DELE Exam: Levels, Dates, Fees and How to Register
Checked against official sources on 10 October 2026
The DELE exam leads to the Diplomas de Español como Lengua Extranjera, the official diplomas of Spanish as a foreign language. The Instituto Cervantes awards them on behalf of Spain's Ministry of Education. There are six levels, from A1 to C2, each with its own exam, and a diploma does not expire. This guide covers the levels, the parts of the exam, the dates published for 2026 and 2027, registration, results and how the DELE compares with the SIELE.
What is the DELE exam
The DELE diplomas certify a level of Spanish under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). A candidate can register for any level without taking a course first and without passing a lower level. The general exams are aimed at candidates aged 16 and over; separate exams for schools are aimed at students aged 11 to 17. The diplomas have official validity, are valid indefinitely and are recognised internationally.
The six levels
- A1: understanding and using very frequent everyday expressions, and giving basic personal information.
- A2: simple, direct exchanges on familiar matters such as family, shopping, places and work.
- B1: understanding the main points of clear texts on work, study or daily life, and writing simple, coherent texts.
- B2: understanding the essentials of complex texts and speaking with enough fluency that neither side has to make an effort.
- C1: handling a wide range of long texts and speaking fluently and spontaneously in social, work and academic settings.
- C2: understanding practically everything heard or read and expressing fine shades of meaning with precision.
Parts of the exam
Levels A1 to B2 have four tests: reading comprehension, listening comprehension, written expression and interaction, and oral expression and interaction. Each is worth 25 points. Reading and writing form one group and listening and speaking another; a pass (APTO) needs 30 points in each group. C1 has the same structure, with use of language and mediation tasks added. C2 has three tests, and a pass needs 20 points in each. The written tests are held on the official date; the oral test can fall on a day just before or after it.
| Level | Reading | Listening | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | 45 min | 25 min | 25 min | 10 min |
| A2 | 60 min | 40 min | 45 min | 12 min |
| B1 | 70 min | 40 min | 60 min | 15 min |
| B2 | 70 min | 40 min | 80 min | 20 min |
| C1 | 90 min | 50 min | 80 min | 20 min |
| C2 | 105 min (one combined test) | 150 min | 20 min | |
The speaking test has a preparation time before it, equal to the test time up to C1 and 30 minutes at C2.
DELE exam dates in 2026 and 2027
The dates page lists two sessions for the last quarter of 2026. Registration for both has closed (on 2 September and 30 September).
- 16 October 2026: B1, B2 and C1. 17 October 2026: A2.
- 13 November 2026: A2 and the school exams. 14 November 2026: A1, B1, B2, C1 and C2.
Registration for the 2027 sessions opens on 18 November, according to the same page.
| Written test, 2027 | Levels (general exams) | Registration closes |
|---|---|---|
| 12 February | A2 | 7 January |
| 2 April | A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 | 10 February |
| 22 May | All six levels | 7 April |
| 9 July | A2, B1, B2, C1 | 12 May |
| 10 September | A2 | 14 July |
| 15 October | A2, B1, B2 | 1 September |
| 13 November | All six levels | 29 September |
The school exams are on 21 May and 12 November 2027. A registration can be moved only within the same calendar year.
Fees and how to register
Fees
The price depends on the level and on the country where the candidate registers. The Instituto Cervantes publishes the official 2026 price list for every country as a PDF, linked from its price page. These are the prices of the general exams in Spain in 2026:
| Level | Price in Spain in 2026, in euros |
|---|---|
| A1 | 112 |
| A2 | 138 |
| B1 | 173 |
| B2 | 204 |
| C1 | 225 |
| C2 | 240 |
The price of each exam in Spain is also shown during the purchase, after creating a user account. As a general rule, a refund can be requested within 14 calendar days of registering.
Registration
- In Spain: online, through the exams portal of the Instituto Cervantes, for all levels except the school exams. Payment is by credit or debit card.
- Outside Spain: at the exam centre, with a passport or official photo ID and proof of payment.
- Each candidate needs a personal email address. It is used for the exam notice and the results.
- On the day, bring the registration receipt and the original ID used to register.
- For the DELE A2 in Spain, the original TIE card and passport are required to enter the exam. Candidates who need the diploma for nationality must register with their NIE.
Results and the diploma
Results arrive about two months after the written tests, or about three months for the May and November sessions. The Instituto Cervantes tells candidates by email, and the certificate of marks is in the candidate's private area of the portal. Those who pass receive the diploma in digital format by email. A candidate who disagrees with the mark has one month to ask for a review. The review costs 60% of the exam price and is refunded if the result changes to a pass.
DELE or SIELE
The SIELE is a separate, fully electronic service promoted by the Instituto Cervantes and the universities UNAM, Salamanca and Buenos Aires. The full exam gives a score from 0 to 1000 with the matching CEFR level for each test, and covers levels A1 to C1. Results come within three weeks and the certificate is valid for five years. The DELE takes longer and is held on fixed dates, but the diploma has no expiry date.
DELE A2 and Spanish nationality
Applicants for Spanish nationality by residence must pass two tests of the Instituto Cervantes: the DELE at level A2 or higher and the CCSE test on the Constitution and on Spanish society and culture. Nationals of Spanish-speaking countries, minors under 18 and people who already hold a DELE A2 or higher are among those exempt from the DELE. The Ministry of Justice decides on nationality.
Preparing for the exam
The preparation page has candidate guides, answer sheets and past exam papers with audio for every level. The Instituto Cervantes also offers online preparation courses for the DELE A2, B1 and B2. A DELE preparation course at a school is another option: many language schools in Spain offer one, and the city pages help compare places to study.
Frequently asked questions
Does a DELE diploma expire?
No. The diplomas are valid indefinitely, including those issued under older names.
Is a lower level needed before a higher one?
No. Any level can be taken directly, and no course is required.
Which level is needed for Spanish nationality?
A2 or higher, together with the CCSE test.
When do results come out?
In about two months; about three months for the May and November sessions.