***DISCLAIMER: Just a quick note before you dive in, this is based on my personal experience and time in the NALCAP program in Valencia for two years. The links and resources shared below are ones I used during that time, so they might not reflect the most up-to-date requirements or variations for other regions or programs. Always double-check the official documents and your specific program guidelines to make sure everything applies to your situation.
If you’ve made it through your first year as an auxiliar in Spain, first of all, breathe. You did it. Between school schedules and surprise holidays, you survived. Now comes the slightly bureaucratic but very important part: the Certificado de Aprovechamiento, also known as your Certificate of Completion. Think of it as your official “you showed up, you worked, you didn’t disappear mid-year” document.
The Certificado de Aprovechamiento is an official letter from your school confirming that:
- You completed your auxiliar placement successfully
- You fulfilled your responsibilities during the school year
- You were present and active in your assigned role
In simple terms, it’s proof that your school can vouch for you. Just a formal “yes, this person did the job.” This certificate becomes important when you want to:
- Renew for a second year as an auxiliar
- Renew for a third year (if your program allows it)
- Show proof that you completed your previous placement properly
It’s basically your golden ticket for staying in the program. Without it, your renewal (prórroga) process can get delayed or complicated, because the system needs confirmation that you actually completed your first year. Spain loves paperwork; this is one of those “make it official, or it didn’t happen” situations.
This is not something you request in the middle of the year or panic about in October. You only need it at the end of your school year. The best timing is during your last week at school or a few days before you officially finish. Not after you’ve already said goodbye, left the group chat, and mentally moved on. Here’s the simple process on how to obtain it. Most auxiliares follow:
1. Send a copy to your coordinator or director
You usually email them a template certificate. There are often:
- A general template you can edit
- Sometimes, a Madrid-specific version depending on your program
General Template (editable) | Madrid-based Template
Yeah, the format might feel a little clunky, but that’s just part of the Spain experience. Most directors are actually pretty comfortable with it and used to handling these kinds of documents. Just send it their way, and they should be able to fill it in with the correct information without much trouble. Again, you don’t need to stress about formatting perfection. The goal is just to give them something to work from.
2. They fill in the official details
Your school will then:
- Add your name
- Confirm your school placement
- Include your school year dates
- Sign it
- Stamp it (because Spain loves a good stamp)
- Add the school’s official letterhead
This makes it official.
3. They send it back as a PDF
Once completed, they usually email it back to you as a signed PDF document. Keep this safe. Don’t bury it in your downloads folder like it’s a mystery you’ll solve later.
A small but important tip
Mention this early in your final week, ideally to your:
- coordinator
- or school director
Not on your very last day when everyone is already emotionally checked out and thinking about summer. Why? Because schools get busy, teachers are wrapping up grades, and your certificate can easily get lost in the end-of-year chaos. If you bring it up early, it gives them time to sort it properly. And if they forget (they sometimes do), you’re not standing in the hallway on your last day like: “Hey… about that document…” Instead, you can just follow up by email calmly from your sofa.
The Certificado de Aprovechamiento isn’t complicated, but it is important. It’s one of those behind-the-scenes documents that quietly decides whether your next year in Spain is smooth or slightly annoying. Handle it early, send the template, and give your school space to process it. Then go back to focusing on what actually matters: finishing your year strong and mentally planning your next Spanish adventure. Because honestly, the paperwork never ends. (jaja)
Love always,
American Girl Meets World
