How to Take the French Civic Test (Test de Connaissance de la République Française)
The French civic test, officially known as the Test de Connaissance de la République Française (TCRF), is required for many applicants seeking French nationality or a long-term residence card. The test evaluates your knowledge of French values, institutions, history, and everyday civic life.
This guide explains who needs to take the test, how to register, how it works, and how to prepare.
1. Who Needs to Take the French Civic Test?
You may be required to take the civic test if you are:
- Applying for French nationality by naturalization
- Applying for a 10-year residence permit (carte de résident)
- Required by the French authorities as part of your integration process
⚠️ Requirements may vary depending on your personal situation (age, education, length of stay, or country of origin).
2. What Does the French Civic Test Assess?
The test measures your understanding of:
- French values and principles (liberty, equality, fraternity, secularism)
- Rights and duties of citizens and residents
- French institutions (President, Parliament, courts, local government)
- Key moments in French history
- Everyday life in France (education, work, public services)
The content is based on the official guide: “Vivre en France”.
3. Test Format and Structure
- Multiple-choice questions (MCQs)
- Around 20 questions
- One correct answer per question
- Test duration: approximately 30 minutes
You usually need to answer at least 50% correctly to pass.
4. Where and How to Register
Step 1: Receive an Invitation
You do not register on your own. The test is scheduled after:
- Submitting your nationality or residence application
- Attending an interview or receiving instructions from the OFII (Office Français de l’Immigration et de l’Intégration)
You will receive:
- A test appointment letter
- The date, time, and location of the test
Step 2: Test Location
The test is usually taken at:
- An approved testing center
- An OFII office
5. What to Bring on Test Day
Make sure to bring:
- A valid ID (passport or residence permit)
- Your test invitation letter
- Any required documents mentioned in your appointment notice
Arrive at least 15 minutes early.
6. Language of the Test
- The test is conducted in French
- The required level is generally A2–B1
- Questions are written in clear, simple French
If you have difficulty reading French, you may request reasonable accommodations in advance (depending on eligibility).
7. How to Prepare for the Civic Test
Official Resources
- Study the “Vivre en France” guide (official preparation booklet)
- Review sample questions provided by OFII
Key Preparation Tips
- Focus on values and institutions, not memorization of dates
- Practice reading simple administrative French
- Learn basic vocabulary related to government, rights, and daily life
8. Test Results
- Results are usually sent to the prefecture or OFII
- You may not receive immediate feedback on the same day
If You Pass
- The result is added to your application file
- You can continue the nationality or residence process
If You Fail
- You may be allowed to retake the test
- Additional civic training may be required
9. Frequently Asked Questions
Is the civic test difficult?
No. It is designed to assess basic civic knowledge, not academic expertise.
Can I retake the test?
Yes, in most cases, retakes are allowed.
Is the test the same as the French language test?
No. The civic test evaluates knowledge, not speaking or writing skills.
10. Final Advice
The French civic test is not meant to exclude applicants, but to ensure basic understanding of life in France. With proper preparation and familiarity with French civic values, most candidates pass successfully.
Take time to study, stay calm on test day, and focus on understanding—not memorization.
11. Practice Questions (Sample)
Below are sample multiple-choice questions similar to those found on the French civic test. Only one answer is correct for each question.
Question 1: French Values
What does the principle of laïcité mean in France?
A. The government supports one official religion
B. Religious freedom is guaranteed and the state remains neutral
C. Religion is forbidden in public life
D. Only citizens can practice religion
Correct answer: B
Question 2: National Motto
What is the national motto of France?
A. Liberté – Justice – Solidarité
B. Égalité – Neutralité – Fraternité
C. Liberté – Égalité – Fraternité
D. Unité – Liberté – République
Correct answer: C
Question 3: Political Institutions
Who is the head of state in France?
A. The Prime Minister
B. The President of the Republic
C. The Mayor
D. The President of the Senate
Correct answer: B
Question 4: Voting Rights
Who has the right to vote in French national elections?
A. All residents living in France
B. All European Union citizens
C. French citizens aged 18 or older
D. Anyone with a residence permit
Correct answer: C
Question 5: Education
School attendance in France is:
A. Optional for children under 10
B. Mandatory from ages 3 to 16
C. Mandatory from ages 6 to 18
D. Only required for French citizens
Correct answer: B
12. Full Mock Test (Exam Simulation)
Use this mock test to simulate real exam conditions.
Instructions:
- 20 questions
- 30 minutes recommended
- One correct answer per question
- Passing score: 10/20 or higher
Mock Test Questions
1. What does “Liberté” mean in the French Republic?
A. Economic freedom only
B. Freedom of thought, expression, and movement
C. Freedom only for citizens
D. Freedom without laws
2. What document guarantees fundamental rights in France?
A. The Constitution
B. The Civil Code
C. The Labor Code
D. The Tax Code
3. Who proposes laws in France?
A. Only the President
B. The Government and Parliament
C. Only the Senate
D. Local councils
4. What is the role of the Prime Minister?
A. Head of State
B. Head of Government
C. Head of the Judiciary
D. Mayor of Paris
5. What is compulsory for all residents in France?
A. Voting
B. Military service
C. Respecting the law
D. Owning health insurance
6. What is the main role of the Prefect?
A. Represent the State at local level
B. Manage schools
C. Organize elections only
D. Lead Parliament
7. What is the official language of France?
A. English
B. French
C. Regional languages
D. All EU languages
8. What does equality before the law mean?
A. Only citizens are equal
B. Men and women have different rights
C. The law applies equally to everyone
D. Equality applies only at work
9. What is a secular public school?
A. A religious school
B. A school with no rules
C. A school neutral toward religion
D. A private school
10. Who can be elected Mayor?
A. Any resident
B. Only French citizens
C. Only EU citizens
D. Anyone over 16
11. What is a civic duty?
A. Freedom of expression
B. Paying taxes
C. Freedom of religion
D. Right to vote
12. What institution makes laws?
A. The Constitutional Council
B. Parliament
C. The Government alone
D. The Courts
13. What is celebrated on 14 July?
A. End of World War II
B. The French Constitution
C. The French Revolution / Bastille Day
D. Armistice Day
14. What organization supports immigrant integration?
A. CAF
B. CPAM
C. OFII
D. INSEE
15. What does “Fraternité” represent?
A. Competition
B. Solidarity and mutual support
C. Religious unity
D. Political power
16. What is compulsory schooling age in France?
A. 2–18
B. 3–16
C. 6–18
D. 5–15
17. What is discrimination?
A. Treating people equally
B. Treating people differently based on origin, gender, or beliefs
C. Respecting diversity
D. Applying the law
18. What does the French flag symbolize?
A. Monarchy
B. Political parties
C. Values of the Republic
D. Military power
19. Who controls the constitutionality of laws?
A. Parliament
B. The President
C. The Constitutional Council
D. The Prime Minister
20. What is required to live together in France?
A. Same religion
B. Same culture
C. Respect for laws and values
D. Same language level
Answer Key
- B
- A
- B
- B
- C
- A
- B
- C
- C
- B
- B
- B
- C
- C
- B
- B
- B
- C
- C
- C
How to Use the Mock Test
- Take the test under timed conditions
- Score yourself using the answer key
- Review weak areas using official resources (Livret du Citoyen, OFII guides)
For more information refer to official OFII or prefecture materials for preparation.