New rules since 1 January 2026
Your card. Your level.
For a first card or for French nationality, you now need a French level and the civic exam. Choose your situation: we show you exactly what you need.
Multi-year card · first application
You need 2 things:
A2
French level A2In listening, reading, writing and speaking.
40
The civic exam40 questions, 45 minutes. Pass mark: 32 / 40.
Renewing a card you already have? These new conditions do not apply.
How to prove your A2 level
✓
DELF A2A French diploma, valid for life.
✓
TCF or TEF testA test result, valid 2 years.
✓
A French diplomaSome French school or university diplomas are accepted.
Resident card · 10 years
You need 2 things:
B1
French level B1In listening, reading, writing and speaking.
40
The civic exam40 questions, 45 minutes. Pass mark: 32 / 40.
Renewing a card you already have? These new conditions do not apply.
How to prove your B1 level
✓
DELF B1A French diploma, valid for life.
✓
TCF or TEF testA test result, valid 2 years.
✓
A French diplomaSome French school or university diplomas are accepted.
French nationality · naturalisation
You need 2 things:
B2
French level B2In listening, reading, writing and speaking.
40
The civic exam40 questions, 45 minutes, pass mark 32 / 40. Then the nationality interview.
Renewing a card you already have? These new conditions do not apply.
How to prove your B2 level
✓
DELF B2 or DALFA French diploma, valid for life.
✓
TCF or TEF testA test result, valid 2 years.
✓
A French diplomaFor example the brevet or a higher French diploma.
Your path with TSA
4 steps to your card.
We go with you from your first class to your file.
The 3 situations
All in one table.
| Multi-year card | Resident card | French nationality | |
|---|---|---|---|
| French level | A2 | B1 | B2 |
| Civic exam | Yes · 32 / 40 | Yes · 32 / 40 | Yes · 32 / 40 + interview |
| Our course | Our DELF A2 course → | Our DELF B1 course → | Our nationality course → |
RenewalRenewing a card you already have? The new French level and civic exam are not asked.
Some people are exemptFor example for health reasons, or refugees. Check your own case.
DELF or TCF?The DELF is valid for life. A TCF or TEF result is valid 2 years.
Source: service-public.gouv.fr, checked October 2026. Rules can change: always check your own case.
Not sure of your level?
Take the free test: 15 minutes, result at once.