole app adjusts to it.
Frequently asked questions
Which application requires the highest level of French?
Naturalisation, at B2. The resident card requires B1, and the first multi-year residence permit A2.
Does the exam format change with the application?
No. All three sit the same exam: 40 questions in 45 minutes, with 32 correct answers to pass. Only the content of the questions and the expected language level differ.
Is the civic exam enough to prove my level of French?
No. The language test is a separate exam whatever your application. Passing the civic exam does not exempt you from it.
Put it into practice
Start with no card.
Pick your track in CIVIC and practise at the right level.
No card required · Nothing to install · The diagnostic is never counted
In French CIVIC itself runs in French, like the exam.