Overview
The DELE (Diplomas de Español como Lengua Extranjera) are official Spanish-language diplomas awarded by the Instituto Cervantes on behalf of Spain's Ministry of Education, Vocational Training and Sports. They certify the level of Spanish of non-native speakers, are designed around the CEFR and cover levels A1 to C2. A diploma has no expiry date and is recognised internationally.
Who can apply
Anyone who pays the registration fee can sit the general DELE exams, regardless of nationality. The general exams are for literate candidates of all ages but are aimed at adults from 16 upwards. Minors must be registered by a parent, tutor or legal representative. You do not need to have taken a course or a lower-level DELE first.
The Cervantes also offers school versions for students aged 11 to 17: DELE A1, A2/B1 and B2/C1 para escolares. This page focuses on the general exams.
Levels or stages
The general exams are DELE A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2, one for each CEFR level. The school exams cover A1, A2/B1 (a dual-level exam) and B2/C1 (also dual-level).
Some recognition examples from Cervantes: for Spanish nationality applications by people from non-Spanish-speaking countries, the Ministry of Justice requires DELE A2 or higher; for specialist medical training places (MIR, FIR), the Ministry of Health asks for DELE C1 or C2. A DELE C2 also exempts people entering the Spanish school system through recognition of foreign studies from other Spanish tests.
Exam pattern
Levels A1 to B2 have four tests grouped into two scoring groups, each worth 50 points of the 100.
| Test | Group | Maximum points |
|---|---|---|
| Reading comprehension | Group 1 | 25 |
| Written expression and interaction | Group 1 | 25 |
| Listening comprehension | Group 2 | 25 |
| Oral expression and interaction | Group 2 | 25 |
C1 has the same structure, but the tests include language use and written and oral mediation (reading and use of language; written expression, mediation and interaction; listening and use of language; oral expression, mediation and interaction).
C2 has three tests, each worth about one third of the total: integrated skills (language use, reading and listening), written expression, mediation and interaction, and oral expression, mediation and interaction. Tasks reflect personal, public, educational and professional settings. From B1 upward, the comprehension tests include the main varieties of Spanish, and any variety of Spanish is accepted in speaking and writing. The oral test may be audio-recorded for quality control.
Marking and results
Results are APTO (pass) or NO APTO. For A1 to C1 you must reach at least 30 points in each of the two groups. For C2, you need at least 20 points in each of the three tests. Results arrive about two months after the written tests, or about three months for the May and November sittings. Candidates who pass receive a diploma, sent digitally together with a certificate of grades with a secure verification code. You can request a review within one month; it costs 60 percent of the exam price and is refunded if the grade changes from NO APTO to APTO.
Important dates
The 2026 general-exam sittings include 13 February and 17 April (A2), 23 May (all levels A1 to C2, with school exams on 22 May), 16 and 17 October (B1, B2, C1 and A2) and 13 and 14 November (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2, with school exams on 13 November). Registration closes several weeks before each sitting, for example on 2 September 2026 for October and 30 September 2026 for November. For 2027, registration opens on 18 November, and sittings include 22 May and 13 November for all general levels. Not every level is offered at every sitting, so check the list.
Fees
Fees depend on the level and on the country where you register. Cervantes publishes an official 2026 price table (PDF) on its price page, and your exam centre can confirm your price. For centres in Spain, you see the price during the purchase process after registering.
How to apply
Register through the Cervantes online shop (tienda.cervantes.org) or your local exam centre, before the closing date. Refunds can be requested within 14 days of registration. Candidates with disabilities or learning difficulties can request special conditions from their exam centre at least two weeks before the exam.
Preparation tips
Study the official exam guide for your level and the Cervantes exam models.
Practise the two scoring groups separately: you need 30 points in both, so strong writing cannot cover weak listening.
At C2, note that the three tests each need their own minimum, so do not neglect any one skill area.
Does a DELE diploma expire?
No. Cervantes says DELE diplomas are valid indefinitely.
Can I take a DELE level without taking lower levels first?
Yes. Candidates can register for any DELE exam without prior courses or earlier exams.
What is the pass mark?
For A1 to C1, at least 30 points in each of the two scoring groups. For C2, at least 20 points in each of the three tests.