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What is the SMIC?
Model-written, not yet read by a native reader.
Correct answer: The minimum hourly wage in France. The SMIC (salaire minimum de croissance) is the minimum hourly wage in France. It is forbidden to pay an employee less than the SMIC. Source: the Ministry of the Interior sheet “Le droit du travail (2/5)” (in French).
Sources: Sheet “Le droit du travail (2/5)” (French), read on 21 October 2026. Answer written by Hexaciv from this source. Hexaciv is an independent preparation tool. It is not an official website, is not linked to any government body and does not give legal advice. The authoritative source is the Ministry of the Interior's, cited on this page.
The four choices and why
- ✗ A tax paid by employeesUn impôt payé par les salariésThe SMIC is a wage, not a tax.
- ✗ State aid for unemployed peopleUne aide de l'État pour les chômeursThe SMIC is paid by the employer, not the State.
- ✓ The minimum hourly wage in FranceLe salaire minimum horaire en FranceCorrect answer. The SMIC (salaire minimum de croissance) is the minimum hourly wage in France. It is forbidden to pay an employee less than the SMIC.
- ✗ The maximum monthly wage of an employeeLe salaire maximum d'un salariéThe SMIC is a minimum, not a maximum.
What the source says
« Il est interdit de verser un salaire inférieur au salaire minimum de croissance »
Sentence copied word for word from the source, in French, read on 21 October 2026.
How it reads on exam day
The exam is in French, so this is the question you will see: « Qu'est-ce que le SMIC ? ». Learn the English idea above and the French words in the options.
This question is on the official list for the multi-year residence card (CSP) and on the naturalisation list (PDF read on 14 October 2026). The Ministry's wording: “Qu'est-ce que le SMIC ?”.
Where the Ministry explains it
Sheet “Le droit du travail (2/5)” (French).
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