In the Valencian Community, the recent decision to grant the C1 certificate in Valencian by exemption has caused controversy and debate.
These new regulations, brought in this October, allow thousands of people to obtain a C1 (known locally as mitjà) or B2 certificate in Valencian automatically, with no need to sit any further exam. This applies to anyone who has passed the Valencian subject with a mark of at least 7 in Bachillerato or in secondary school since the 2008-2009 academic year, which makes it retroactive for a very large number of students. The main aim is to simplify the process and recognise the language skills acquired within the education system, with no red tape and no cost for applicants. Schools carry out the validation automatically and marks are fed in through the ITACA system, which allows the certificates to be issued without students having to do anything themselves. Some people see it as a fair and efficient measure: “if I have already studied a language and proved that I could get a good mark at a particular level, why shouldn’t I have a certificate to show it?”
There has been criticism too, however. Some opponents argue that granting the certificate this way could reduce the rigour and the value of the qualification, since students are not required to demonstrate their skills in practice, as they are in the official exams set by the Junta Qualificadora de Coneixements de Valencià (JQCV, the official Valencian language examination board). Others maintain that, although many students may have passed the Valencian subject, not all of them necessarily have the level of competence required for a C1, which could devalue the certificate known as the mitjà. There is also confusion about the procedure for those who studied before the cut-off date. They will have to apply for the certificate online, submitting the relevant documentation if it is not already recorded in the digital systems.
Valencian: easing access to public sector competitive exams
Despite the criticism, the Valencian government has defended the measure as a way of modernising the validation of language skills and widening access to the certificate, particularly in employment and education. In a context where Valencian is a requirement in many public sector competitive exams and public jobs, this exemption makes those opportunities easier to reach for a significant number of people. All in all, this change has opened a new chapter in the language policy of the Valencian Community, with clear advantages but also with doubts about its impact on the quality and recognition of the Valencian level. As with any process of educational change, it remains to be seen whether adjustments will be made to satisfy both the beneficiaries and the critics. In the meantime, remember that at ALOS you can study any language at your own pace, with the method that suits you best and with the very best teachers. https://alosidiomas.com/cursos-de-idiomas/