What type of exam is the CCSE?
The CCSE test (Conocimientos Constitucionales y Socioculturales de España) is an exam developed by the Instituto Cervantes that evaluates, through different tasks, the knowledge of the Spanish Constitution and the social and cultural reality of Spain. This test is one of the legal requirements for obtaining Spanish nationality.
When will the results be published?
The results will be published about 20 days after the exam.
Candidates will receive an email as soon as their marks are published.
Candidates will be able to consult their results electronically in their private space on the Instituto Cervantes website, using their personal access data (username and password) provided at the time of registration.
How is the exam structured?
The CCSE test consists of 25 questions on two types of content (knowledge of the Spanish Constitution and the social and cultural reality of Spain) and is organised into two main sections:
- Gobierno, legislación y participación ciudadana en España (15 questions).
- Cultura, historia y sociedad españolas (10 questions).
It is composed of five tasks with 25 multiple choice questions and 3 closed answers or true/false options.
Task 1:
- No. of questions: 10.
- Description: The task consists of 10 multiple choice questions with three possible answer options each. The candidate must select the correct answer for each question, among the three options available.
- Assessed skills: Knowledge about the government, state powers and institutions, basic laws, and citizen participation mechanisms. Knowledge about the duties and rights that Spanish nationality entails.
Task 2:
- No. of questions: 3.
- Description: The task consists of 3 True/False questions. The candidate must read short declarations or statements and select the correct answer from two options. The types of written texts may include declarations or statements alluding to rights and duties of the citizen adapted from the Spanish Constitution with a maximum length of 30 words.
- Assessed skills: Knowledge about the government, state powers and institutions, basic laws, and citizen participation mechanisms. Knowledge of the application for nationality and the duties and rights it entails.
Task 3:
- No. of questions: 2.
- Description: 2 multiple choice questions with three possible answer options each and possible visual support based on a geographic map. The candidate must select the correct answer for each question, among the three options available. The types of written texts may include questions or statements on territorial organisation and physical and political geography of Spain supported by a geopolitical map with a maximum length of 20 words.
- Assessed skills: Knowledge of the territorial organisation and Spanish physical and political geography.
Task 4:
- No. of questions: 3.
- Description: 3 multiple choice questions with three possible answer options each. The candidate must select the correct answer for each question, among the three options available. Written text types may include questions or statements about traditions, art, culture, and relevant Spanish historical facts with a maximum length of 30 words.
- Assessed skills: Knowledge of traditions, art, culture and relevant Spanish historical facts.
Task 5:
- No. of questions: 7.
- Description: 7 multiple choice questions with three possible answer options each. The candidate must select the correct answer for each question, among the three options available. Written text types may include questions or statements about aspects of Spanish society, everyday life in Spain, and administrative formalities with a maximum length of 40 words.
- Assessed skills: Knowledge of traditions, art, culture, and relevant Spanish historical facts.
For more information on the CCSE test, please refer to the documents offered at this link
Does the CCSE exam pass certificate expire?
The certificate of passing the CCSE exam, issued by the Instituto Cervantes, is valid for 4 years from the date of approval of the qualification report. It is important to note that some institutions or entities may require an update of the knowledge acquired in the exam, especially if there have been significant changes in the legislation or in the socio-cultural reality of Spain.
Is the exam face-to-face?
Yes. Candidates must report to the CCSE exam centre at which they have enrolled on the day and time listed on the enrolment slip and which they have chosen.
The test centre will call the candidates to come on the day of the test some time in advance of the start time of the tests, given that the candidates must be identified before the start, and they need to receive instructions on how to administer the test by the centre staff.
How long is the exam?
The test has a maximum duration of 45 minutes and is written in the variety of contemporary peninsular Spanish.
Is it possible to take only one part of the exam or do I have to take all parts?
The CCSE exam consists of a single test that covers all subjects related to the constitutional and socio-cultural knowledge of Spain. Candidates must complete all sections of the exam in one sitting. It is not possible to take only part of the exam; all the subjects included in the test must be examined.
How can I prepare for the CCSE test? Do I need to take any courses?
No, it is not necessary to take a specific course or use a specific teaching material to take the CCSE test.
The Instituto Cervantes makes available to candidates various materials for the preparation of the test free of charge, which are:
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The Manual de preparación para la prueba CCSE, as an interactive and printable PDF.
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The free CCSE Nacionalidad Española app, which can be downloaded on Google Play and on the App Store
This is the only official app of the Instituto Cervantes to prepare for the exam: it guarantees that it contains the 300 fully updated questions that correspond to the official CCSE test. With this mobile app you can review the questions, check your knowledge, and practise the exam as many times as you want, from your mobile.
More support material
Is there a minimum age to take the exam?
The minimum age to take the CCSE exam is 16 years old. Minors under this age are not allowed to take the exam. It is important to consider this requirement before planning to take the CCSE exam.
What if I am dissatisfied with my score?
All candidates will have the right to make any complaints they deem appropriate through the Sede electrónica del Instituto Cervantes.
The review period for grades is one calendar month from publication.
I have special needs, can the exam be adapted?
Yes. The CCSE foresees some accommodation measures in the case of special needs. Contact the centre for more information.