Is it mandatory for declaration by marriage?

No. Acquisition of nationality by declaration, including naturalization by marriage, is not subject to the civic exam.

Is it the same as the French language test?

No. The civic exam assesses civic knowledge. French language requirements are a separate procedure with distinct certificates.

Must you still take an assimilation interview?

Yes, the assimilation interview may still be required in certain naturalization by decree procedures. The civic exam does not replace it.

Where to find official naturalization questions?

Official resources, including past papers, are published on formation-civique.interieur.gouv.fr. You can also check the official question list on our site.

Civic exam for naturalization: what you need to know

French naturalization is an important procedure, distinct from a simple residence permit application. Since January 1, 2026, the civic exam may be required for acquisition of nationality by decree.

This article clarifies affected cases, procedures not subject to the exam, and the difference from other requirements such as French language level or the assimilation interview.

Naturalization by decree: why the civic exam?

The civic exam checks knowledge of republican principles and values, rights and duties, institutions, history, geography, culture, and life in French society.

This obligation stems from the law of January 26, 2024 and implementing texts published in 2025, including the order of October 10, 2025.

Reinstatement in French nationality

Reinstatement in French nationality by decree is also subject to the civic exam. It is a distinct procedure from classic naturalization but subject to the same test requirements under current regulations.

Verify your situation on Service-Public and formation-civique.interieur.gouv.fr.

Nationality by declaration is not affected

The civic exam does not apply to acquisition of French nationality by declaration. Notably not affected:

naturalization by marriage to a French citizen;
naturalization as descendant of a French citizen;
naturalization as sibling of a French citizen.

Declaration procedures: important reminder

Do not confuse naturalization by decree with declaration procedures. Only acquisition of nationality by decree (naturalization and reinstatement) is subject to the civic exam under the current framework.

For residence permits, rules differ: see our articles on CSP and resident card.

Civic exam syllabus for naturalization

The syllabus is based on the five official civic training themes. Resources specific to naturalization are available on the official portal.

See official themes explained and past papers on formation-civique.interieur.gouv.fr.

Test format: multiple choice, 40 questions, 32 correct answers

The test is a 40-question multiple-choice exam in French, 45 minutes maximum, with a threshold of 32 correct answers (80%) to pass.

Score details are in our article on 32 correct answers.

Difference from the assimilation interview

The assimilation interview remains a separate step in certain naturalization by decree procedures. The civic exam does not replace it: they are different requirements in the administrative process.

Prepare each step separately and verify your dossier requirements with official sources.

Difference from French language requirements

The civic exam is not a French language proficiency test. It assesses civic knowledge in French, but does not replace language requirements specific to naturalization (B1 certificates, etc.).

Plan for both dimensions: French proficiency on one side, civic knowledge on the other.

Accommodation or exemption for health or disability

Accommodations or exemptions may be provided for health or disability reasons, per official texts. Check with the approved center or competent services before registering.

Procedures are outlined on the general information page.

A naturalization path in Alice

Preparing for naturalization is not exactly the same goal as a residence permit application. That is why Alice lets you choose a path adapted to the exam type you are preparing for. By selecting naturalization preparation, users can train with targeted content, review answers in short free videos, and take mock exams to track progress.

Thousands of users have already trained with Alice. The app is not an official service and does not replace verification with your prefecture.

For an overall method, see how to prepare for the civic exam and where to take the exam.

Choose the naturalization / reinstatement path in Alice: preparation adapted to your administrative goal and mock exams to measure your level.

Prepare on the web

Frequently asked questions

Is the civic exam mandatory for naturalization?: It is required for acquisition of French nationality by decree (naturalization and reinstatement), subject to exemptions provided by law.
Is it mandatory for declaration by marriage?: No. Acquisition of nationality by declaration, including naturalization by marriage, is not subject to the civic exam.
Is it the same as the French language test?: No. The civic exam assesses civic knowledge. French language requirements are a separate procedure with distinct certificates.
Must you still take an assimilation interview?: Yes, the assimilation interview may still be required in certain naturalization by decree procedures. The civic exam does not replace it.
Where to find official naturalization questions?: Official resources, including past papers, are published on formation-civique.interieur.gouv.fr. You can also check the official question list on our site.

The civic exam for naturalization applies to decree procedures, not nationality declarations. Verify your case, prepare for the test and other dossier requirements separately.