If you have been following the news recently, you will know that a citizenship test for naturalization was introduced on January 1, 2026 [decree of October 10, 2025].

Since the announcement of this new test, many people have assumed that the naturalization interview has been abolished.

This is not true.

Let me explain in detail.

Starting January 1, 2026, the process will change.

The civics exam does not replace the interview.

It precedes it.

In concrete terms, there will be two distinct stages:

And it is this distinction that creates confusion:

the test has been presented as a “new test such as the interview,”

even though passing it is mandatory in order to obtain your receipt of completion (the document that declares that your file is complete = récépissé in French) [Article 37-1 of the Decree on Naturalization]

In summary, these two tests have different objectives:

The civic exam: tests your knowledge.

It is a written test, on a digital support and in the form of a 40-question multiple-choice quiz, covering five main topics:

1. Principles and values of the Republic (11 questions) → Symbols, secularism (laïcité in French).
2. Institutional and political system (6 questions) → Democracy, voting rights, organization of the Republic, European institutions.
3. Rights and duties (11 questions) → Fundamental rights, obligations and duties of residents, practical cases.
4. History, geography, and culture (8 questions) → Major periods, key figures, French heritage, territories, and geography.
5. Living in French society (4 questions) → Working, accessing healthcare, education, etc.

If your health condition or disability makes it impossible for you to take the test, you may be exempted from this part of the exam.

At the end, you will receive a certificate of completion, which is essential for completing your application and receiving your interview invitation. The pass mark for the exam is 80% correct answers. A correct answer is worth 1 point, while an incorrect answer or no answer is worth 0 points.

The assimilation (oral) interview assesses your actual integration

It is an oral exchange with a prefecture official.

Its goal is to understand your background, your integration, and your understanding of French values: secularism (laïcité), equality, freedom, etc.

In summary:

📘 The exam assesses your knowledge.

🗣️ The interview assesses your integration.

And from 2026 onwards, passing the civic exam will be mandatory in order to be eligible for the interview.

In short, it’s not one or the other.

See you soon for more updates.

Jeremy

P.S.: If your interview is coming up, don’t forget that I offer a preparation guide + 1:1 mock interview to help you practice before the big day, in addition to my classic assistance.