One of the most popular courses at our academy in Madrid is the course for obtaining the official ESO (Compulsory Secondary Education) diploma. Most students who take the ESO free exam also take the entrance exam for intermediate-level vocational training programs. This is because both exams are very similar, and these students often seek to continue their academic development through official technical training. As you know, completing an intermediate-level vocational training program allows direct access to a higher-level vocational training program within the same field.
In the video that we show you below, our colleague Lara, coordinator of the Preparation courses for obtaining the Graduate Degree in ESO and preparation courses for the intermediate level cycle access test exam, explains the differences between both tests:
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Comparison between the free tests to obtain the ESO Graduate degree and the intermediate level FP access tests
In the following table, you can also see the comparison between both tests:
Titles and certificates
The results will be published at the center where the tests were taken. If you pass the tests, you can request the issuance of the corresponding certificate or diploma from the institute.
| ESO title | Entrance exam for Intermediate Level | |
|---|---|---|
| Requirements to present |
◾Be 18 years of age, or turn 17 in the year in which the test is performed. ◾Not being enrolled in any institute to obtain the ESO qualification in the same academic year in which you want to take the test. |
◾Be 17 years of age, or turn 17 in the year in which the test is performed. ◾Not having the ESO qualification, a Basic Vocational qualification or any of the access requirements. |
| Annual calls | 1 (May) | |
| Test Structure |
It is divided into three areas: ◾Communication: Language and English. ◾Social: Geography and History. ◾Scientific-technological: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Technology. |
It is divided into three areas: ◾Digital competence: digitization content ◾Mathematical competence: content from Mathematics, Physics and Technology. ◾Linguistic competence: Contents of Spanish Language and Literature. |
| Qualifications | The three areas are rated separately | Joint qualification: PASS OR NOT PASS |
| Exemptions |
There are ways to be exempt from certain sections in both exams. In both exams, you can be exempt from certain sections if you passed those subjects in the 4th year of ESO (Compulsory Secondary Education), or in previous open exam sessions. In addition, you can waive the Science section of the access to intermediate level if you can prove work experience of more than one year. There are other ways to be exempt from some of the areas of the test. If you have any questions, you can contact us. Exemptions will be published on the notice board of the institute where registration has been made. It is recommended to call the center to see if it has been granted, as there are only two days to claim. |
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Main differences between both tests
As you can see, the differences between both tests are minimal, so it is always recommended that you take both, if you can.
Remember that it is essential that the preparation and programming of studies focus on passing the three areas.
We hope that the differences between both tests have become clear to you. If you want more information about this, you can consult the official website of the Community of Madrid.
Good luck with the study!
113 comments on “Differences between ESO Title and Access to Intermediate Level [Updated 2026]”
Hello, if I passed the entrance exam for the intermediate level about 9 years ago, is it valid for an intermediate level vocational training course today?
I am told that this grade does not expire and is indefinite. In this case, how can I request the certificate? After so many years, I cannot find the one they gave me at the time.
Hello Tamara:
You can obtain the certificates through your Clave de la Comunidad de Madrid, through Raíces, also in your profile for the Community of Madrid, or directly from the institute where you took the exam.
Depending on whether you passed the exam 9 years ago, before or after, when you request the certificate they can assure you if it is still valid.
A greeting.
Hello, I would like to know if I can enroll in basic vocational training at a face-to-face institute and also be able to take the tests on my own to obtain the ESO degree. Thank you very much!!
Hello, Maria Jesus:
To register for the free tests to obtain a compulsory secondary education diploma in the Community of Madrid, the requirement is to be 18 years old during the year in which the tests are held, as well as not being enrolled in any course to obtain it through official studies. You can check this at this link.
A greeting.