CCSE questions on The education system
Practice questions on The education system for the CCSE. This topic belongs to task 5 (Spanish society).
What is the test you must pass to enter university called?
- ASelectividad europeaEuropean Selectividad
- BPrueba de Acceso a la Universidad (PAU)Prueba de Acceso a la Universidad (PAU)
- CExamen preuniversitarioPre-university exam
Show answer and explanation
✓ Prueba de Acceso a la Universidad (PAU)
To enter university from Bachillerato (upper secondary school) you must pass the Prueba de Acceso a la Universidad, the PAU (university entrance exam), which used to be called selectividad. It is taken at the end of the second year of Bachillerato and is combined with the Bachillerato mark. The mark decides whether you can study the degree you want. Remember: PAU equals entry to university.
From what age can adults without Bachillerato take a test to enter university?
- AA partir de los 25 añosFrom 25 years old
- BA partir de los 18 añosFrom 18 years old
- CA partir de los 23 añosFrom 23 years old
Show answer and explanation
✓ A partir de los 25 años
People over 25 without Bachillerato (upper secondary school) can enter university with a special test for people over 25. There are also tests for people over 40 and 45 with other requirements. It is a chance to study as an adult. Age 18 is the usual age to enter with the PAU (university entrance exam), but that route requires having the Bachillerato.
How many years does Bachillerato have in Spain?
- ATresThree
- BDosTwo
- CCuatroFour
Show answer and explanation
✓ Dos
Bachillerato (upper secondary school) lasts two years, normally from age 16 to 18. It is not compulsory. It is done after the ESO (compulsory secondary education), and it gives access to university through the PAU. It has different tracks, such as Sciences, Humanities or Arts. Those who do not do it can study Formación Profesional. Remember: ESO four years, Bachillerato two.
11 practice questions on this topic
- What is the test you must pass to enter university called?
- From what age can adults without Bachillerato take a test to enter university?
- How many years does Bachillerato have in Spain?
- Public schools in Spain…
- What is a colegio concertado?
- Where can an adult over 18 get the ESO certificate?
- What can be said about Formación Profesional in Spain?
- Which title does a person get after finishing a medium-level FP course?
- Which title is obtained after presenting a doctoral thesis?
- About infant education in Spain, what is true?
- Who are the Escuelas Oficiales de Idiomas aimed at?
Other topics in task 5
Free official material
The Instituto Cervantes publishes a manual and an app with the official questions. We write new questions on the same facts, with explanations: use them together.
Frequently asked questions
How many CCSE questions are about The education system?
The education system is part of task 5 (Spanish society), which has 7 of the 25 questions in the exam. Here are 11 original practice questions on this topic.
Are these the official CCSE questions?
No. They are original questions that test the same facts as the Instituto Cervantes' official 2026 manual, with our own explanations. The official manual can be downloaded free from the Instituto Cervantes website.
How do I practise this topic?
Read each question, pick an option and check the explanation. When you feel confident, take a timed 25-question mock test and see which task you miss most.