Examen Civique French Citizenship Test — Preparation course in Paris

The Examen Civique (EC) is the French Republic's official civic-knowledge test, created by the Loi du 26 janvier 2024 pour contrôler l'immigration et améliorer l'intégration (the "Loi Darmanin").

It is a distinct, additional requirement for several administrative procedures — it does not replace the existing language proficiency requirement.

To complete your file you will typically need both:

• A recognised language certificate at the level required by your procedure — DELF, DALF, TCF, TEF, DCL.
• A passing result on the Examen Civique covering French civic knowledge.

Centre Zenith prepares you for both — language certification through our DELF / DALF programmes (A1 to C1), and civic knowledge through this dedicated Examen Civique course.

Centre Zenith brings the same teaching approach to Examen Civique preparation as to our language certifications:

• Native French teachers with FLE qualifications, who deliver the course bilingually — French for immersion, English when a concept needs unpacking. Centre Zenith was built for English-speaking expats and that bilingual approach runs through every programme.
• Small groups (maximum 10 students per cohort) so every learner gets personalised attention.
• Evenings and Saturdays — schedules designed around office hours.
• Flexible payment — self-payment and employer (office) payment accepted.

The Examen Civique focuses on knowledge of the French Republic. The course follows the official syllabus set by the arrêté du 10 octobre 2025 and covers five modules:

• Principes et valeurs de la République — liberté, égalité, fraternité, laïcité, citoyenneté.
• Système institutionnel et politique — Constitution, Président, Gouvernement, Parlement, Conseil constitutionnel, collectivités territoriales.
• Droits et devoirs — droits fondamentaux, vote, justice, fiscalité, obligations civiques.
• Histoire, géographie et culture — grandes dates de la République, régions et territoires, symboles et patrimoine culturel.
• Vivre dans la société française — école, santé, travail, intégration, vie quotidienne en France.

Exam format, number of questions, duration and passing threshold are set by the official body administering the exam — confirm the current modalities at the time of enrolment.

The Examen Civique programme is open from A2 level minimum. Below A2, we recommend completing our DELF A2 preparation first, then joining an EC cohort. Centre Zenith offers a free level test so you can confirm your readiness — no commitment required.

Before starting the programme, every learner is invited to take a free 20-question diagnostic on French civic knowledge. The result lets us identify the topics to prioritise and recommend the right number of preparation hours.

If you have not yet validated your language certification (DELF, DALF, TCF, DCL), we also assess your current French level so we can advise on the right combination of courses.

By the end of our Examen Civique programme, you will be able to:

• Answer multiple-choice and short-answer questions on French history, institutions, geography, symbols and values.
• Recognise the foundations of the French Republic and how they apply in daily life.
• Sit the official Examen Civique with confidence, having completed mock-exam sessions in the same format.
• Submit your administrative file with both your language certificate (DELF / TCF / DCL) and your EC result attached.
• Approach the naturalisation interview (entretien) with confidence.

The programme follows the official syllabus set by the arrêté du 10 octobre 2025 relatif au programme, aux épreuves et aux modalités de l'examen civique. Across 46 hours of instruction, you will work through the five official modules:

1. Principes et valeurs de la République — liberté, égalité, fraternité, laïcité, citoyenneté.
2. Système institutionnel et politique — la Constitution de la Vᵉ République, le Président, le Gouvernement, le Parlement, le Conseil constitutionnel, les collectivités territoriales.
3. Droits et devoirs — droits fondamentaux, vote, justice, fiscalité, obligations civiques.
4. Histoire, géographie et culture — grandes dates de la République, régions et territoires, symboles et patrimoine culturel.
5. Vivre dans la société française — école, santé, travail, intégration, vie quotidienne en France.

Each module mixes content study with discussion, mock-exam questions and oral practice. You will deepen your knowledge of France while reinforcing your French through active conversation with other learners — preparation that serves both the written examen civique and the naturalisation interview (entretien).

The course is delivered in French and English — Centre Zenith is a bilingual school built for English-speaking expats, so every concept can be explained in either language depending on the group needs.

The Examen Civique is sat at an official centre accredited by the French authorities. Centre Zenith prepares you for the exam, but is not currently an accredited Examen Civique exam centre — you will sit the test at an external accredited venue.

Our team can help you:

• Identify an accredited Examen Civique centre near you and understand the booking process.
• Plan your timeline so the EC and your DELF / TCF language certificate are valid together when you submit your file.

Note: Centre Zenith is an official DELF-DALF exam centre — you can prepare and sit your French language certification entirely with us. The Examen Civique itself remains, for now, a separate booking with an accredited EC venue.

Centre Zenith is committed to making the Examen Civique programme accessible to learners with disabilities. Specific accommodations can be arranged on request. Please contact our team at formation@centrezenith.com to discuss your needs before enrolling.