The National Spanish Examinations
Standards-Based Assessments Using Online Technology
What are the National Spanish Examinations?
The National Spanish Examinations are online standardized assessment tools given voluntarily
by many secondary institutions throughout the United States to measure student proficiency and
achievement in Spanish.
What is the purpose of the National Spanish Examinations?
 To recognize achievement and to promote proficiency in the study of Spanish.
 To stimulate further interest in the teaching and learning of Spanish.
 Teachers say that the NSE is an excellent preparation for other standardized tests:
AP, IB, SAT II, college placement.
 Administrators state that they can use data from the National Spanish Examinations to
create reports to show how their schools have improved over an academic year.
What do the National Spanish Examinations measure?
The National Spanish Examinations measure both proficiency and achievement, but measure
them separately.
1. Content Standards (vocabulary and grammar)
 Statements that provide a clear description of what a student should know in a
content area at a particular level.
2. Performance Standards (reading and listening)
 Statements that provide a clear description of what a student should be able to do at a
particular level.
Achievement
A measure of what has been learned from what
was taught in a particular course or series of
courses. (Content Standards)
1. Vocabulary
2. Grammar
Proficiency
A measure of one's knowledge and/or ability in
a foreign language without regard to formal
study or text used. (Performance Standards)
1. Reading Comprehension
2. Listening Comprehension
What is the content of the National Spanish Examinations?
The test is developed from a set of learner outcomes based on the following standards:
1. the ACTFL proficiency guidelines for K-12 learners and
2. the NSE specifications for vocabulary and grammar.
How are the National Spanish Examinations scored?
The National Spanish Examinations are scored using both raw scores and percentiles.
 Raw Scores – the number of points received for questions answered correctly.
 Percentiles – a ranking scale ranging from a low of 1 to a high of 99 with 50 as the median
score. A percentile indicates the test-taker's standing relative to the norm group standard.
National Spanish Examinations – Standards-Based Assessments Using Online Technology
1
National Recognition Certificates
Teachers can print out certificates from the NSE website. These certificates are fill-in PDF forms so that
the teacher can type in the student’s name, percentile, teacher’s name and school’s name. Most teachers
use these certificates at award’s assemblies at the end of the year.
 Premio de Oro – above the 95th percentile
 Premio de Plata – from the 85th percentile through the 94th percentile
 Premio de Bronce – from the 75th percentile through the 84th percentile
 Mención Honorífica – from the 50th percentile through the 74th percentile
 Certificado de Participación
What types of prizes does the NSE offer?
There are several ways that students can be recognized for outstanding achievement:
 National Recognition – certificates (see above)
 National Awards and Scholarships – Students scoring at or above the 75th percentile are
eligible to apply for Senior Scholarships, Junior Travel Awards and Global Citizen Awards for
Underclassmen (Grades 8, 9, 10).
 Chapter Prizes – Most chapters present awards to their chapter winners. The awards vary from
chapter to chapter. Some chapters recognize numerous places and also have Honorable Mention
categories while other chapters award cash prizes, Spanish dictionaries, Spanish music, books
about Spanish countries, savings bonds, etc. To view a list of chapter prizes, visit
http://www.nationalspanishexam.org/index.php/about-us/chapters-and-coordinators
When is the NSE given?
The National Spanish Examination is to be administered in each school during the tenth week prior to the
close of the academic year (March 1 – April 10).
How much does the NSE cost?
Cost per Teacher: The cost per teacher of $75 is used to cover administrative expenses, regardless of the
number of exams a teacher gives. (Note: AATSP members do not have to pay the $75 per teacher cost, as
giving the NSE is a benefit of AATSP membership. To join the AATSP, please visit www.aatsp.org.)
Cost per Student: In order to participate in the National Spanish Examination, teachers must pay the
national fee and may choose to participate in their chapter by paying the chapter fee.
Chapter Fee
(optional)
varies by chapter
range = $0.25 - $3.00
National Fee
$3.00
CONTACT INFORMATION
Website: www.nationalspanishexam.org
E-mail: registration@nationalspanishexam.org
Address: 2701 Beech Street – Suite P
Valparaiso, IN 46383
Telephone: (219) 465-2100
National Spanish Examinations – Standards-Based Assessments Using Online Technology
2