FAQs

• There are three separate tests (Listening & Reading, Writing, Speaking) leading to three separate certificates. The tests can be taken together or independently according to your needs (e.g. Speaking can be taken as a standalone exam if only proof of speaking ability is required).
• The Computer-based and Online version of the Listening & Reading exam is an adaptive test.
• There is no "Pass" or "Fail" mark and you receive a grade on a scale of 0 to 100 aligned to the CEFR. If you achieve a grade of 10 or above, you will receive a Certificate placing you between A1 and C2 level, depending on your performance.
• You will receive a Test report, an e-certificate and a hard-copy certificate, providing feedback on your performance by skill. Digital badges are released as well.

LanguageCert USAL esPro assesses the 4 skills through the following three tests:

• LanguageCert USAL esPro Listening & Reading: Paper-based, Computer-based and as Online exam with remote, live invigilation.
• LanguageCert USAL esPro Writing: Paper-based, Computer-based and as Online exam with remote, live invigilation.
• LanguageCert USAL esPro Speaking: Paper-based (one-to-one interview with an approved or appointed Interlocutor of Universidad de Salamanca).

Candidates may take each test separately or in any combination based on their specific needs.

LanguageCert USAL esPro certifications are multi-purpose and are indicated for:

• Students who need Spanish language evidence for entry/exit requirements or who are applying to specific programs or projects where Spanish language is required
• Young professionals who need to provide evidence of their Spanish level to potential employers 
• Professionals who require a professional Spanish certification to advance their career
• Learners who have attended a Spanish language course and want to certify their knowledge. 

The Computer-based Adaptive version is available only for the Listening & Reading test of USAL esPro exams and consists of a wide range of questions that cover all levels of language proficiency (from basic, A1, to advanced, C2). Questions appear on the computer screen and candidates use their keyboard and mouse to respond. The adaptive feature uses state-of-the-art assessment technology and questions are automatically selected based on the candidate’s response, becoming progressively easier or more difficult, adapting uniquely to each candidate’s skills. If the candidate gives a wrong answer, an easier question follows, if the candidate gives a correct answer, the next question will be more difficult.

• a shorter in length testing session than the Paper-based version, since a smaller number of questions is needed to determine the candidate’s level.
• test lasts ≃60 minutes, while the Paper-based version lasts 110 minutes, and evaluates reading and listening skills, knowledge of grammar and vocabulary, same as the Paper-based version.
• At the end of the exam, the candidate can see the provisional results of the exam. Please note that these results are subject to verification by LanguageCert.

LanguageCert USAL esPro Speaking test is available only at LanguageCert Approved Test Centres. The Interlocutor who conducts the test can be present on-site at the Approved Test Centre. 
Each candidate is examined individually so they can perform at their best. Moreover, the Speaking test is conducted by an Interlocutor who does not assess. The evaluation takes place at a later stage by an expert Marker appointed by Universidad de Salamanca.

USAL stands for University of Salamanca, which through its Cursos Internacionales de la Universidad de Salamanca, has partnered with LanguageCert for the delivery of LanguageCert USAL esPro tests worldwide.

Universidad de Salamanca, an academic point of reference for teaching the Spanish language worldwide, was the first Spanish university to offer Spanish language and culture courses, when starting its Spanish as a Foreign Language programme in 1929. Through Cursos Internacionales, it currently engages in all fields related to Spanish as a Foreign Language.

A progress bar keeps you informed of the progress you have made throughout the Computer-based Listening & Reading test. It indicates the number of questions answered and the number remaining.

For the Writing test, you will have two different, separate tasks, where you need to write a text.

• Test Report: This report clearly explains the candidate’s score for each test taken (Listening & Reading*, Writing, Speaking). A summary of “Can-Do” statements aligned with CEFR levels are also included in the report. These are functional/situational statements that describe what a candidate can be expected to do in the workplace based on their CEFR level in Spanish.
• Certificate: The certificate presents results in relation to the relevant CEFR level (A1 to C2) for scores of 10 or above.
• Digital badges are validated credentials that confirm your assessment achievement, a great opportunity to showcase digitally your results.

⃰ Candidates receive a Test Report which presents their overall score combining the two skills (Listening & Reading), as well as their separate scores.

A ‘0 out of 100’ score appears for all candidates who do not achieve the minimum score corresponding to CEFR level A1. Therefore ‘0 out of 100’ means you have achieved a score of less than ‘10 out of 100’.

The overall score is not simply an average of the individual scores achieved in each test section (Listening & Reading). Each test section carries different weight, therefore, the average is calculated based on a specific scoring algorithm that identifies your language competence. For example, if the Listening score is 50 and the Reading score is 60, the overall score will not necessarily be 55.

Test Report, e-certificates and digital badges

LanguageCert USAL esPro Listening & Reading

• 5 business days for Paper-based exams
• Immediate preliminary results for Computer-based and Online exams – official results in 2 business days

LanguageCert USAL esPro Writing

• 10 business days for Paper-based, Computer-based and Online exams

LanguageCert USAL esPro Speaking 

• 10 business days

Hard-copy certificates are sent either to the candidate or to the Test Centre shortly after results are released.

Your results are announced by LanguageCert if you have taken an Online exam or by your Test Centre if you have taken an exam at an Approved Test Centre.

You will need to contact the Test Centre where you took the exam or LanguageCert.

To check the validity of a LanguageCert USAL esPro certificate, use the Online Certificate Verification Service.

Test Centres do not get involved in the assessment. Marking is carried out by Universidad de Salamanca and the certification is issued by LanguageCert.

There is no age limit. However, since LanguageCert USAL esPro tests evaluate Spanish language skills level for professional purposes, it is recommended that young adult and adult candidates take the tests.

You are not allowed to use dictionaries or any other aids during LanguageCert USAL esPro exams.

You are not required to complete any course before taking LanguageCert USAL esPro. It is recommended however, that you take a short course explaining the exam tasks. All our LanguageCert USAL Approved Test Centres offer courses which prepare candidates for the exams. Contact the nearest Test Centre  to enquire about available courses.

Teachers should be able to assess whether a student can cope with the demands of a certain exam level by:

• looking at the sample practice papers provided on the website and conducting a brief interview.
• referencing the CEFR can-do statements.

To find all the information you need regarding LanguageCert USAL esPro tests, click here.