The full guide
What is the CCSE?
The CCSE (Conocimientos Constitucionales y Socioculturales de España) is a test of knowledge about Spain’s constitution, institutions, geography, culture and society. It’s required for Spanish citizenship by residence and run by the Instituto Cervantes.
Format and fee
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Questions | 25, multiple choice or true/false |
| Time | 45 minutes |
| Pass mark | 15 correct answers |
| Fee | €85 in 2026 |
| Dates | Last Thursday of the month, ten times a year (not August or December) |
| Results | About 20 days later: APTO or NO APTO |
| Validity | Four years |
The five topic areas
| Area | Questions in the exam |
|---|---|
| Government, law and civic participation | 10 |
| Rights and duties | 3 |
| Territorial organisation and geography | 2 |
| Culture and history | 3 |
| Spanish society | 7 |
Every question that can appear is published in the official handbook, which is updated each year. That makes the test very passable with practice.
How to study
Use the current handbook. Questions change slightly each year, so download the version for your exam year.
Little and often. Twenty minutes a day for a few weeks works better than cramming.
Practise under time pressure. Online simulators based on the official questions help you get used to the format.
Read the question carefully. Some ask which statement is not true.
Who’s exempt?
People under 18, people with legal capacity restrictions, and those who completed compulsory education in Spain don’t need to take the CCSE. People with disabilities can request adapted conditions when they register.
The DELE A2
Unless you’re from a country where Spanish is an official language, you also need the DELE A2 Spanish exam or higher. It’s also run by the Instituto Cervantes. Many people book the CCSE and DELE around the same time.
Frequently asked questions
What if I fail?
You can book it again for a later date. Check the Instituto Cervantes conditions for repeat attempts when you register, and ask for a review within a month if you think your result is wrong.
Can I take it in English?
No. The exam is in Spanish, but the language level needed is basic, and the questions are the same as in the handbook.