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Prepare for the CR civic exam

A complete English guide to the CR level: official format, separate knowledge list, study method and free practice.

Last verified: 11/09/2026
Country: FranceExam: Examen CiviqueReviewed: 11/09/2026

CR format: 40 French-language multiple-choice questions, including 28 knowledge questions and 12 situational questions. The maximum time is 45 minutes and the pass mark is 32/40.

Why CR is a separate route

The authorities distinguish levels according to the residence title. CR has its own official knowledge list and should not be treated as an identical copy of CSP.

Official question material

The Formation civique portal publishes CR knowledge prompts. Situational prompts are not published, so independent scenario practice should be labelled honestly.

CR certificate and CSP

Official guidance indicates that a CR success certificate can serve for the CSP level in the relevant application process. Do not assume the reverse.

Preparation method

Learn the CR knowledge list, review the five thematic areas, practise applications of the rules and then take timed full mocks. Review your weakest topic after every attempt.

The resident-card route has its own level

The carte de résident (CR) route should not be treated as a duplicate of CSP or naturalisation. It has route-specific official knowledge material and should be studied as its own exam track. Citizenship Test Hub keeps separate pages and question filters so that a learner does not unknowingly mix levels.

Prepare for both knowledge and situations

The official CR structure uses 28 knowledge questions and 12 situational questions within the same 40-question, 45-minute framework. Study factual material first, then practise applying rights, duties, republican principles and everyday rules to short scenarios. A scenario can feel easy when you recognise the topic but still require careful reading to identify the best answer.

Build a margin above 32/40

Thirty-two correct answers is the official minimum, but using exactly 32 as your practice target leaves no margin for a misunderstood question. Track several mock attempts and aim for stable results above the threshold. Review your weakest theme after each full attempt rather than immediately starting another random mock.

Practise in French before test day

The English guide is a support layer. Your final preparation should happen substantially in French so institutional terms, rights-and-duties vocabulary and everyday civic wording feel familiar under time pressure. Save difficult French questions and revisit them after a few days instead of only reviewing them immediately.

Keep administrative questions with the authority

This site does not determine whether you qualify for a resident card, whether an exception applies or which evidence your prefecture will require. The official administration remains the source for personal immigration decisions. Our role is to make the test structure and study process easier to understand.

Frequently asked questions

Is CR harder than CSP?
The authorities describe different difficulty levels for the residence title sought and publish separate knowledge lists.
What is the CR question mix?
28 knowledge questions and 12 situational questions.
Can a CR certificate cover CSP?
Official guidance says the CR certificate can count for CSP in the relevant process.
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