*Updated for 2026
The 2026 National Spanish Exam (NSE), National Spanish Challenge (NSC), and National Portuguese Exam (NPE) registration process is designed to be clear and streamlined, whether you’re a returning teacher, new teacher, or administrator. We’ve provided three step-by-step videos below to guide you through each phase of registration, so you’ll be ready for a smooth exam experience this spring!
Please note that, while the videos below will primarily focus on the National Spanish Exam (NSE), most of the processes can be applied to the National Spanish Challenge (NSC) and the National Portuguese Exam (NPE).
Step 1: Registering Seats for Your Students
To begin, watch our first video below for a detailed guide on registering seats for your students. This process reserves each student’s place and confirms their participation in the exam, helping ensure that you have adequate seats for each class level.
Once registered, you will receive an email immediately from <no-reply@lingco.io> containing your invoice. You will also receive an email from the AATSP Exams office within 2-5 days containing more information about the exams, and we will continue to communicate important information with you throughout the exams season via email.
IMPORTANT: Registration is for exam proctors only. Students found registering themselves for an exam will risk disqualification. Please click here to learn about our Individualized Testing Plan options.
Step 2: Adding Students and Exploring Modules
Once seats are registered, it’s time to add students to the platform and explore the various modules available for students. Watch our second video below to learn how to input student information and familiarize yourself with the modules offered on the platform.
Practice modules are available for students to begin right away, and all exams are locked administratively until the examination windows open. Once the exam windows have opened, exams may be unlocked with a “secret code”, which can be found on the platform. We also send codes directly to registered teachers when the exam windows are about to open.
Step 3: Student Platform Access
After setup, students need access to the platform to prepare and take the exam. Our third video walks you through the steps students will take to join the platform once invited. This process ensures that every student is ready to go when it’s time to take the exam.
Complete NSE, NPE, and NSC Guides:
Please bookmark the following guides, provided by Lingco, for additional help or instructions:
- National Spanish Exam (NSE)
- National Spanish Challenge (NSC)
- National Portuguese Exam (NPE)
Additional resources for proctors, including technical requirements, disqualification policies, and more, can be found at our website. This information is also emailed to instructors who have registered for the NSE, NPE, or NSC. Need more help? Assistance is available via Live Chat on Lingco Language Labs. You may also visit our Help Center for more information.
Examination Window for 2026
The exams are available to be administered within designated testing windows. Teachers may administer the NSE, NPE, and NSC at any time within this period: February 23 – April 3, 2026.
- Our office does not need to be notified of your testing date. Simply choose a date within the testing window that is convenient for you and your students.
- Exams with more than one section may be administered separately (eg. section 1 on Monday, section 2 on Wednesday).
- Students may not take breaks during the test (they will be locked out). You may allow students a break between exam sections.
- Students who are absent during test day may re-take the exam on a different day, as long as it is taken by April 3, 2026 (last day of the exam window).
Important: The examination window is strict. We are are unable to grant extensions or issue refunds for exams not taken within the assigned window. If the date has passed, no exceptions can be made.
After the Exam Window Closes
Once the exam period ends, raw results will be available on teachers’ Gradebooks on Lingco immediately. Raw results only display the amount of points that a student scored on a test, however, finalized results are posted on teachers’ Lingco accounts a few weeks after the exam window has closed. We strongly encourage teachers to wait until results are finalized and posted, as raw results are not a reliable predictors of medal achievements.
What Happens Next?
Exam Results and Certificates
Teachers will be able to access their full results spreadsheet, detailed student report cards, and printable certificate templates directly in their Lingco Language Labs accounts. Please ensure that your AATSP membership and invoices are current, as this is required to access results. This year, all finalized results are expected in early May.
Finalized results should be downloaded and saved by teachers and/or school administrators for safekeeping, as this data will be wiped from teachers’ accounts sometime in the summer in preparation for the next school year, and in accordance with student privacy regulations.
Medals and Ribbons
After results are posted, NSE and NPE medals (gold, silver, and bronze) and NSC ribbons are shipped directly to schools and addressed to a designated teacher. Prizes are typically delivered within 4-8 weeks after the finalized exam results have been posted. Please note that expedited shipping is not available and we do not ship internationally.
Achievement Listings
NSE medal achievements and NPE medal achievements are posted on our website by school, city, and State, along with an interactive report that can be used to filter data by Level and Category, and a press release template that can be used to announce students’ achievements locally.
Thank you for supporting your students in this exciting language journey! If you have further questions about the registration process, exam administration, or post-exam details, please visit our FAQ section.
