Regional language certificates

It is for anyone considering, planning or carrying out a move to Spain. You will be able to pick the right certificate for your region and goal, register for it and check it will be accepted before you pay.

Start with "Which official certificates prove Catalan, Valencian, Galician or Basque?". It maps the systems, the issuing bodies and the level names. Then go to the page for your region, or to "What regional language levels A2 to C2 mean in adult life" to see what each level lets you do in practice.

Key rules

• Validity: Official certificates from the regional bodies do not expire and are valid for life, though a call may require that the certificate was obtained before a set date.
• No national certificate: Each region issues its own certificates, so use the one from the region whose language you need.
• Level names: Catalonia uses B1 to C2, the Balearics and Valencia A2 to C2, and Galicia CELGA 1 to 5.
• Everyday life: B1 is enough to handle most appointments and conversations on familiar topics.
• Working in the language: B2 lets you work in the language, write reports and deal with paperwork and complaints.
• Two systems: Catalonia and the Balearic Islands each issue their own Catalan certificates, with separate calls and online registration.

Regional language certificates: the whole process, step by step

• Work out which certificate and level your job, points or studies ask for (see Which official certificates prove Catalan, Valencian, Galician or Basque?): before you choose an exam

• Check that the call or notice you are applying to will accept that certificate (see Your certificate comes from another region or country: is it accepted?): before you register for any exam

• Find the exam call for your region: Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, the Valencian Community (JQCV) or Galicia (CELGA): several weeks before the session, when the call is published

• Register online on the regional government's website and pay the fee: during the registration window announced in each call, which lasts several weeks in Catalonia and a short period for the JQCV and CELGA

• Sit the exam. Most regions hold sessions in spring or early summer and in autumn: usually twice a year, around May/June and September/October for the JQCV

• Keep your certificate to attach to job, points or university applications: after you pass; official certificates do not expire

Exam dates, registration windows and fees change every year, so check the current call with the issuing body.

Documents you may need

Translations and legal papers

• A sworn translation of the foreign certificate — Your certificate comes from another region or country: is it accepted?

Other documents

• A CELGA certificate at the level your purpose asks — Galician CELGA certificates: which level for which purpose
• The certificate issued abroad — Your certificate comes from another region or country: is it accepted?
• Your school record or academic transcript — Studied in the regional language: can schooling replace a certificate?
• Your ESO or Bachillerato title — Studied in the regional language: can schooling replace a certificate?
• University degree in the language — Which official certificates prove Catalan, Valencian, Galician or Basque?, Your certificate comes from another region or country: is it accepted?
• Basque EGA certificate from the Basque Government — Which official certificates prove Catalan, Valencian, Galician or Basque?
• As an alternative — Galician CELGA certificates: which level for which purpose

Regional language certificates: questions that cross several articles

Which regions reward or require a regional language certificate?

Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, the Valencian Community, Galicia, the Basque Country and the Basque-speaking zones of Navarre all reward or require one. It counts for public jobs, teaching posts, health service posts and some university requirements.

Do the Escuelas Oficiales de Idiomas or universities issue these certificates?

Universities generally do not issue the main official certificates, but their language degrees are accepted as proof in public competitions. Some university certificates count only if they are on your region's list of equivalent certificates. Read Your certificate comes from another region or country: is it accepted? and Studied in the regional language: can schooling replace a certificate?.

Have any certificates been renamed or replaced recently?

Yes, several have changed names or levels, so an older certificate may appear under a different name in a current call. Catalonia simplified its levels to B1, B2, C1 and C2, and the Balearic and Valencian certificates moved to the A2 to C2 level names. Read the article for your region, such as Catalan certificates in Catalonia and the Balearic Islands.

Which level do I need for teaching or public jobs?

It depends on the post, but teaching generally asks for C1 or equivalent in the language. Valencia asks for the JQCV C1, and Galicia often asks for CELGA 4. Read What regional language levels A2 to C2 mean in adult life and the article for your region.