France · Examen civique + B2
France Naturalization 2026: Two Exams, Not One
2026-07-28 · UniPrep2Go Blog
On 1 January 2026, France changed the rules. Naturalisation used to mean a B1 French certificate plus an interview with a préfet. Now you need two standardised exams first: the Examen civique (civic knowledge) and B2 French (typically via TCF IRN, DELF B2, or equivalent). The interview still happens — but only after both certificates. Walk in with a 2025 B1 DELF and no civic exam, and the file dies at the window. This guide covers both exams, the 80% civic threshold, and why the B1→B2 jump is the real killer.
Drill republican civics with the free Naturalisation française readiness check (Prep2Go-sourced). Bridge B1→B2 with the French Anki deck (DELF, DALF, TCF, TEF). The Citizenship & Naturalization Anki Bundle also includes Naturalisation française cards — browse Prep2Go before you pay €200+ in official fees.
The Two-Exam Requirement (New for 2026)
Examen civique vs TCF IRN
| Examen civique | TCF IRN (language) | |
|---|---|---|
| What it tests | Republican values, institutions, history, daily life | French: listening, reading, writing, speaking |
| Format | 40 multiple-choice on computer | 4 sections: listening (25q/20m), reading (25q/35m), writing (3 tasks/30m), speaking (3 tasks/10m) |
| Duration | 45 minutes | ~1 hour 35 minutes |
| Passing score | 32/40 (80%) | B2 level for naturalisation |
| Cost | ~€69 | ~€100–€150 |
| Frequency | Multiple dates/month at approved centres | 2+ sessions/month |
| Validity | Lifetime | 2 years (TCF IRN) |
| Language | French only | French only |
Critical: both exams are in French. The civic exam is not a grammar test, but you must read well enough to answer 40 items in 45 minutes. Weak French turns the civic paper into a de facto language test.
The Civic Exam: 40 Questions, 12 Scenarios, 80% to Pass
Computer-based MCQ with two question types:
- 28 knowledge questions from a published bank: Republic principles (liberty, equality, fraternity, laïcité), institutions, rights/duties, history/geography/culture, daily life (healthcare, work, housing, school)
- 12 scenario questions applying republican norms — e.g. neighbour noise at 2 AM, workplace discrimination, sick child on a school day
80% rule: 32/40. No negative marking — answer everything. Scenarios catch candidates who memorise facts without social norms.
Three difficulty tracks
| Application | French level | Question bank |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-year residence permit (CSP) | A2 | ~190 published questions |
| 10-year resident card (CR) | B1 | ~210 published questions |
| Naturalisation | B2 | ~233 published questions |
Naturalisation uses denser French and deeper institutional questions — e.g. role of the Conseil Constitutionnel, not only “Who is Head of State?”
The Language Trap: B2 Is Not B1 + One Level
B1 vs B2 for naturalisation
| Level | What you can do | Naturalisation use |
|---|---|---|
| B1 | Main points of standard input; simple connected text | Enough until 31 Dec 2025 |
| B2 | Complex text; fluent interaction; clear detailed text | Required from 1 Jan 2026 |
- Listening: radio interviews, news, extended discussion without subtitles
- Reading: newspaper articles — implicit meaning and argument structure
- Writing: ~150-word formal letter/essay with connectors and register
- Speaking: ~10-minute structured talk on abstract topics — not just introductions
TCF IRN covers all four skills. Weak speaking is not rescued by strong reading — you need an overall B2 result. Results often take 4–6 weeks (summer can hit ~6). DELF B2 and equivalent certificates are also used where accepted — confirm with your préfecture.
Who Is Exempt
Often exempt from the civic exam
Beneficiaries of international protection; some bilateral-agreement nationals; renewals of existing permits (first-time applications); minors under 18 — always verify locally.
Often exempt from B2 language proof
French secondary education (baccalauréat); certain French university degrees; some French-speaking nationals (verify); documented medical exemptions.
Everyone else
Both exams. No informal “my French is fine” waiver at the préfecture window.
Study Timeline
Month 1: Language B2 focus
Still at B1? Do not book TCF IRN yet — budget 3–6 months intensive. Radio France, podcasts, formal writing. Confirm level with a B2 placement mock.
Month 2: Civic exam content
Official themes at formation-civique.interieur.gouv.fr. Drill the naturalisation bank (~233). Practice scenarios — many are not published; use prep platforms that simulate them.
Month 3–4: Mocks and sittings
2–3 timed 40-question civic mocks (target 36/40). B2 language mock confirmed. Book language first (longer score wait), civic 2–3 weeks later. File only with both certificates in hand.
FAQ
Do I need both the civic exam and a language test for French naturalisation?
Yes, since 1 January 2026 in the standard pathway. Civic knowledge plus B2 French (TCF IRN, DELF B2, or equivalent accepted by the préfecture).
What is the passing score for the French civic exam?
32 of 40 (80%): 28 knowledge + 12 scenario questions. No negative marking.
What French level do I need for naturalisation in 2026?
B2. Raised from B1 on 1 January 2026. Prove it with an official exam such as TCF IRN or DELF B2.
How much do the French naturalisation exams cost?
Civic exam ~€69. TCF IRN ~€100–€150 depending on centre. DELF B2 fees vary by centre.
Is the French civic exam in English?
No. Civic exam and language tests are entirely in French. No dictionaries or translators.
How long is the civic exam certificate valid?
Lifetime — it does not expire once issued.
How long are TCF IRN results valid?
Typically 2 years from issue. Long naturalisation queues can force a language retake — plan filing around validity.
Can I retake the civic exam if I fail?
Yes, with no fixed attempt limit — except a multi-year ban if caught cheating.
How long does it take to get TCF IRN results?
Often 4–6 weeks; summer sittings can stretch toward 6 weeks. Build that lag into your filing plan.
What is the hardest part of French naturalisation in 2026?
The B2 language gate. Candidates with 2024–2025 B1 certificates must bridge a full CEFR level — abstract discussion, formal writing, and complex listening, not everyday chitchat.
Bottom Line
France used to ask for B1 and a chat with a préfet. Now it asks for B2 plus a 40-question civic exam at 80%. Civics is manageable with the published bank and scenario practice. B2 is the real gatekeeper. Still at B1? Do not book TCF IRN yet — study, confirm with a mock, then register. A failed language sitting costs ~€150 and weeks of waiting; a failed civic sitting costs ~€69 and days. Budget risk accordingly.
Drill republican civics with the free Naturalisation française readiness check (Prep2Go-sourced). Bridge B1→B2 with the French Anki deck (DELF, DALF, TCF, TEF). The Citizenship & Naturalization Anki Bundle also includes Naturalisation française cards — browse Prep2Go before you pay €200+ in official fees.
Related guides in this cluster
- Germany Einbürgerungstest vs Leben in Deutschland: Same Test, Different Paperwork
They are the same 33 questions. But one gets you citizenship. The other gets you a residence permit. Here is the exact difference, the €25 fee, and why your test centre matters.
- Spain Citizenship: Two Exams, Not One
Spain makes you pass two separate exams: CCSE for civics and DELE A2 for language. Here is the exact format, the €85 vs €130 cost, and why failing one skill on DELE forces a full retake.
- Belgium Citizenship: Flanders Makes You Take a Test. Wallonia Does Not (Yet)
Flanders has a social orientation test. Wallonia does not. Brussels is a mix. Here is the exact integration requirement by region, the language level hike to B1, and why Belgium has three citizenship systems in one country.