Examen Civique — the official French citizenship test for naturalisation and long-stay permits.
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.
Why prepare your Examen Civique with Centre Zenith
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.
What the Examen Civique covers
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.
