Examination format

The examinations consist of five tests (Reading Comprehension, Writing, Listening Comprehension, Grammar and Vocabulary, and Speaking), each of which includes different exercises. To obtain the Diploma in Spanish, at Beginner, Intermediate or Proficiency level, candidates must pass all the tests on the same examination date.

Beginner Level

Exam paper	Time	Format
Reading Comprehension	40 min	1. Candidates must answer by selecting the appropriate answer to multiple choice questions on informative texts. 2. Candidates must select information from a text, based on a series of questions.
Writing	50 min	Candidates must be able to produce brief, simple texts of a practical nature, such as notes, notices, application forms, etc.
Listening Comprehension	30 min	Candidates must be able to understand short, simple dialogues and recorded information by choosing the correct answers.
Grammar and Vocabulary	40 min	1. Candidates must match up different sentences with their corresponding situations. 2. Candidates must locate, in several sentences, the words or expressions that are out of context. 3. Candidates must complete a text by selecting the correct options.
Speaking	10 min	Candidates must carry on a 10 to 15-minute conversation with the panel.

Intermediate Level

Exam paper	Time	Format
Reading Comprehension	60 min	Candidates will select the right answer to 12 multiple choice questions, on 4 texts, each of which will be no longer than 450 words.
Writing	60 min	Candidates must carry out two tasks: writing a letter and a composition. Each exercise should be between 150 and 200 words long.
Listening Comprehension	30 min	Candidates will answer 12 multiple choice questions on 4 oral texts (recordings). The recordings will consist of notices, news, conversations or interviews.
Grammar and Vocabulary	60 min	Candidates will carry out the following two exercises: 1. Fill in the gaps (20 spaces): candidates must choose the most appropriate option from the three given for each space. 2. They must fill in 40 short dialogues, each with a gap, with the best option.
Speaking	10-15 min	Candidates must carry on a 10 to 15-minute conversation with the panel.

Proficiency Level

Exam paper	Time	Format
Reading Comprehension	60 min	Candidates will carry out the following two exercises: 1. They must select the correct answer to 9 multiple choice questions on 3 texts, each of which will be no longer than 800 words. 2. They must match up a maximum of 10 series of text fragments.
Writing	60 min	Candidates will compose: 1. A formal letter on one topic taken from two choices, on a number of given points. 2. A composition of a narrative, descriptive or discursive nature. Each exercise should be between 150 and 200 words long.
Listening Comprehension	45 min	Candidates will answer 16 multiple choice questions on 4 oral texts (recordings). The recordings will be conversations between two or more speakers, or comments or reports broadcast in the media.
Grammar and Vocabulary	60 min	Candidates must complete the following three exercises: 1. Fill in the gaps (20 spaces): candidates must choose the most appropriate option from the three given for each space. 2. Multiple Choice Exercise : using one of the given options, candidates must fill in the gaps in 35 sentences. 3. They must find 5 grammatical errors in one or several short texts.
Speaking	10-15 min	Candidates must carry on a 10 to 15-minute conversation with the panel.

Accreditations

Examination format

Beginner Level

Intermediate Level

Proficiency Level