What level of French do you need for the civic exam?

The level of French expected at the civic exam is not the same for everyone: it depends on the procedure you are applying for (multi-year residence permit, resident card, or naturalisation), as set out in the arrêté of 10 October 2025.

These levels come from the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR): A2 is a basic understanding of everyday life, B1 is independence on familiar topics, B2 is a finer understanding, including abstract subjects. The more demanding the procedure, the higher the required level tends to be.

This matters, because the civic exam is not only a knowledge test: in practice it is also a French-comprehension test. A well-revised question can still be missed simply because its wording wasn't understood.

That is exactly why our explanations come in three levels — A2, B1 and B2. You can read the same explanation in a simpler or a more detailed version, so understanding doesn't already depend on excellent French.

The situational block is especially sensitive to language level: you have to understand a concrete scenario, then choose the right reaction. That is often where a gap in level is felt most.

Always check the exact level required for your procedure on service-public.fr or with your préfecture, as the rules can change and your personal situation may involve special cases.