What is PCE?
The PCE are the Specific Competence Tests. That is, the university entrance exams that non-Spanish high school graduates must take to enter a Spanish university. These tests are administered by the UNED (National University of Education), or, failing that, by the Spanish National University (UNED). UNEDasissThese tests, unlike the University Entrance Exam (PAU), are administered worldwide by the UNED, either at its associated centers or at consulates. They are administered in two sessions: the regular session in May/June and the extraordinary session in September.
You can do a PCE of 2, 4 or 6 subjects. If it is the latter case, given that the structure is the same as that of the EBAU, it may be confusing. But make no mistake. IF YOU ARE A FOREIGN BACHELOR'S BACHELOR, THE BEST ALTERNATIVE IS TO TAKE THE UNED PCE EXAMS TO ENTER A SPANISH UNIVERSITY.
- In Galicia, 2 subjects are requested.
- In Madrid, Valencia, Murcia, Salamanca, Extremadura, Valladolid, Burgos and León, 4 subjects.
- The rest of Spain, 6 subjects.
What do those who ask for 4 subjects usually ask for instead? The Baccalaureate modality, an extra requirement to meet, in addition to the grade, to enter a university.
What is the PAU?
The University Entrance Exam (PAU) is the University Entrance Exam. This exam is the Selectividad exam taken by Spanish high school graduates. It is administered at public universities in two sessions each year, typically in June and July (previously it was September).
The subject configuration is always the same. A General Phase with 4 subjects (Language, English, History of Spain and Mathematics, Fundamentals of Art or Latin) and a specific phase with two specific ones, which would depend on the itinerary we have chosen in high school.
| General Phase (4 subjects) | Specific Phase (2 subjects according to itinerary) |
| Language and Text Commentary | Sciences: Biology and Chemistry |
| English | Social: Geography and Economy |
| History of Spain | Art and Humanities: History of Art and Philosophy |
| Maths | Engineering: Physics and Technical Drawing |
Conclusion
Don't get caught up in the concepts. If you studied outside of Spain, you only need to prepare for the UNED PCE exams. What does change is the structure of the subjects and the scoring system, but essentially, you'll never have to prepare for a PAU exam like the Spanish baccalaureate exams. You can, however, follow the same structure, but with the UNED PCE exams.
