CSP format: 40 French-language multiple-choice questions: 28 knowledge + 12 situational, up to 45 minutes, with at least 32 correct answers required.
Who may need it?
The rule applies to covered first applications for a multi-year residence permit by non-EU foreign nationals. Official information lists exceptions, and renewal of a previously obtained CSP or CR is not treated the same as a first application for this requirement.
Official CSP knowledge list
The Formation civique website publishes the knowledge questions that may be used at CSP level. Situational questions are not made public.
How to prepare
Study the official list and thematic training pages first. Then use practice questions to check understanding and original scenarios to practise applying principles. Finish with mock exams that preserve the official 28+12 mix.
When to take the exam
For the residence procedures concerned, the success certificate is required when the application is filed. Use the official site and your test provider for booking details.
Why CSP preparation should stay separate
The first multi-year residence permit route has its own civic-exam level and official knowledge-question material. Mixing it with naturalisation or resident-card preparation can make revision less efficient because the official lists and expected level are not identical. Keep your notes and practice sessions labelled with the route you actually need.
The 28 + 12 structure
For the CSP route, official material describes 28 knowledge questions and 12 situational questions within the 40-question exam. The situational section asks you to apply principles or practical rules to a scenario rather than simply recall a fact. That means a preparation plan should combine factual study with scenario-based practice.
How to study the five themes
Work through republican principles and values, institutions and politics, rights and duties, history/geography/culture, and daily life in French society. After each theme, write a short explanation of the main rules in your own words. Then practise questions from that theme before moving back to mixed sets.
Use published material and original practice differently
Officially published knowledge prompts show what the authority has chosen to make public. Our original practice questions are designed to test the same broad learning areas, but they are not official exam questions. Situational practice on this site is also original preparation; we do not claim access to unpublished official situational items.
Check whether the rule applies to your residence procedure
Residence-permit rules depend on the type of application and can include exceptions. This page explains the CSP exam preparation route, not whether a particular person must take it. Confirm your own administrative situation through the official French sources or the authority handling your application.
Frequently asked questions
What is the CSP question mix?
Are CSP situational questions published?
What is the CSP passing score?
Your feedback helps us keep country information useful and current.