According to regulations in force, all Spanish and foreign applicants must take a general examination (prueba de acceso a la Universidad), which takes place in July and September. This examination is imperative for admission to Facultades and Escuelas Tecnicas Superiores. The examination is carried out by the higher education institutions themselves. The National Open University holds these examinations in the Spanish embassies in some countries. This is generally the case where a large number of applicants is involved.