Igor Web can help you get ready and improve your level for the French civic exam required for certain "Titre de sejours" and residency permits.
Civic exam preparation service by Igor Web.
When you ask for your first multi-year residency title, and then for the ten years residency permit or to obtain French citizenship, you need to pass a civic exam about French culture and laws.
How to prepare for the civic exam ?
We provide preparations and classes for the French civic exam. Depending on your level and requirements, we can help you get ready to pass the exam.
If you already know about the civic exam and wish to learn about our training offer feel free to contact us !
Table of contents.
- Introduction
- When do you need to pass the civic exam ?
- What is this exam about ?
- How does Igor Web help you ?
- How long does it take to get ready ?
- Are classes in person or is remote possible ?
- I'm interested !
- Ressources.
Learn more about the civic exam and how we can help you get ready.
When do you need to pass the civic exam ?
You need to show proof of passing the civic exam when you ask for your first multi-year residency card (Titre de séjour pluriannuel), except when you are over 65.
You also need to pass the civic exam for a ten-year resident permit, the level being a little higher. (It corresponds to a B1 language level instead of A2).
Once passed, the civic exam is valid without time limitation.
What is this exam about ?
The civic exam is meant to make you learn the rules and principles guiding French society.
For the historical background : the goal is in line with the long French tradition of "assimilation" which aims to make immigrants full-fledged members of the society by making them adhere to the values of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity ("brotherhood" as in : all citizens are one family), these values being considered universal.
Now, in concrete terms, the exam will test your knowledge of French society in five domains :
- Principles and symbols of the French Republic (the values, the flag, the motto)
- Institutions and political system of France (how the President is elected, what is the role of MPs in France)
- Rights and duties (the laws and duties of every French citizen, from very important ones such as voting to basic rules like no littering)
- History, geography and culture (The rivers and mountains, lots of questions about the French Revolution of 1789, and the general monuments and artists of France)
- Everyday life (such as how to apply for unemployment, how to ask for childcare, schooling)
The questions are available online (In French, sorry, translation coming soon) here : List of questions, official Ministry of Interior website (French).
To tell the truth, especially on the culture part, after passing this test you might know France better than many Frenchmen !
How does Igor Web help you ?
With your feedback, we first assess your general knowledge, usually with a mock test. This allows us to prepare a lesson plan and determine how many hours of practicethe civic exam, by the French Ministry of the Interior (English) you will need.
Our method focuses on using what you already know of France, and explaining the reasons and the thinking behind the answers to the test.
This way, if later on your wish to apply for French citizenship, you will be able to explain and go in depth during your interview.
Of course, we respect your requirement of time, and don't overwhelm you with details
Every lesson plan is built together, so you progress according to your needs
If you are a self-taught type of learner, we can also help you by providing suggestions of websites, videos, channels or books to help you study on your own.
How long does it take to get ready ?
How long you need to practice really depends on your pre-existing knowledge.
You can count on average 10 hours to get ready, if you already have an understanding of basic French.
The ten-years Resident civic exam requires a bit more preparation, mainly because the language level is higher (all the questions are in French !), but keep in mind that this test comes after many years of living in France, so naturally you already have a better understanding of the country and its rules.
Are classes in person or is remote possible ?
Of course remote classes are available, as well as in person.
We are used to both types of teaching so it doesn't really make a difference for you. We provide the same level of detail and quality of teaching, remote or in person.
Our goal is your success, and that you make the best of your French life, so we cater to your needs first !
For in person classes : we are available internationally, if you wish to visit us, we are based in Pouligny Notre-Dame in the Indre department of Central France.
Conclusion, interested in some lessons ?
We hope this page has been of help to you, and will make things clearer in your pursuit of a French residency title ! Don't lose hope, as it can take a lot of time due to administrative procedures, but in the end you will succeed !
If you're interested, just want to know more, or ready to start learning, feel free to contact us and we'll come back to you as soon as possible !
Below are some links which we found useful, from trusted sources only.
Ressources
- General information about residency titles conditons (English).
- General information about the civic exam (French).
Want to learn about our training offer ? Feel free to contact us and we'll make sure to come back to you as soon as possible !