What French Level Do You Need for the Civic Exam?
A2, B1 or B2 — Understanding CEFR levels and what they mean in practice
Quel niveau de français faut-il pour l’examen civique 2026 ?
Quick answer: The required French level depends on your situation: A2 for a multi-year residence permit (CSP), B1 for a 10-year resident card, and B2 for naturalization. The exam is entirely in French — no dictionaries or translators allowed.
Réponse rapide : Le niveau requis dépend de votre situation : A2 (carte de séjour), B1 (carte de résident), B2 (naturalisation). L’examen est entièrement en français.
⚠️ Important: Parcours Civique is a private preparation platform. For official procedures, visit service-public.fr.
What Are CEFR Levels A2, B1, B2?
CEFR stands for the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. It is the international standard used across Europe to describe language ability. For the French civic exam, your required CEFR level determines the complexity of the questions you will face — not the topics (all 5 themes are the same for every level).
Think of it this way: every candidate is tested on the same subjects (French values, institutions, history, rights and duties, daily life). But an A2 candidate will get straightforward questions with simple vocabulary, while a B2 candidate will face nuanced questions with administrative and legal terminology.
Required Level by Situation
| Your Goal | French Level | Number of Questions | OFII Training |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multi-year residence permit (Carte de séjour pluriannuelle / CSP) | A2 — Elementary | 190 questions in the bank | Required before exam |
| 10-year resident card (Carte de résident) | B1 — Intermediate | 210 questions in the bank | Not required |
| French naturalization (Nationalité française) | B2 — Advanced | 233 questions in the bank | Not required |
💡 Good to know: For naturalization, the B2 level applies to both naturalisation par décret (by decree) and naturalisation par mariage (by marriage). You will also need to pass the assimilation interview in addition to the civic exam.
Level A2 — What It Means in Practice
🟢 A2: Elementary User
At A2 level, you can understand simple sentences and commonly used vocabulary. Questions are direct and short. The vocabulary is everyday French.
What you need to be able to do:
- Understand straightforward questions about French life
- Recognise basic civic vocabulary (school, vote, rights, duties)
- Choose the correct answer from 4 options on familiar topics
In France, school is compulsory:
A) From 6 to 14 years old
B) From 3 to 16 years old ✅
C) From 5 to 18 years old
D) Only for boys
Analysis: Direct question, simple vocabulary, one clearly correct answer.
Difficulty:
Level B1 — What It Means in Practice
🟡 B1: Independent User
At B1 level, you can understand clear texts on familiar subjects and deal with situations you may encounter in daily life. Questions include scenario-based situations with administrative vocabulary.
What you need to be able to do:
- Understand contextualised scenarios (workplace, administration)
- Know administrative vocabulary (employee, contract, union, tax)
- Reason about rights and duties in practical situations
An employee wants to join a trade union. Their employer:
A) Must give their authorisation
B) Can refuse if the company has fewer than 50 employees
C) Cannot oppose it ✅
D) Must be informed in writing
Analysis: Real-life scenario, administrative vocabulary (union, employee), reasoning about a fundamental right.
Difficulty:
Level B2 — What It Means in Practice
🔴 B2: Advanced User
B2 is the level required for French naturalization. At this level, you must understand complex texts, including abstract and legal concepts. Questions use formal, sometimes juridical language, and require nuanced reasoning.
What you need to be able to do:
- Understand abstract concepts (secularism, universal suffrage, non-discrimination)
- Distinguish between answers that are very close in meaning
- Reason about legal and constitutional principles
The principle of laïcité (secularism) implies that:
A) Religious practice is forbidden in France
B) The State funds all religions equally
C) The State does not recognise, pay or subsidise any religion ✅
D) Public servants may display their religious beliefs
Analysis: Abstract concept (laïcité), formal legal wording, answers very close in meaning requiring precise understanding.
Difficulty:
Key Civic Vocabulary You Must Know
The French used in the civic exam is neither literary nor conversational. It is administrative and institutional French. Learning this specific vocabulary is the fastest way to improve your score.
⚖️ Rights & Duties
FR: Obligatoire / Facultatif, Interdit / Autorisé, Devoir / Droit
EN: Mandatory / Optional, Forbidden / Allowed, Duty / Right
🏛️ Institutions
FR: Président, Premier ministre, Parlement, Préfecture, Mairie
EN: President, Prime Minister, Parliament, Prefecture, Town Hall
🇫🇷 Values
FR: Laïcité, Égalité, Fraternité, Non-discrimination, Suffrage universel
EN: Secularism, Equality, Brotherhood, Non-discrimination, Universal suffrage
📄 Administration
FR: Déclaration, Impôts, Sécurité sociale, Carte Vitale
EN: Tax return, Taxes, Social security, Health insurance card
How to Know If Your Level Is Good Enough
Do not rely on how you “feel” about your French. The only reliable way is to take practice tests in real exam conditions.
✅ Self-Assessment Guide
| If you… | Your likely level |
| Understand simple questions but get stuck on certain words | Weak A2 → Focus on vocabulary |
| Understand the questions but hesitate between 2 answers | A2/B1 → Work on nuances |
| Understand everything but run out of time | B1+ → Build QCM automatisms |
| Understand everything and answer quickly | Ready → Do full simulations |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the civic exam without speaking French?
No. The exam is entirely in French, with no dictionary or translator allowed. You must understand the questions on your own.
What is the actual difference between A2 and B1?
A2 = direct questions with simple vocabulary. B1 = more developed questions with administrative vocabulary and contextualised scenarios.
Is B2 really harder?
Yes. B2 questions use formal, sometimes legal language and require reasoning about abstract concepts like secularism or constitutional principles.
What if my French is weak?
Allow yourself more preparation time (3–6 months). Focus on civic vocabulary first — it is more effective than general French courses for this specific exam.
Are there exemptions from the French level requirement?
Yes. People over 65 may be exempt. People with disabilities may receive accommodations. Check the exemptions guide for details.