What are Specific Competence Tests or PCE?
The Specific Competence Tests or PCE are the exams that foreign high school graduates who want to take have to take access a Spanish university. These tests are carried out by UNED, the Spanish National Distance University, with its access system, UNEDasiss.
Throughout the year there are two calls to be able to sit these exams; an ordinary one in May/June, and another extraordinary one in September.
These tests are equivalent to the EBAU Selectivity exams for Spanish high school students, without being an offense for foreign high school students. given that they compete on equal terms and without assigned quotas.
What are the subjects I have to do in the PCE?
The subjects you will have to take in the PCE depend on the university and the university degree to be studied. If you are clear about these two questions, great. You already have a lot of cattle. If not, we recommend that you do a VOCATIONAL TEST to know what is best for you.
Subjects of Specific Competence Tests
The subjects to be taken in these PCE depend on two things: of the university and study you want to access. Each university has different criteria and can modify the requirements. Likewise, wanting to access Medicine, taking science exams, will not be the same as wanting to enter Business and Business Model Design, presenting social science subjects.
As you can see, among the subjects to choose from are:
- General trunks: Spanish Language and Text Commentary, Philosophy, History of Spain and Foreign Languages.
- Trunk modality: Mathematics II, CCSS Mathematics, Fundamentals of Art, Latin, Art History and Artistic Drawing.
- Option trunks: Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Art History, Business and business model design, Geography, Physics, Technical Drawing and Design.
Therefore, the choice of doing one or the other will be a key factor in our access. A bad configuration can ruin excellent grades if we do not meet the required requirements. In some regions of Spain, 2 subjects are necessary (Galicia), in others 4 (Madrid, Valencia...) and in others 6 (Basque Country, Catalonia, Andalusia...). If you have questions about what you should do, ask us and we will advise you.
What are the PCE exams like?
Each subject of the PCE has characteristics. All tests last 90 minutes, but with a different structure. From development and test questions to text comments and drawings.
If you want to know more about each subject, you can visit our battery of PCE UNED exams solved so that you can see what they are about and what the evaluable contents are in the Didactic Guide of each of them. And you know, if you need PCE UNED preparation for these exams, count on us.
Are PCE exams difficult?
The difficulty of the exams is medium. Each test is organized to evaluate the student's knowledge based on criteria. The higher the grade, the more options there will be to gain university access. There are subjects with high passing rates (English, Art History) and others with low percentages (Mathematics, History of Spain).
How long do I have to study the PCE?
From Escuela PCE We recommend a study of at least 5 months, with 9 months being optimal to gradually assimilate concepts.
What are the quotas for foreign students?
There are no places reserved for Spaniards or foreigners. They are all part of the same system, governed by cut-off marks and admission marks. There is a certain number of places that are organized in order according to admission grades (highest first).
What is the Baccalaureate Modality requirement?
La Baccalaureate Modality It is a requirement that is requested in some universities in Spain. This requirement, for example, is requested in the universities of Madrid and Castilla y León (Salamanca, Burgos, León and Valladolid). It consists of having to pass (grade greater than 5) at least 3 subjects or have a grade of 5 points or more among 4 subjects. But be careful, it is not enough to pass any 3, but they have to be specific subjects. You can also see this in our entry on PCE Matters.
238 comments on “Specific Competence Tests (PCE)”
Is there an authorized location in Paraguay to conduct the PCE tests there?
Yes, there is. But it depends on the number of students who apply each year.
Buongiorno, I am an Italian student and I will study veterinary medicine in Madrid. Ho ottenuto il vote di maturità massimo in italia (100/100) and volevo know quali prove devo sustaine per l'accesso all'università.
You should prepare two subjects, such as Biology or Chemistry. But it depends on the host university. If you'd like more information, contact us.
Hello,
This is an A Levels student at a school in England. I study Business, Spanish and Politics. To access the university in Barcelona. Which PCE would I have to study in order to apply for the call? I would like to study business (both languages if possible). Thank you
Typically, you'd take two subjects to raise your baseline grade. The two PCE exams you could take would be Mathematics in the Secondary Schools and Business Administration.
Hello, I would like to know where I can find models from previous tests to study based on the disciplines that I want to provide. I want to do Advertising and Propaganda.
Hello,
Please allow me to contact you when I arrive to find the information concerning the tests on the UNED site. J'avais un doute concernant les délais, mais d'après ce que j'ai compris, les tests ont lieu en mai/juin.
J'ai également une other question: il est indiqué qu'il faut se préparer entre 5 et 9 mois à l'avance pour passer ces tests. Le problème est que ne ne suis pas préparé, bien que je sorte d'une première année d'ostéopathie (que je n'ai pas très bien réussie). Is there an obstacle to pass the tests?
Thank you in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Tonelli Sandro
Hello Sandro. Indeed, you have to study to get a good grade and gain admission to Spanish studies. That's why it's essential to study well and have enough time. Regarding the information, we understand that it can be confusing. That's why we offer personalized counseling services that help students understand what they need to do step by step.
If you want to have all of this, write to us at info@escuelapce.com and we begin. Greetings.
Good morning,
Quali sono i centri UNED in italia presso cui posso sustaine la prova PCE? He is a resident in the province of Monza. Thank you
In Italy, the PCE exams are usually held in Rome. If you want to know more about the centres, you should consult UNEDasiss itself, since they are the ones that organise these tests. Best regards.
Boom day! Do you have any alterations in the PCE test model for 2025? How do I ficou?
There are some changes at the content level, but the big change will come in 2026, with changes in the subject configuration.