F.A.Q. about DELE
What is the purpose of this webpage?
This is an unofficial page that gives you important information about the D.E.L.E. exams.
What is DELE?
DELE stands for “Diploma Español como Lengua Extranjera” (Diplomas of Spanish as a Foreign Language) and it is an official accreditation (accepted worldwide) of the level of fluency and command of the Spanish Language.
Who is the organizer?
D.E.L.E exams are issued by Instituto Cervantes on behalf of the Spanish Goverment.
Who corrects the tests?
They are corrected by the University of Salamanca.
Who can take it?
Any person who is citizen of a country where Spanish is not the official language.
Citizens from Spanish-speaking countries living in other countries where Spanish is not the official language, may register to take the DELE’s if they fulfill at least two of the following requirements (and can declare it in a written document):
Spanish is not the mother tongue of any of his/her parents.
Spanish is not the first language that he/she learned.
Spanish is not the habitual language used for communicating.
He/She has not studied Spanish in the total or part of his/her primary or secondary education.
How many levels are there?
The DELEs are divided into three levels depending on the language level:
Diploma de Español (Nivel Inicial): Mid-Intermediate level.
Diploma de Español (Nivel Intermedio): High-intermediate level.
Diploma de Español (Nivel Superior): Superior level.
Can I take any level?
Yes, you can. You don´t need to have a lower certificate to take the higher one.
Which one can I take?
It depends on your personal spanish skills:
Diploma de Español (Nivel Inicial): level B1-B2*
Diploma de Español (Nivel Intermedio): level B2-C1*
Diploma de Español (Nivel Superior): level C2*
*According to Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).
How soon will I receive my certificate?
You will receive it few months after you take the test. The certificate will be sent to your permanent physical address.
How many parts is the test divided in?
It is divided in five parts. Candidates must pass all parts on the same examination date.
Part 1: Reading Comprehension
Part 2: Written paper
Part 3: Listening Comprehension
Part 4: Grammar and vocabulary
Part 5: Oral exam