CSP · Multi-year residence permit
Civic exam for the multi-year residence permit (CSP)
Since 1 January 2026, a first carte de séjour pluriannuelle requires passing the civic exam, CSP version. Here is what to know to prepare.
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 CSP civic exam?
Any adult foreign national who signed the republican integration contract (CIR) and applies for a first multi-year residence permit.
- Renewing a multi-year permit 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.
- A CR pass certificate is also valid for the CSP.
How the CSP 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 permit application
The certificate is asked for when you file your permit application on ANEF.
Official source
The official CSP question list
The 28 knowledge questions of the exam come from the official CSP 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
CSP or resident card: what changes for the exam?
CSP version
For a first multi-year residence permit. Its own official question list, and a difficulty level set for this permit.
CR version
For a first 10-year resident card. A different official list, and a difficulty level of its own.
The format stays the same (40 questions, 45 minutes, 32 correct answers), and a CR certificate is also valid for a CSP application.
Frequently asked questions
Do you retake the civic exam to renew a multi-year residence permit?
No. The pass certificate is not required to renew a multi-year permit you already hold.
How many times can you take the CSP civic exam?
As many times as needed, at any time. The pass certificate does not expire.
I am aiming for the resident card later: which exam should I take?
A CR pass certificate also counts as a CSP one. If you prepare for the CR version and pass it, it covers both applications.
How many correct answers do you need to pass?
At least 32 out of 40, that is 80%, in 45 minutes at most.