What level of Catalan does the ICS exam require?
It depends on the category. Nursing (A2-129) requires the certificate of sufficiency in Catalan (C1) or higher; nursing assistant (C2-159) requires the elementary level (B1) or higher. It is a participation requirement, not a merit: anyone who cannot document it sits a compulsory pass/fail language test within the process.
| Category | Level required | If you cannot document it |
|---|---|---|
| Nursing (A2-129) | Sufficiency (C1) or higher | 160–200 word composition plus a language questionnaire (max. 60 min) + oral part (max. 10 min) |
| Nursing assistant (C2-159) | Elementary (B1) or higher | 80–100 word composition plus a language questionnaire (max. 60 min) + oral part (max. 15 min) |
Levels from each category's annex; test format from clause 11.4.3 of the common terms. The test is marked pass/fail.
Candidates who document the corresponding certificate from the Directorate-General for Language Policy, or a higher one, are exempt. Equivalent certificates are listed by that Directorate-General.
There is also a Spanish-language exercise, but only for candidates without Spanish nationality who cannot document their command of it: a 200–300 word composition and a conversation with the board, with a maximum of 45 minutes for the first part and 15 for the second. Having studied the qualifying degree in Spanish, or having done primary, secondary or baccalaureate education in Spain, is among the grounds for exemption.
The level required of you scores nothing. Holding a level ABOVE the one required does score: 1 point of curricular merit. If they ask for C1 and you have C2, document it.
What is not known yet
The levels on this page are those of call 100-2025 for Nursing and Nursing assistant, read off each category's annex. Other categories require other levels (some B2, some A2), and a future call may change them: always check your own category's annex.
Where this answer comes from
If you want the detail
- How the merit phase scores Where that point for a higher-than-required Catalan level comes from.
- Free PDF guide The language requirements alongside the rest of the process.
Start with Topic 1 — it's free
If you are preparing for this exam, Topic 1 (LOSC, SISCAT and the Health Plan of Catalonia) is open: the full text and its test, no payment and no card.
Try Topic 1 freeEdition a1-2026-07-31 · Links checked on 31.07.2026
OposICS is an independent project. It is not affiliated with the Institut Català de la Salut or the Generalitat de Catalunya. Official documents belong to their authors and are linked directly.