What is PCE?
The PCE stands for Pruebas de Competencias Específicas (Specific Competency Tests). These are the university entrance exams that non-Spanish high school graduates must take to gain admission to a Spanish university. These exams are administered by the UNED (National University of Distance Education), or, alternatively, by UNEDasiss . Unlike the PAU (University Access Exams), these exams are administered worldwide by the UNED, either at its affiliated centers or at consulates. There are two sittings: the regular sitting in May/June and the resit sitting in September.
You can take the PCE exam with 2, 4, or 6 subjects. If it's the latter, since the structure is the same as the EBAU ( University Access Assessment), it can be confusing. But don't be mistaken. IF YOU HAVE A FOREIGN HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA, THE BEST OPTION IS TO TAKE THE UNED'S PCE EXAMS TO ADMISSION TO 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 require 4 subjects usually ask for in return? The Baccalaureate Modality , an extra requirement to be met, 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.
