Civic exam: how many questions must you pass?
32 correct answers out of 40: here is the official pass threshold for the civic exam, how to calculate your score, and why to aim for a safety margin.
A common question: how many correct answers do you need to pass the civic exam? The answer is precise and applies to the main procedures covered by the test.
This threshold is confirmed by Service-Public and by general information published by the Ministry. Understanding scoring helps structure your practice.
Official format: 40 questions, 45 minutes
The civic exam is a multiple-choice test: 40 questions in French, 1 correct answer out of 4 choices, including 28 knowledge questions and 12 situational questions. Maximum duration is 45 minutes, as stated in the order of October 10, 2025.
For regulatory context since 2026, see our article on what changed on January 1, 2026.
32 correct answers = minimum threshold
To obtain the pass certificate, you must reach at least 80% correct answers, i.e. 32 correct answers out of 40. Below this threshold, the exam is not validated.
This minimum score applies to the current format of the test held at approved centers.
How many mistakes are allowed?
With 40 questions and a threshold of 32 correct answers, you can get up to 8 questions wrong. Beyond that, you are below the required 80%.
In practice, aiming for exactly 8 tolerated mistakes leaves little margin if stress or fast reading costs you extra points.
Why aim above 32/40
A score of 32/40 is enough to pass, but fragile on exam day. Aiming for 34, 36, or more in practice gives you a safety margin against stress, fatigue, or unexpected questions.
This is one of the tips in our guide on how to prepare for the civic exam and in the article on frequent mistakes.
Score calculation example
Here are simple benchmarks:
- 31/40 = 77.5% → fail (below threshold);
- 32/40 = 80% → minimum pass;
- 36/40 = 90% → comfortable practice margin;
- 40/40 = 100% → excellent, but not required to pass.
How to improve if you make too many mistakes
If you regularly score below 32/40, do not panic: identify weak themes with theme-based quiz series. Review official points on formation-civique.interieur.gouv.fr, then do targeted practice.
Our article on official themes helps you prioritize revision.
Use mock exams to measure your level
A mock exam is the most reliable way to see if you consistently exceed 32/40. Do it under real conditions: timer on, no outside help, full 40 questions.
Learn how to structure this practice in our civic mock exam guide.
Frequently asked questions
- Is 31 correct answers enough?
- No. 31 correct answers out of 40 is 77.5%, below the official 80% threshold. You need at least 32 correct answers to pass.
- How many mistakes can you make?
- You can make at most 8 mistakes out of 40 questions, which equals 32 correct answers and 80%.
- Do all questions count the same?
- Yes. Each correct question counts as one correct answer. The final score is the total number of correct answers out of 40.
- Is the score the same for CSP, resident card, and naturalization?
- The test format and 32/40 threshold apply to the current civic exam system. The exam category you choose when registering matches your procedure, but scoring rules for the test remain the same.
Passing the civic exam means reaching at least 32 correct answers out of 40. In practice, aim higher so you can approach the approved center with more confidence.
With Alice, take a mock exam and check whether you consistently exceed the 32/40 threshold before booking your official session.