The civic exam, mandatory since 1 January 2026 for multi-year permits and naturalisation, covers French history, republican values and how the institutions work. The history section is one of the most substantial. Here is what you need to master to pass.
Key periods of French history for the exam
The exam covers five key periods: 1) The Revolution of 1789 and the Declaration of the Rights of Man — the foundation of republican values. 2) The First and Second World Wars, France's role and the Vichy regime. 3) De Gaulle, the Fourth and Fifth Republics (since 1958). 4) European integration and France's role. 5) Contemporary France: democratic institutions, secularism (laïcité), human rights.
Essential dates to know
1789 — Revolution and Declaration of Rights; 1792 — First Republic; 1804 — Napoleon and Civil Code; 1870 — Third Republic; 1905 — Church-State separation law (laïcité); 1914–1918 and 1939–1945 — World Wars; 1944 — liberation and women's suffrage; 1958 — Fifth Republic; 1992 — Maastricht Treaty.
Republican values: liberty, equality, fraternity
The three republican principles and their application today. Laïcité and the neutrality of public services. The 1789 Declaration of the Rights of Man and its contemporary relevance. Rights and duties of French citizenship. These themes make up a significant part of exam questions.
How FrenchDesk helps you prepare for the exam
FrenchDesk offers a practice simulator with real questions across three difficulty levels, themed sessions (history, institutions, values), and flashcards for key dates and concepts. After payment of €7.90 (12 months access), you have unlimited attempts until the day of your exam.