Diplomas de Español como Lengua Extranjera (DELE)
by Instituto Cervantes
Does not expire
Relocation Pathways
| Country | Purpose | Requirement | Visa / Pathway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spain | Work | B2 recommended | — |
| Spain | Citizenship | A2 + CCSE exam | — |
| Spain | University | B2 | — |
| Colombia | University | B2 | — |
| Mexico | University | B2 | — |
Levels & Pricing (USD)
- DELE A1~$1151h 50m
- DELE A2~$1352h 10m
- DELE B1~$1553h
- DELE B2~$1703h 50m
- DELE C1~$1804h 30m
- DELE C2~$1904h
Dates & Locations
Exam sessions in April, May, July, October, and November worldwide.
Why Take DELE?
Spanish Residency
DELE A2 combined with the CCSE exam is required for permanent residency in Spain.
Spanish Citizenship
DELE A2 plus the CCSE (cultural knowledge) exam is required for Spanish nationality by residency.
University in Spain
DELE B2 is the standard requirement for Spanish-taught university programs. Some graduate programs require C1.
Lifetime Certificate
DELE certificates never expire. A single exam gives you permanent, internationally recognized proof of your Spanish level.
Exam Structure
Reading Comprehension
Listening Comprehension
Written Expression
Oral Expression
Free Practice Tests
Frequently Asked Questions
What DELE level do I need for Spanish citizenship?
DELE A2 plus the CCSE (Constitutional and Sociocultural Knowledge of Spain) exam. A2 is the minimum. EU citizens from Spanish-speaking countries may be exempt.
Is DELE the only Spanish exam accepted for citizenship?
For Spanish citizenship, yes. DELE is the only language diploma accepted. SIELE is accepted for some professional and academic purposes but not for nationality applications.
How hard is DELE B2?
DELE B2 requires around 500–600 hours of study. You need to pass all four sections (reading, listening, writing, speaking) with at least 60% in each group. Most students prepare for 3–6 months with a tutor.
Find Your DELE Coach
Work with a certified DELE coach who knows exactly what the examiners are looking for.
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