CR · Resident card (10 years)
Civic exam for the resident card (CR)
Since 1 January 2026, a first 10-year carte de résident requires passing the civic exam, CR version. Here is what to know to prepare.
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The CR civic exam format is the same as for naturalisation: 40 questions, 45 minutes, 32 correct answers. Meanwhile, practise with what is already open.
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The French civic exam in figures
- 40 multiple-choice questions, one right answer out of four
- 45 minutes at most, on a tablet or computer
- 32 correct answers to pass, that is 80%
- 5 themes of the civic training
28 knowledge questions taken from the official list, and 12 everyday situations (mises en situation). The test is written in French.
The 5 themes
- 1 Principles and values of the Republic
- 2 Institutions and political system
- 3 Rights and duties
- 4 History, geography and culture
- 5 Living in French society
Who takes the CR civic exam?
Any adult foreign national who signed the republican integration contract (CIR) and applies for a first resident card.
- Renewing a resident card you already hold does not require the certificate.
- Some foreign nationals are not concerned, notably beneficiaries of international protection and nationals of countries covered by certain bilateral agreements.
- The CR certificate is also valid for a multi-year residence permit application.
How the CR civic exam works
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1
Register at an approved centre
Two bodies are approved by the Ministry of the Interior: CCI Paris Île-de-France and France Éducation international.
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2
The test, on a tablet or computer
40 questions in French, one right answer out of four, 45 minutes at most.
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3
The pass certificate
With 32 correct answers or more, you pass. The certificate does not expire, and you can retake the exam as many times as needed.
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4
The card application
The certificate is asked for when you file your resident card application on ANEF.
Official source
The official CR question list
The 28 knowledge questions of the exam come from the official CR list, published for free on the civic training website along with fact sheets by theme. The situations are not on it.
formation-civique.interieur.gouv.fr
Resident card or CSP: what changes for the exam?
CR version
For a first 10-year resident card. Its own official question list, and a difficulty level of its own.
CSP version
For a first multi-year residence permit. A different official list, and a difficulty level set for that permit.
The format stays the same (40 questions, 45 minutes, 32 correct answers), and the CR certificate is also valid for a CSP application.
Frequently asked questions
Is a CR civic exam certificate valid for the CSP?
Yes. The CR pass certificate counts as a CSP one when you file your permit application on ANEF.
Is the CR civic exam harder than the CSP one?
The difficulty level depends on the permit you apply for, and each version has its own official question list. The format is the same: 40 questions, 45 minutes, 32 correct answers.
Do you retake the exam to renew a resident card?
No. The certificate is not required to renew a resident card you already hold.
How many times can you take the CR civic exam?
As many times as needed, at any time. The pass certificate does not expire.