Civic Exam in Lyon
Passing the Civic Exam is now essential for a first application for a multi-year residence permit, a resident card, or for a French naturalisation application.
At Lyon Bleu International, you take the Civic Exam on computer, in a professional test environment, with a straightforward organisation and clear instructions.
Take the Civic Exam at Lyon Bleu International
At Lyon Bleu International, you sit the Civic Exam in an accredited test centre, on site and computer-based. You are welcomed by an available team in a setting designed for an official exam. Before test day, everything is clearly communicated: your exam notice, schedule and the documents you need to bring.
The goal is simple: a smooth process so you can take the exam with confidence.
Who is the Civic Exam for?
You may need to take the Civic Exam if you are 18+, live in France, and you are completing a procedure for:
- a multi-year residence permit (CSP),
- a resident card (CR),
- or a French naturalisation application.
Whether you have just arrived or have lived in France for a long time, the Civic Exam may now be part of the mandatory steps in your administrative journey. When registering, make sure you choose the exam version that matches your situation.
For residence permit procedures, the exam must be taken before submitting your application, because the pass certificate is required when your file is created.
The exam can be taken at any time and retaken as many times as necessary.
The certificate is valid with no time limit.
Administrative rules, possible exemptions and required documents depend on your personal situation. Always refer to the official sources of the Ministry of the Interior.
Format de l’Examen Civique
The Civic Exam is taken on a computer and comes as a 40-question MCQ in French.
General knowledge – 28 questions
- Principles and values of the Republic (5 questions)
- Political and institutional system (6 questions)
- Rights and duties (5 questions)
- History, geography and culture (8 questions)
- Living in French society (4 questions)
Situational questions – 12 questions
- Principles and values of the Republic (6 questions)
- Rights and duties (6 questions)
The question level adapts to your procedure: A2 for the multi-year residence permit, B1 for the resident card, and B2 for naturalisation.
To pass, you must score at least 32 correct answers out of 40 (80%).
After passing, you receive an official certificate.
Duration
45 minutes
Skills assessed
Principles and values of the Republic
Political and institutional system
Rights and duties
History, geography and culture
Living in French society
Format
Computer-based MCQ
40 questions total
Pass mark
Minimum 32 correct answers out of 40
Score validity
Certificate valid for life, delivered within 24 to 48 business hours
Don't forget
A valid ID
+ your exam notice
Fees
70€
for the test
Valid for
Multi-year residence permit
Resident card
French naturalisation application
How the test session works at Lyon Bleu International
On exam day, arrive at the time indicated on your exam notice.
At check-in, the invigilators verify your ID and your exam notice, then ask you to confirm your personal details (last name, first name, date of birth, email).
A photo and signature are also collected. They will appear on your certificate, so take a moment to make sure everything is correct before you start.
During the exam, the rules are strict: phones and electronic devices must be switched off and stored away; no dictionary or reference material is allowed; no notes or scrap paper can be used.
Once the test has started, late arrivals are not admitted, and leaving the room is not allowed until the end.
Accepted ID: a residence permit for all candidates; passport or national ID card for EU citizens.
Results and certificat
After your session at Lyon Bleu International, results are typically available within 24 to 48 business hours. You receive an email with a link to access your certificate; no paper certificate is provided.
The pass certificate is valid with no time limit. It remains archived for 10 years, so remember to download and keep a copy for any future use beyond this period.
If you do not reach the required score, you can retake the exam as many times as needed, with a minimum 1-day gap between attempts.
- FAQ -
Choose the version that matches your procedure (multi-year residence permit, resident card or naturalisation). If unsure, check your prefecture requirements or the official Ministry of the Interior guidance.
There is no expiry date.
Within 24 to 48 business hours.
Check your spam/junk folder. If needed, contact the test centre with your name, session date and the email used at registration.
No. It is a civic knowledge MCQ in French, with knowledge questions and situational questions.
The Ministry of the Interior provides a dedicated civic training platform: formation-civique.interieur.gouv.fr.
This civic training is part of the Republican Integration Contract (CIR) and complements the civic training delivered by OFII.
On the platform, you will find:
-
222 thematic fact sheets and structured content
-
the exam syllabus
-
the official knowledge questions (situational questions are not published)
-
practical information about the test process
-
the list of accredited test centres
Simple tip: study a little every day, then practise with the official knowledge questions.
On the official Ministry of the Interior civic training platform. Knowledge questions are available, situational questions are not.
Yes, as many times as needed, with a minimum 1-day gap between attempts.
Yes. For multi-year residence permits and resident cards, the pass certificate is required when you submit your file.
Lyon Bleu International is also an official test centre for TCF IRN and DELF/DALF.
Click on the links to find out more and register for these French exams .
