What is the CCSE exam?
The CCSE (Knowledge of the Spanish Constitution and Society) is one of the two mandatory Instituto Cervantes tests to obtain Spanish citizenship by residence.
Exam format
The CCSE has 25 multiple-choice questions drawn from a public bank of 300 official questions. You have 45 minutes and need to answer 15 (60%) correctly to pass.
Exam topics
The questions cover five main areas:
- T1Government, law and civic participation
- T2Fundamental rights and duties
- T3Territorial organisation, physical and political geography
- T4Culture and history of Spain
- T5Spanish society
Who has to take it?
Anyone applying for Spanish citizenship by residence. The CCSE is mandatory alongside the DELE Spanish-language exam (A2 level or higher), except for citizens of Spanish-speaking countries and minors or adapted-needs applicants.
Where is it held?
At Instituto Cervantes accredited exam centres in Spain and abroad. There are centres in every autonomous community and in more than 100 countries worldwide.
The CCSE in 2025 and 2026: what's new
The CCSE keeps the same format in 2025 and 2026: 25 questions drawn from an official bank of 300, 45 minutes, and a minimum of 15 correct answers to pass. The official fee remains €85. What does change each year is the exam calendar and, occasionally, minor updates to the question bank to reflect changes in Spanish society.
- 10 sessions per year in 2026: one per month except August and December.
- Hybrid system: the exam is still on paper, but registration and results are 100% online.
- Results in 1-3 weeks: the Instituto Cervantes has sped up score publication compared to previous years.
- Certificate valid for 4 years: the deadline to file the citizenship application from the exam date.
The CCSE certificate: what it is and how to use it
If you pass the CCSE you receive an official Instituto Cervantes certificate attesting you cleared the test. It's a key document for citizenship and worth understanding:
- Format: digital certificate with an electronic verification code (CSV). You can download it from your candidate area at examenes.cervantes.es.
- When you get it: a few days after the score is published, usually 1 to 3 weeks after the exam.
- Validity: 4 years from the exam date. If your citizenship application takes longer, you'll have to retake the CCSE.
- How you use it: the Instituto Cervantes sends it directly to the Ministry of Justice if you tick the option at registration. Otherwise you attach it yourself to the file.
- If you need a paper certificate: request it by email at info.examenes@cervantes.es; it arrives signed, though it takes a few extra weeks.