Guide — A2 French and the examen civique
Practical guides to the two conditions for a first carte de séjour pluriannuelle: proving A2 French (TCF IRN, DELF A2) and passing the examen civique. Exam formats, how each one is marked, how to register, what it costs, and who is exempt.
TCF IRN day — four indivisible papers in 1 h 35
Since the reform of 12 May 2025 the TCF IRN lasts 1 h 35 and consists of four papers that cannot be split. The detail of each one, minute by minute, and the two traps in the format.
3 min read
A2, B1 or B2 — which level for which application
Three residence documents, three different French levels — and one civics exam common to all three. What each application actually requires, and what changed in 2025.
3 min read
If you fail: retaking the exam and what to redo
The three exams behave very differently after a failure: the civics exam can be retaken with no waiting period, the DELF A2 is retaken in full at the next session, and the TCF IRN has no concept of failure at all. What to redo, and when.
5 min read
Results and certificates: timings, validity and what the préfecture reads
How long a result takes, how long it stays valid, and which line of the attestation the préfecture actually looks at. The three exams have three different calendars and three different validity periods.
4 min read
Training for the civics exam: method and answering strategy
40 questions in 45 minutes, 32 correct answers to pass, no penalty for a wrong answer — the rules of the examen civique dictate a precise strategy. How to train, how to answer, and the mistakes that cost the most.
4 min read
The 5 themes of the French civics exam, and how to revise them
The civics exam draws its 40 questions from five themes with fixed weights — 11, 11, 8, 6 and 4 questions. What each theme covers, how much it is worth, and how to split your revision time to reach 32/40.
4 min read
Who is exempt from the A2 requirement and from the examen civique?
Age, disability or chronic illness, schooling in France, international protection, permit category, the Franco-Algerian regime — the list of exemptions from the language condition and from the examen civique, with the texts behind them.
3 min read
Registering for the TCF IRN, the DELF A2 or the examen civique — where, when, how much
Who runs each exam, how to register, how long results take, and what price ranges are actually observed. Fees are set centre by centre, so this page gives ranges and never a single price.
4 min read
The examen civique — 40 questions, 32 correct answers to pass
Since 1 January 2026 the examen civique is compulsory for a first carte de séjour pluriannuelle. 40 multiple-choice questions with 4 options, 45 minutes, 32/40 to pass, unlimited retakes. The programme, the themes, and our free practice paper.
4 min read
TCF IRN or DELF A2 — which to choose, and how each one is marked
DELF A2 is passed at 50/100 with an eliminatory floor of 5/25 in every épreuve. The TCF IRN has no pass mark at all — it places you on a 100 to 499 scale. An honest comparison of the two.
6 min read
A2 French is required for the carte de séjour pluriannuelle since 1 January 2026
Since 1 January 2026 a first carte de séjour pluriannuelle requires A2 French proved by a diploma or a certification, plus a pass in the examen civique. What the law actually says, and which documents are accepted.
4 min read
Practise for A2 and the examen civique — free