UPDATED OCTOBER 2026
Practice ‘Examen Civique’ (Part 2)
Since 1 January 2026, applicants for French citizenship through naturalisation by decree have been required to pass a new examen civique (civic examination).
The examination consists of 40 multiple-choice questions (QCM), to be completed in 45 minutes. Candidates must answer at least 32 questions correctly to pass (80%).
A similar civic examination requirement applies to certain residence permit applications, although the requirements vary according to the type of permit.
The test aims to ensure that candidates have a solid understanding of French values, history and institutions, and can demonstrate their knowledge of life in French society.
Our practice quiz will help you revise some of the key facts. Please note that these are unofficial practice questions, which may or may not be in the in the official examination which is conducted in French.
🏛️ Examen Civique — Practice Quiz (Part 2)
(FIND PART ONE HERE)
⚖️ Section 1: Government and Institution
1 Who is the Head of State in France?
A) The Prime Minister
B) The President of the Republic
C) The President of the Senate
2 Who appoints the Prime Minister?
A) The President of the Republic
B) The National Assembly
C) The Constitutional Council
3 The French Parliament is composed of…
A) The Senate and the National Assembly
B) The Senate and the Constitutional Council
C) The Prime Minister and the President
4 The President’s term of office lasts…
A) 4 years
B) 5 year
C) 7 years
5 Where does the National Assembly meet?
A) Palais Bourbon
B) Palais du Luxembourg
C) Élysée Palace
6 Who ensures that laws respect the Constitution?
A) The Court of Cassation
B) The Constitutional Council
C) The Senate
✅ Answers – Section 1
1 B — The President of the Republic is Head of State.
2 A — The President appoints the Prime Minister.
3 A — Parliament = Assemblée nationale + Sénat.
4 B — The presidential term is 5 years (quinquennat).
5 A — The National Assembly sits at the Palais Bourbon (Paris).
6 B — The Conseil constitutionnel checks laws’ constitutionality.
🇫🇷 Section 2: Values of the Republic & Civic Principles
1 What is the national motto of France?
A) Liberty, Equality, Fraternity
B) Work, Family, Homeland
C) Peace, Justice, Solidarity
2 What does laïcité mean?
A) Religion is separated from the State
B) The State promotes Catholicism
C) Citizens must choose a religion
3 Which of these is a French national symbol?
A) The Eiffel Tower
B) Marianne
C) The Euro
4 What does the Republic guarantee to all citizens?
A) Equality before the law
B) Equal income
C) Free housing
5 What is the national anthem of France?
A) The Chant du Départ
B) La Marseillaise
C) La Parisienne
✅ Answers – Section 2
- A — Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité is the national motto.
- A — Laïcité = separation of religion and the State.
- B — Marianne symbolizes the Republic.
- A — The Republic guarantees égalité devant la loi.
- B — La Marseillaise is the national anthem.
Section 3: French History
1 When did the French Revolution begin?
A) 1789
B) 1848
C) 1914
2 Who was the first President of the Fifth Republic (1958)?
A) François Mitterrand
B) Charles de Gaulle
C) Georges Pompidou
3 What event is celebrated on 14 July?
A) The end of World War I
B) The storming of the Bastille
C) The proclamation of the Fifth Republic
4 Who is known for establishing free, mandatory, and secular schooling (“lois scolaires”)?
A) Jules Ferry
B) Victor Hugo
C) Napoleon Bonaparte
5 What major political change occurred in France in 1944?
A) End of the monarchy
B) Women gained the right to vote
C) Adoption of the euro
✅ Answers – Section 3
- A — The Revolution began in 1789.
- B — Charles de Gaulle founded and led the Fifth Republic.
- B — 14 July commemorates the storming of the Bastille in 1789.
- A — Jules Ferry established free, secular, compulsory education.
- B — In 1944, women obtained the right to vote in France.
🌍 Section 4: French Geography
1 What is the capital of France?
A) Lyon
B) Paris
C) Marseille
2 Which mountain range contains the highest peak in France ?
A) The Alps
B) The Pyrenees
C) The Vosges
3 What river flows through Paris?
A) Rhône
B) Loire
C) Seine
4 Which overseas territory is located in the Caribbean?
A) Réunion
B) Martinique
C) Mayotte
5 How many regions does France have (metropolitan + overseas)?
A) 22
B) 18
C) 13
✅ Answers – Section 4
- B — Paris is the capital.
- A — The Alps contain Mont Blanc, France’s highest peak.
- C — The Seine flows through Paris.
- B — Martinique is in the Caribbean.
- B — France has 18 regions (13 metropolitan, 5 overseas).
🧑⚖️ Section 5: Rights and Duties of Citizens
1 What age must a citizen be to vote in France?
A) 16
B) 18
C) 21
2 Which of the following is a civic duty in France?
A) Voting in all elections
B) Respecting the law
C) Serving in the military
3 Which freedom is guaranteed by the French Republic?
A) Freedom of speech
B) Freedom to avoid paying taxes
C) Freedom from school attendance for minors
4 What must all citizens do when summoned for jury duty (Cour d’assises)?
A) Decline the invitation
B) Attend unless legally excused
C) Choose a replacement
5 Who contributes to public services through taxes?
A) Only business owners
B) Only French citizens
C) All residents with taxable income
✅ Answers – Section 5
- B — The voting age in France is 18.
- B — All citizens must respect the law.
- A — Freedom of speech is protected by the Republic.
- B — Citizens must attend jury duty unless excused.
- C — All residents with taxable income contribute via taxes.
🎨 Section 6: Symbols and Culture of France
1 What is the national emblem of France?
A) The lion
B) The Gallic rooster
C) The oak tree
2 What is the motto of the French Republic?
A) Work, Family, Homeland
B) Liberty, Equality, Fraternity
C) Power, Order, Nation
3 What is the national holiday celebrated on 14 July?
A) Victory in Europe Day
B) Bastille Day
C) Armistice Day
4 Marianne represents…
A) French military strength
B) The French Monarchy
C) The Republic and its values
5 Which is a famous French cultural heritage monument?
A) The Colosseum
B) The Eiffel Tower
C) The Parthenon
✅ Answers – Section 6
- B — The Gallic rooster is a national emblem of France.
- B — The motto is Liberty, Equality, Fraternity.
- B — 14 July is Bastille Day.
- C — Marianne symbolizes the Republic.
- B — The Eiffel Tower is an iconic French monument.