Divisions of Competition

The National Spanish Challenge has five Divisions of Competition (A – E) based on the student’s grade level, and the student’s experience and/or exposure to learning Spanish. Please use either of the following charts to guide you to the correct division for your students.

The National Spanish Challenge offers two tracks: (1) a NON-IMMERSION track, and (2) an IMMERSION track:

Non-Immersion Track

Designed for students who are learning Spanish mainly in the classroom setting. These learners are exposed to Spanish during their regular school instruction, but may not use the language at home or in a bilingual environment.

• Non-Immersion Track: Students progress through Divisions A → B → C.

• After 6th grade, non-immersion students typically participate in the National Spanish Exam (NSE) contest, beginning at Level 01.

Immersion Track

Created for students enrolled in full or *partial immersion or dual-language programs, or those who regularly use Spanish in bilingual settings. These learners typically receive a higher level of daily exposure to Spanish across subjects. This pathway allows students with greater language contact to be challenged appropriately.

• Immersion Track: Students progress through Divisions D → E
• Some full-immersion program schools start with the National Spanish Exam (NSE), Level 1, in Grade 5.
• After 6th grade, immersion students typically compete in the National Spanish Exam (NSE), Level 1.

*For purposes of the National Spanish Challenge, partial immersion is defined as “Any program with 500 minutes per week in Spanish”.

NSC Ribbons

Students participating in the National Spanish Challenge (NSC) will receive the following awards based on the number of points that they earn.* Results are usually available on or around April 28th, and Ribbons are mailed directly to schools. Printable certificates are also available for download.

* Although this information provides guidance on deciphering student placement on the NSC, the NSE staff insists that educators await the release of official results reports to proctoring teachers before announcing prizes to their students.

Cost Information

There are two costs associated with administering the exam: student cost and instructor cost.

Student Cost
• Regular Registration: $5.00 per student*

Teacher/Instructor Cost
Giving the NSC is a membership benefit that is available for active members of the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese (AATSP):
• Active AATSP Members: FREE ($45 First-Year / $65 Renewal)
• Non-Member Fee: $75

*Once Regular Registration has closed, we offer a Late Registration grace period at $7 per student seat. Teachers may add students during the examination window at $9 per student seat (a.k.a. Last-Minute Registration). Dates vary per year.