Exam overview

The CCSE is a multiple-choice exam testing knowledge of the Spanish Constitution and social and cultural realities of Spain. It is required for Spanish naturalization and is administered by the Instituto Cervantes. A defining feature: the official 300-question pool is fully published, and every test question is drawn from that pool.

Eligibility

(As of 2026)

Anyone may take the CCSE itself, but to use it for a Spanish nationality application the following residency rules apply:

• Standard: 10 years of legal residence
• Reduced periods:
  • Latin America, Andorra, Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal: 2 years
  • Sephardic Jews: 2 years plus additional procedure
  • Married to a Spanish citizen: 1 year
  • Refugees: 5 years
  • Born in Spain and other special cases
• Aged 18 or older (separate procedure for minors)
• No serious criminal record

Language is tested separately via the DELE A2 exam — both CCSE and DELE A2 must be passed. Native Spanish speakers (Latin America, Equatorial Guinea, etc.) are exempt from DELE A2. Children under 14 are exempt from both exams; medical diagnosis of cognitive impairment and some senior cases may also qualify for exemption.

Exam format

• 25 multiple-choice questions, 45 minutes
• Pass with 15 correct answers (60%)
• Computer-based
• Language: Spanish (Castilian) only
• Locations: certified Instituto Cervantes centers worldwide
• Held monthly on most months, on fixed dates
• Drawn from the official 300-question pool, which is published in advance

Fees

(As of 2026; subject to change)

• CCSE exam fee: €85 per attempt
• DELE A2 exam fee: approximately €124 (separate exam)
• Spanish nationality application fee (tasa): approximately €105

Exam fees and the nationality application fee are separate — passing the exam does not waive the application fee.

How to register

1. Register at examenes.cervantes.es/ccse/inscripcion
2. Choose a session and test center, pay the €85 fee
3. Confirmation and exam date follow
4. Bring photo ID (TIE or passport) on test day

Retake policy

• No limit on attempts
• €85 fee per attempt
• No mandatory waiting period — simply register for the next session

After passing

1. Receive your CCSE certificate — valid for 4 years
2. File the Spanish nationality application within those 4 years (online or via consulate)
3. Submit DELE A2 certificate + CCSE certificate + proof of residence + supporting documents
4. Review (typically 1–3 years)
5. On approval, swear loyalty (juramento) at a consulate or Civil Registry (Registro Civil)
6. Apply for the Spanish national ID (DNI) and passport

Official resources

• CCSE official site: examenes.cervantes.es/ccse
• Registration and schedule: examenes.cervantes.es/ccse/inscripcion
• 300-question pool and study guide: examenes.cervantes.es/ccse/preparacion
• Free official practice tests on the same site

Things to watch out for

• Seats are limited and first-come, first-served — register the moment a session opens
• The certificate expires 4 years after issue; if you have not filed for nationality within that window, you must retake the exam
• Outside Latin America, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal, and Sephardic Jews, the 10-year residency rule applies — insufficient residence is the most common rejection reason
• Forgetting valid photo ID (TIE or passport) on test day means you cannot sit the exam

FAQ

Is the test only in Spanish? Yes. It is conducted entirely in Castilian Spanish; no other language options exist.

What if I fail? You can retake it as many times as needed. Each attempt costs €85.

Does the certificate last forever? No — it is valid for 4 years from issue. The nationality application must be filed within that period.

Is passing the CCSE alone enough for nationality? No — unless Spanish is your native language, you must also pass the DELE A2 exam.