Start your journey to Spanish success with our guide to the DELE exam. This test checks your Spanish and is important for many reasons. We make it simple to understand and prepare for the exam. Whether for work, study or just to get better at Spanish, this guide is for you. Let’s get you ready for the DELE in 2024!
What Are DELE Exams?
The Diploma of Spanish as a Foreign Language or, as it is known by its Spanish acronym, DELE, is an exam that officially proves which level of Spanish language a person may have.
This test is administered by the Cervantes Institute and once passed, it is valid indefinitely.
The DELE Exam is valid internationally and is the ideal tool to expand your work and academic reach to other countries.
Learn more about this test here and get ready to take it! Spanish Express can give you a hand with its courses so that you have the best possible preparation.
Requirements for Instituto Cervantes DELE Exam
To take the DELE test, you must be at least 16 years old. However, there are some specific tests for school children. These exams have all the CEFR levels, which means that you can take any level from the following list:
The CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) levels corresponding to the DELE (Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera) exams are as follows:
– CEFR Level A1: DELE A1
– CEFR Level A2: DELE A2
– CEFR Level B1: DELE B1
– CEFR Level B2: DELE B2
– CEFR Level C1: DELE C1
– CEFR Level C2: DELE C2
Depending on the person’s level of Spanish, he/she must prepare for the corresponding test. That is to say, if your level of Spanish is A2, you must take the DELE A2 Spanish exam.
This is because each test has specific requirements and structures that are adapted to the levels of those taking it.
The Structure of the DELE tests
Like almost all tests that validate language training, the DELE test evaluates four basic skills:
- Reading comprehension
- Listening comprehension
- Written expression and interaction
- Oral expression and interaction
Each section is evaluated separately, with specific time limits to answer the required questions. Ensuring candidates demonstrate sufficient linguistic competence for the DELE diplomas. These exams are recognized internationally and by the Spanish Ministry of Education. They are essential for language users seeking Spanish citizenship or professional training.
Generally, the oral exam is a critical part of assessing integrated skills in producing clear and detailed texts. It takes place one day before or one day after the written tests. This is in line with the standards of language proficiency set by the DELE Spanish diplomas.
The time limits vary according to the level of the test, from A1 to C2 as outlined by the Common European Framework. It’s a standard language measure used by language testers. However, the scoring criteria remain consistent across examination sessions, with a maximum of 100 points.
To pass, a minimum score of 30, indicative of basic information comprehension and immediate needs in language skills, must be obtained by successfully completing at least two sections. If the exam is not passed, or the applicant misses the scheduled appointment at the examination center. The registration fees are forfeited, and the candidate must re-register during the next registration period for the DELE exams.
This approach ensures that each candidate is well-prepared and possesses the appropriate level of language proficiency, as per the rigorous standards of the DELE Spanish diplomas, before receiving their official titles.
Why take the exam?
Although this type of test is associated with academic fields, the truth is that it goes far beyond that.
If you live in Spain, some jobs that are directly related to the government, such as the Ministry of Health, require a DELE level of C1 or C2.
Also, to acquire Spanish nationality, it is necessary to have an A2 level of the Spanish language.
The DELE A2 and CCSE are the two nationality exams that any foreigner must pass to be granted nationality. These are two different tests that will define whether or not you are eligible to get a Spanish passport, based on your level of Spanish and knowledge of Spain.
In addition, other business-related jobs take a greater liking to candidates who are certified in a language. That is because speaking Spanish at work brings many benefits to your professional growth.
Ultimately, if your native language is not Spanish and you want to join a university in Spain or Latin America, the principal requirement is most likely to be the presentation of a DELE exam.
This test holds a high priority for both work and academic purposes, opening doors to new opportunities. If you are interested in taking the DELE exam, here we explain how to register and help you prepare for it.
How to register?
There are two ways to register for the DELE test.
- Online, through the Cervantes Institute website, in the case of candidates in Spain (for all levels except school children).
- At each exam center, in the case of DELE exams held outside Spain.
The registration fee for the exams depends on the level of Spanish of each diploma and the country in which the registration is made. Each candidate should consult the price of the chosen diploma at the DELE examination center in the country where he/she wishes to take the exams.
Prepare for your DELE exam with Spanish Express!
Spanish Express brings you the best Spanish courses so you can be properly prepared to take your DELE exam.
Join our DELE Exam Preparation and receive your lessons in any of these available formats:
- Spanish One-to-One lessons
- Spanish Two-to-One lessons
- Spanish closed groups
- Spanish Online Tuition
- Spanish homestay immersion
Choose the one that best suits your needs and start your learning journey through this amazing language.
Our tutors will help you with specialized exercises to improve your reading comprehension and writing skills every day.
In addition, we will practice your listening and speaking skills, helping you improve your ability to hold a conversation in the language with a native speaker.
And, of course, we will give you the best tips which you can apply to your test on the day of your presentation and be fully prepared to get an excellent score.
We will focus on developing the language skills you need for this exam.
Grow on a professional, academic, and personal level by having this certification on your CV.
Learn with us and get the best results in your test.
Is the DELE exam difficult?
The difficulty of the DELE exam depends on your Spanish skills. It tests how well you use Spanish in real situations. For native speakers or those who use Spanish a lot, it might be easier. The exam has different levels to match your language skills.
What is the DELE exam equivalent to?
The DELE exam is like official exams in other languages. It checks your Spanish against the Common European Framework. This means it sees how good you are at using Spanish for different things. It’s known all over the world and many countries value it.
How much does it cost to take the DELE?
The cost to take the DELE varies. It depends on where you take it and what level you’re testing for. You can find the fees on the Instituto Cervantes website. They list all the prices for each exam level and place.
What is the Spanish DELE exam?
The Spanish DELE exam is a test by the Instituto Cervantes. It shows how good you are in Spanish. It covers listening, reading, speaking, and writing. The exam is for anyone who speaks Spanish as a foreign language. It helps to show your level in Spanish, from basic to advanced.
Can you take the DELE exam in the US?
Yes, you can take the DELE exam in the US. There are many examination centers across the country. These are set up by the Instituto Cervantes. You can check their website for places and dates. They give the exam for all levels of Spanish proficiency.
What does DELE mean in Spanish?
DELE means “Diplomas de Español como Lengua Extranjera.” In English, it’s “Diplomas in Spanish as a Foreign Language.” It’s a set of exams from the Cervantes Institute. They test how well people use Spanish in different ways. The exams are for both basic and advanced Spanish users.
Is DELE accepted in the USA?
Yes, the DELE exam is accepted in the USA. Many educational and professional institutions recognize these diplomas. The DELE shows your Spanish language skills and is approved by the Spanish Ministry. It’s useful for education and work in the USA and other countries.
What are the Spanish levels for DELE?
DELE exams have different levels from A1 (beginner) to C2 (master). These levels match the Common European Framework for languages. Each level checks different skills in Spanish. For example, A1 is for basic language use, while C2 is for high-degree language skills. The Instituto Cervantes website has more details.
Is there a Delf for Spanish?
DELF is specific to the French language, not Spanish. It stands for “Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française” and is an official French proficiency test. It’s designed for non-native French speakers to certify their French language skills. The DELF exam has different levels, similar to the DELE for Spanish, but it only applies to French.
