The New York State Spanish Proficiency Exam

What is the NYS SPE?

It is an exam testing all forms of communication in the Spanish language. Speaking, Listening, Reading & Writing.

When is the exam?

The exam is given on the very last Monday of the school year.

What if I can't make it to the exam?

You don't have a choice. There is no make-up date for this exam. On your child's 4th quarter report card they will receive an ABSENT in the Final Exam section. Please remember, this is your child's 1st official grade on their High School Transcript.

What is the break down of the exam?

The Informal Speaking section is worth 10 points. These are 10 points that your child will receive based on their class participation and attempts to talk in the target language in my Spanish class. This section is completed 2 weeks before the test date.

The Formal Speaking section is worth 20 points. Your child will have 4 conversations with me. Each conversation is worth 5 points. Your child and I will need to exchange 4 lines of dialogue. This section is completed 2 weeks before the test date.

The Listening section is worth 40 points. I will read a passage aloud. Your child will need to listen to what I say and will then have to answer a multiple choice question. Some of the questions have the question and answers in English. Others have the questions and answers in Spanish.

The Reading section is worth 20 points. Your child will read 10 passages, articles, newspaper clippings, ads, etc. The students will have to answer questions based on what they have read. Again, some of the questions have the question and answers in English. Others have the questions and answers in Spanish.

The Writing section is worth 10 points. Your child will have to write two letters of at least 30 words each. The letters will be based on some provided information.

What is on the NYS SPE?

Information covered in the 7th and 8th grade classes will be covered on this exam.

How can I prepare for the NYS SPE?

Playing the Quia games on this website to help review vocabulary will increase your chances at receiving a high score on this exam. Don't try and cram. The weeks leading up to the exam, focus on one topic every 2-3 days and review all of the associated vocabulary.

What should I bring to the exam?

Pencils, pens, and something to read when you finish your exam. Everything on the exam must be done in pen, but some students choose to use a pencil until they have selected their final answers. After you complete the exam, you may take something out to read, draw, color, write, etc. No electronic devices of any kind are permitted in the testing area. Any form of communication between students will be considered cheating.