Certificate of Use of Language in Spanish
Encyclopedia
The Certificate of Use of Language in Spanish, or CELU (Certificado de Español: Lengua y Uso), is an exam designed to determine the level of proficiency
in the Spanish language
. This exam can be taken by anyone whose mother language is not Spanish and needs to demonstrate they have a certain level of proficiency of the language, whether it be for working or studying, in Spanish speaking countries. The exam is required by universities in Argentina for foreigners and it is also accepted as a valid exam in Brazil and China.
, roughly someone who has just passed to the 11th grade in the American system
).
Passing the exam fulfills the language requirements for studying or working in Argentina in those openings where knowledge of Spanish is a requirement.
This exam is aimed at certifying a certain level of command of the language, therefore, regardless of the regional variation a candidate may know, they will be able to understand the situations to be dealt with in the exam.
in:
Language proficiency
Language proficiency or linguistic proficiency is the ability of an individual to speak or perform in an acquired language. As theories vary among pedagogues as to what constitutes proficiency, there is little consistency as to how different organizations classify it...
in the Spanish language
Spanish language
Spanish , also known as Castilian , is a Romance language in the Ibero-Romance group that evolved from several languages and dialects in central-northern Iberia around the 9th century and gradually spread with the expansion of the Kingdom of Castile into central and southern Iberia during the...
. This exam can be taken by anyone whose mother language is not Spanish and needs to demonstrate they have a certain level of proficiency of the language, whether it be for working or studying, in Spanish speaking countries. The exam is required by universities in Argentina for foreigners and it is also accepted as a valid exam in Brazil and China.
Candidates
Any person whose mother language is not Spanish can take this exam. They must be at least 16 years of age and certify a minimum three years of high school education (EGB III according to the current educational system in ArgentinaEducation in Argentina
Education in Argentina is a responsibility shared by the national government, the provinces and federal district and private institutions, though basic guidelines have historically been set by the Ministry of Education...
, roughly someone who has just passed to the 11th grade in the American system
Secondary education in the United States
In most jurisdictions, secondary education in the United States refers to the last six or seven years of statutory formal education. Secondary education is generally split between junior high school or middle school, usually beginning with sixth or seventh grade , and high school, beginning with...
).
Passing the exam fulfills the language requirements for studying or working in Argentina in those openings where knowledge of Spanish is a requirement.
Grading
There are two pass grades, either "Intermediate" or "Advanced" level, awarded to candidates who achieve these grades. Candidates who do not pass are not given a grade. Both grades reflect how proficient the person is in the use of Spanish as a foreign language, especially in dealing with everyday situations and work related or academic issues.This exam is aimed at certifying a certain level of command of the language, therefore, regardless of the regional variation a candidate may know, they will be able to understand the situations to be dealt with in the exam.
Acceptance
The CELU is recognized as a certificate which demonstrates a persons knowledge of the Spanish languageSpanish language
Spanish , also known as Castilian , is a Romance language in the Ibero-Romance group that evolved from several languages and dialects in central-northern Iberia around the 9th century and gradually spread with the expansion of the Kingdom of Castile into central and southern Iberia during the...
in:
- ArgentinaArgentinaArgentina , officially the Argentine Republic , is the second largest country in South America by land area, after Brazil. It is constituted as a federation of 23 provinces and an autonomous city, Buenos Aires...
- BrazilBrazilBrazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...
- ChinaChinaChinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
Parts of the Exam
| Format | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Section | Skills | Time Allowed | Activity |
| Written |
|
3 hours |
|
| Oral |
|
15 to 20 minutes |
|