What the Spanish culture and constitution exam (CCSE) covers

Key rules

• Format: The exam is taken on a computer, with three answer options per question.
• Language: There is no translated version, so you answer in Spanish.
• Wrong answers: Wrong answers do not lose points, so answer every question.
• Practice material: A published bank of 300 questions is available from the Instituto Cervantes.

The format in short

The CCSE is a computer-based test run by the Instituto Cervantes. It has 25 multiple-choice questions and lasts 45 minutes. Each question has three options, and only one is right.

Language: Spanish only

You answer in Spanish. There is no translated version. Your Spanish level is assessed separately, either by the DELE A2 exam or by an exemption. So the CCSE tests what you know about Spain, but you still need to read the questions in Spanish.

The pass mark

Your result is apto (pass) or no apto (fail). You need at least 15 of the 25 questions right to pass. That is 60%. Wrong answers do not take points away, so answer every question, even if you are guessing.

What the questions cover

The 25 questions come from five topic areas:

• Government and public administration, including the Spanish Constitution and the country's institutions.
• Legislation, and citizens' rights and duties.
• Spanish geography.
• Culture and history.
• Social organisation and society, including education, health and work.

How to prepare

The questions are based on a published bank of 300 questions. The Instituto Cervantes makes it available to candidates. Download it and work through it, because the exam draws on these items. Practise on a computer with a timer set to 45 minutes. That gets you used to the three-option format and the time limit.

The checklist below sums up the steps. The quick answers below it cover ID, sitting the exam abroad and taking the CCSE and DELE A2 on the same day.

Checklist

Before you book the CCSE

• Plan to answer in Spanish: there is no translated version, because your language level is assessed separately.

• Learn the pass mark: the result is apto or no apto, and you need at least 15 of the 25 questions right to pass.

• Study the five topic areas: government and public administration, legislation and citizens' rights and duties, geography, culture and history, and society (including education, health and work).

• Download the published bank of 300 questions from the Instituto Cervantes and practise with it, since the exam questions come from it.

• Practise answering three-option questions on a computer within the time limit.

Exam-day quick answers

What ID do I need to bring on exam day?

Bring a valid original identity document with a photo: your passport, or your foreigner identity card (TIE) or NIE certificate together with your passport if you live in Spain. Photocopies are not accepted. Bring your registration confirmation too.

Can I sit the exams abroad before moving to Spain?

Yes, you can take the CCSE and DELE A2 abroad at Instituto Cervantes centres, and DELE also at accredited centres, but not every centre offers the CCSE. Register at the centre and bring a valid passport. Your nationality application still requires legal residence in Spain.

Can I take the CCSE and DELE A2 on the same day?

Sometimes, at some centres, but it is not guaranteed because the two exams have separate calendars. Check the calendar of your centre before you book travel.

How is the exam taken: on a computer or on paper?

The CCSE is taken on a computer, in Spanish, with no translated version. The DELE A2 is normally taken on paper at accredited centres, though some centres offer a computer version. The DELE oral part is usually face-to-face with examiners.