FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE PAU

1. If I hold a higher vocational training certificate or equivalent, do I have to take the University Entrance Exam (PAU) to enter a public university?

Not necessarily. It's only recommended to enroll in the optional phase of the University Entrance Exam (PAU) if you need to improve your admission grade for the degree you're interested in. The optional phase is voluntary and its sole purpose is to provide an opportunity to raise your university admission grade in order to compete for a place on undergraduate courses where demand exceeds the number of places available.

2. How and when can I register for the PAU?

Go to the office of the school where you are studying for your vocational training before May. There, you'll need to inform them that you wish to take the optional entrance exam (see the following link): procedure), as well as indicating the subjects you want to take the exam in at that phase (see weighted subjects).

3. What do I need to do to register for this test if I am taking a Higher Vocational Training Course this year?

Contact the secretary of your institute or center where you are studying so they can formalize your registration within the registration period for the entrance exam.

4. What subjects can I enroll in for the University Entrance Exam (PAU)?

You can enroll in up to four subjects in your second year of high school. If you enroll in four subjects, one must be a foreign language (choose from English, German, French, or Italian). You can choose from:

Technology and Engineering II

A maximum of two foreign languages, choosing between English, German, French or Italian.

A maximum of two general core subjects of each modality, to be chosen from Mathematics II, Latin II, Mathematics applied to Social Sciences II, Musical Analysis II, Performing Arts II, Artistic Drawing II or General Sciences.

  • Biology
  • Choir and Vocal Technique II 
  • Technical Drawing II
  • Technical Drawing Applied to the Plastic Arts
  • Design
  • Company and model design
  • Physics
  • Artistic Foundations
  • Geography
  • Geology and Environmental Sciences
  • Greek II
  • History of Art
  • History of Spain
  • History of Philosophy
  • History of Music and Dance
  • Spanish Language and Literature II
  • Dramatic Literature
  • Cultural and Artistic Movements
  • Chemistry
  • Graphic-plastic Expression Techniques

5. What are these weighting parameters?

You can consult them at this link:

Please note that these are the ULL's weightings. If you wish to study outside the Canary Islands, you should consult the weightings of the university you are interested in.

6. What is the content of these subjects?

The contents are established in accordance with the subjects taught in the second year of high school. You can consult it in the website of the Ministry of Education.

7. I took the university entrance exam several years ago, and I also have a higher education qualification. I got a 5.50 on the exam and an 8.50 on the qualification. What grade is most important for university admission?

The one you present when applying for a university place. If you present both grades, the highest will be considered.

8. How is my university admission score calculated?

Access note = NMC
Admission grade = NMC + a*M1 + b* M2

NMC= Average grade of the higher level training cycle or equivalent.
M1, M2 = Grades from a maximum of two subjects passed in the optional phase that provide a better admission grade.
a, b = weighting parameters for the 2nd year Baccalaureate subjects depending on the grade you are aiming to access.

9. When applying for a university place, are places reserved for vocational training graduates? Is there a special quota of places reserved for them?

No, they access through the general quota, shared with high school students and those from other educational systems.

10. I took the 2022 PAU (University Entrance Exam) and will obtain the Higher Technician degree in the 2024/25 academic year. Can I use the grades obtained in the optional phase of the 2022 PAU (University Entrance Exam) for university access?

No. The grades obtained in the 2022 PAU optional phase are valid for three academic years; that is, they are only valid for the 2022/23, 2023/24, and 2024/25 academic years. Therefore, you must take the PAU optional phase in 2025 if you want to improve your admission grade for the 2025/26 academic year.

11. I took the 2023 PAU (University Entrance Exam) and will earn my Higher Technician degree in the 2024/25 academic year. Can I use the grades I obtained in the 2023 PAU (University Entrance Exam) for university admission? How are they weighted?

The option phase is valid for three consecutive academic years (2023/24; 2024/25; and 2025/26). Therefore, you can submit this grade to enter the 2025/26 academic year. 

For the 2025/26 academic year, please see the weighting table at the following link. See weights

12. I obtained my Higher Technician degree some time ago. What do I have to do if I want to take the optional phase of the University Entrance Exam (PAU)?

You will need to submit an application through the ULL website to register for the test. this link You have information about the procedure to follow and the documentation to submit. Once you submit your application, you will receive an email informing you how to proceed with your PAU registration.