Examen civique exemptions
Not everyone has to take the examen civique. Here, simply, is who it concerns and who is exempt.
Last checked: 17 juillet 2026
Who has to take the exam
This concerns you if you are in one of these situations:
- You are an adult foreign national from a country outside the European Union.
- You have signed the contrat d'intégration républicaine (republican integration contract, CIR).
- You are applying for the first time for a carte de séjour pluriannuelle (CSP) or a carte de résident (CR), from 1 January 2026.
- Or you are a candidate for naturalisation.
Who is exempt
You do not have to take the exam if you are in one of these cases:
- Renewal of a carte de séjour pluriannuelle or a carte de résident: the exam is not required.
- Beneficiaries of international protection: refugees and stateless persons.
- Nationals covered by certain bilateral agreements between France and their country.
- People over 65: exempt from the language requirement and the examen civique.
- Medical exemption: depending on your state of health.
Does this concern you? What follows depends on your permit
If you have to take the exam, the expected language level depends on the permit you are applying for. See our page Language level to find out what applies to you.
Frequently asked questions about exemptions
Does renewing my permit require the exam?
No. The examen civique concerns the first issuance of a carte de séjour pluriannuelle or a carte de résident. For a renewal, you do not have to take it.
I am a refugee or stateless. Does this concern me?
No. Beneficiaries of international protection (refugees, stateless persons) are exempt from the examen civique.
I am over 65. Do I have to take the exam?
No. People over 65 are exempt from both the language requirement and the examen civique.
Is there an exemption on health grounds?
Yes. A medical exemption is possible depending on your state of health. Check with the centre or the relevant authority.