100+ Free Examen Civique Practice Questions

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What does the principle of 'liberté' (liberty) mean in the French Republic?

Everyone may do whatever they wish without any limit

Everyone is free to act provided they respect the law and the freedom of others

Only French citizens have personal freedoms

Freedom applies only to political opinions

to track

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: Examen Civique Exam

Multiple-Choice Questions

Ministere de l'Interieur

80% (32/40)

Passing Score

Ministere de l'Interieur

45 minutes

Time Limit

Ministere de l'Interieur

1 Jan 2026

Mandatory From

Ministere de l'Interieur

The Examen Civique has 40 multiple-choice questions in French, a 45-minute time limit, and a pass mark of 80% (32 of 40 correct). It combines 28 knowledge questions with 12 scenario-based simulation questions, each offering four options with one correct answer. The exam became mandatory on 1 January 2026 for multi-year residence permits, resident cards, and naturalisation. It is designed under the Ministere de l'Interieur and taken on a computer or tablet at approved exam centres, with fees set by each centre.

Sample Examen Civique Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your Examen Civique exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1What is the official motto of the French Republic?

A.Order, work, country

B.Liberty, equality, fraternity

C.Honour and fatherland

D.Unity, peace, justice

Explanation: The motto of the French Republic is 'Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité' (Liberty, Equality, Fraternity). It originates from the French Revolution and is inscribed on public buildings, coins, and official documents. It is enshrined in Article 2 of the 1958 Constitution.

2What are the three colours of the French national flag, in order from the flagpole?

A.Red, white, blue

B.Blue, white, red

C.Blue, red, white

D.White, blue, red

Explanation: The French flag, the 'tricolore', has three equal vertical bands: blue nearest the flagpole, white in the middle, and red on the outer edge. It dates from the Revolution, combining the colours of Paris (blue and red) with the white of the monarchy. It is described in Article 2 of the Constitution.

3What is 'La Marseillaise'?

A.A region of southern France

B.The national anthem of France

C.A historic French newspaper

D.A national public holiday

Explanation: 'La Marseillaise' is the national anthem of France. It was written in 1792 by Rouget de Lisle and adopted as the national anthem in 1795. It is sung at official ceremonies and is recognised as a national symbol in Article 2 of the Constitution.

4Who or what is Marianne in French civic culture?

A.The female personification of the French Republic

B.The current President of France

C.A famous French queen

D.The patron saint of France

Explanation: Marianne is the female figure who personifies the French Republic and its values. She typically wears a Phrygian cap, a symbol of liberty. Her bust is displayed in town halls and her image appears on official documents and stamps.

5On which date does France celebrate its national day?

A.1 May

B.8 May

C.14 July

D.11 November

Explanation: France's national day is 14 July, commemorating the storming of the Bastille in 1789 and the Fête de la Fédération of 1790. It is marked by a military parade in Paris and fireworks across the country. It is a public holiday throughout France.

6Which animal is a traditional emblem of France?

A.The lion

B.The Gallic rooster

C.The eagle

D.The bear

Explanation: The Gallic rooster (le coq gaulois) is a traditional emblem of France. The association dates from a Latin pun, as 'gallus' means both 'rooster' and 'inhabitant of Gaul'. The rooster appears on sports jerseys and as an informal national symbol.

7What does the principle of 'liberté' (liberty) mean in the French Republic?

A.Everyone may do whatever they wish without any limit

B.Only French citizens have personal freedoms

C.Everyone is free to act provided they respect the law and the freedom of others

D.Freedom applies only to political opinions

Explanation: In the French Republic, liberty means each person is free to think, express themselves, move, and act, as long as they respect the law and do not harm the freedom of others. This is set out in the 1789 Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen. Liberty is therefore exercised within legal limits.

8What does the principle of 'égalité' (equality) mean in France?

A.Everyone earns the same income

B.All people are equal before the law regardless of origin, sex or religion

C.Only men and women are treated equally

D.Equality applies only to taxes

Explanation: Equality means that all people are equal before the law, with the same rights and the same duties, regardless of their origin, sex, religion, or social situation. Discrimination is prohibited and punished by law. Equality does not mean identical incomes, but identical rights.

9What does 'fraternité' (fraternity) express as a value of the Republic?

A.Solidarity and mutual respect among all members of society

B.Loyalty to a single political party

C.Membership of a religious community

D.Belonging to the same family

Explanation: Fraternity expresses solidarity, mutual aid, and respect among all people living in the national community. It implies caring for others, especially the most vulnerable, and contributing to social cohesion. It is the third term of the Republic's motto.

10What is 'laïcité' (secularism) in France?

A.The ban on all religions in France

B.The principle that the State is neutral on religion and guarantees freedom of conscience

C.The obligation for everyone to follow the same religion

D.A rule that applies only to elected officials

Explanation: Laïcité is the principle that separates religion from the State. The State is neutral, treats all beliefs equally, and guarantees freedom of conscience — the freedom to believe, not to believe, or to change belief. It allows everyone to practise their religion within the limits of public order.

About the Examen Civique Exam

The Examen Civique is a mandatory, computer-based civic knowledge test introduced in France on 1 January 2026. Designed under the Ministere de l'Interieur and delivered through approved centres, it assesses a foreign resident's knowledge of the principles and values of the French Republic, its institutions, and the rights and duties of people living in France. The test contains 40 multiple-choice questions in French - 28 knowledge questions and 12 scenario (simulation) questions - and candidates have 45 minutes to answer. Passing the exam is required to obtain a multi-year residence permit, a resident card, or French naturalisation.

Questions

40 scored questions

Time Limit

45 minutes

Passing Score

80% (32 out of 40 questions correct)

Exam Fee

Approx. EUR 60-100 (set by each approved exam centre) (Ministere de l'Interieur)

Examen Civique Exam Content Outline

~11 of 40 questions

Principles and Values of the Republic

The motto liberte-egalite-fraternite, the national symbols (flag, Marianne, La Marseillaise, Gallic rooster), and the principle of laicite

~6 of 40 questions

Institutional and Political System

The Fifth Republic and its Constitution, the President, the Government, Parliament, the courts, elections, and France in the European Union

~11 of 40 questions

Rights and Duties

Fundamental rights and freedoms, equality, anti-discrimination law, justice and the presumption of innocence, and the civic duties of residents

~8 of 40 questions

History, Geography and Culture

Key dates and figures of French history, the geography of France, heritage, monuments, and culture

~4 of 40 questions

Living in French Society

Healthcare, education, work, the republican integration pathway, and everyday life in France

How to Pass the Examen Civique Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 80% (32 out of 40 questions correct)
Exam length: 40 questions
Time limit: 45 minutes
Exam fee: Approx. EUR 60-100 (set by each approved exam centre)

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

Examen Civique Study Tips from Top Performers

1Use the free official preparation content on formation-civique.interieur.gouv.fr - it covers every theme tested and is the authoritative source

2Master the Republic's symbols and values first: the motto, flag, Marianne, La Marseillaise, and the meaning of laicite and the 1905 law

3Memorise key facts and dates: 1789 (Revolution and Declaration of Rights), 1848 (abolition of slavery), 1905 (separation of Churches and State), 1944 (women's suffrage), 1958 (Fifth Republic)

4Practise scenario questions - 12 of the 40 questions ask you to apply rights, duties, and laicite to everyday situations such as work, housing, and public services

5Take timed practice tests to get comfortable with the 45-minute limit, and aim for 90% or above to leave a safe margin over the 80% pass mark

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the French Examen Civique?

The Examen Civique contains 40 multiple-choice questions in French: 28 knowledge questions and 12 scenario (simulation) questions. Each question offers four options with only one correct answer. Candidates have a maximum of 45 minutes and take the test on a computer or tablet at an approved exam centre.

What is the passing score for the Examen Civique?

You must answer at least 32 of the 40 questions correctly, an 80% pass mark. If you score fewer than 32 correct answers you receive a fail result and must re-register and re-sit the exam at an approved centre, paying the fee again.

How much does the French Examen Civique cost?

There is no single national fee. The registration fee is set by each approved exam centre and generally ranges from about EUR 60 to EUR 100 depending on the centre and city. Payment is made online when you register with an approved centre such as CCI Paris Ile-de-France or France Education International.

Who needs to take the Examen Civique?

Since 1 January 2026, the Examen Civique is required for many non-EU foreign nationals applying for a multi-year residence permit, a resident card, or French naturalisation. Exemptions apply to people aged 65 and over and to those with a disability who provide medical proof; some categories such as beneficiaries of international protection may also be exempt.

When did the Examen Civique become mandatory?

The Examen Civique became mandatory on 1 January 2026. It was introduced under the Ministere de l'Interieur as part of the republican integration pathway and is delivered through a network of approved exam centres across France.

What topics does the Examen Civique cover?

The exam covers five themes: the principles and values of the Republic, the institutional and political system, the rights and duties of residents, the history, geography and culture of France, and living in French society. Free official preparation content is available on the formation-civique.interieur.gouv.fr website.

Is the Examen Civique taken in French?

Yes. The Examen Civique is conducted entirely in French on a computer or tablet. It is a separate requirement from the French language test, and recent rules also raised the required language levels for residence cards and naturalisation.