Diploma of Spanish as a foreign language (Diplomas de Español como Lengua Extranjera)

DELE Diplomas General Information

The DELEs , issued by the Instituto Cervantes on behalf of Spain’s Ministry of Education, offer official accreditation of mastery of the Spanish language for citizens of countries in which Spanish is not the official language. The examinations, offered at six levels, test your ability to read, write, speak and understand Spanish.


Diplomas de Español como Lengua Extranjera

Diploma de Español Nivel A1
Beginner Level

The Nivel A1 certifies ability to communicate with a variety of basic phrases and to interact in a simple way using familiar everyday expressions.

Diploma de Español Nivel A2
Advanced Beginner Level

The Nivel A2 certifies ability to comprehend common phrases and expressions of daily life and to communicate simple and routine tasks requiring a basic and direct exchange of information on personal, familiar and routine matters.

Diploma de Español Nivel B1
Intermediate Level

The Nivel B1 certifies proficiency to understand and cope with a range of common occurrences and to clearly and succinctly communicate needs and desires utilizing an intermediate knowledge of the language.

Diploma de Español Nivel B2
Advanced Intermediate Level

The Nivel B2 certifies proficiency to communicate naturally, with a more advanced level of Spanish, in everyday situations and in circumstances not requiring a specialized use of the language.

Diploma de Español Nivel C1
Advanced Level

The Nivel C1 certifies ability to understand a wide range of challenging and longer texts, recognize implicit meaning and express oneself fluently, using language appropriate for social, academic and professional purposes.

Diploma de Español Nivel C2
Upper Advanced Level

The Nivel C2 certifies sufficient proficiency to communicate in situations requiring an advanced use of the Spanish language, and the ability to understand and communicate about a wide variety of subjects as well as Spanish culture.
    The Exam to obtain the DELE A1, A2, C1 and C2 consists of four tests:
  • Reading comprehension.
  • Written composition.
  • Listening comprehension.
  • Oral interview.
    The Exam to obtain the DELE B1 and B2 consists of five tests:
  • Reading comprehension.
  • Written composition.
  • Listening comprehension.
  • Oral interview.
  • Grammar – vocabulary .

In order to obtain the certificate, you must pass all the above mentioned tests. A grade of "NO APTO" (unsatisfactory) in one of the tests implies the candidate’s failure in the entire exam. All sections should be retaken at a future date.

The Diplomas are recognized by official institutions of Spanish speaking countries and, increasingly, by corporations, chambers of commerce, and educational institutions in Europe and the United States.

Requirements

  • Applicants must provide proof of citizenship of a country in which Spanish is not the official language (e.g., passport, birth certificate, etc).
  • Currently there is no minimum age requirement for the Diploma de Español Nivel A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 or C2.