How to prepare for the DELE Exam in 2026

Dreaming of earning your DELE certificate? Start strong by knowing exactly what to expect (2026 guide)

The DELE (Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera) is the official Spanish language certificate issued by the Instituto Cervantes on behalf of the Spanish Ministry of Education. It is valid for life and recognised worldwide by universities, employers, and public authorities.

As a language school that has prepared thousands of candidates for official exams, we see one key difference between students who pass comfortably and those who struggle: knowing exactly what the exam expects before you start preparing.

Why take the DELE exam?

• Strengthen your CV with an internationally recognised diploma
• Meet language requirements for Spanish residency or citizenship
• Access academic programmes and Spanish-speaking universities
• Gain confidence and a clear goal in your Spanish learning journey

DELE levels explained (A1–C2)

The DELE exam follows the CEFR framework and is available at six levels. Choosing the right level is crucial — overestimating your level is one of the most common reasons for failing.

• A1 – Basic survival Spanish: greetings, simple information, everyday expressions
• A2 – Simple conversations about daily life and personal needs
• B1 – Independent use: work, travel, opinions, short written texts
• B2 – Confident communication in most professional and social situations
• C1 – Effective use of Spanish in academic and professional contexts
• C2 – Near-native command with precision, nuance, and flexibility

How to choose the right DELE level

Before registering, ask yourself:

• What is my real level in speaking and writing (not just grammar)?
• How much time can I realistically dedicate to preparation?
• Why do I need the certificate (study, work, immigration)?

We strongly recommend taking a full mock exam and not just an online grammar test. Many learners discover that their receptive skills (reading/listening) are higher than their productive skills (speaking/writing).

What is the DELE exam like?

Although tasks differ by level, every DELE exam tests the same four skills:

• Reading comprehension
• Listening comprehension
• Written expression and interaction
• Oral expression and interaction

To pass, you must obtain at least 60% overall. Weakness in one skill (especially writing or speaking) can cost you the certificate, even if your grammar knowledge is strong.

DELE exam structure by level (2026 overview)

DELE A1 – Spanish for absolute beginners

Total duration: ~2.5 hours

Reading (45 min)

• 4 tasks, 25 questions
• Emails, notes, brochures, short messages
• Matching texts to images or multiple-choice answers

Listening (25 min)

• 4 tasks, 25 questions
• Short dialogues, announcements, slow and clear audio

Writing (25 min)

• 2 short tasks
• Forms and short messages (30–40 words)

Speaking (10 min + 10 min preparation)

• Introduce yourself
• Talk about familiar topics (routine, city, hobbies)
• Simple interaction with the examiner

DELE A2 – Spanish for beginners

Total duration: ~3 hours

Key difficulties at A2

• Describing photos with enough detail
• Maintaining a basic but coherent conversation
• Writing structured short texts (emails, notes)

DELE B1 – Intermediate

Total duration: ~3.5 hours

What examiners focus on

• Clarity and organisation in writing
• Ability to narrate, describe, and express opinions
• Functional language for real-life situations

DELE B2 – Upper-intermediate

Total duration: ~3.5–4 hours

Most common reasons candidates fail B2

• Weak argument structure in writing
• Incorrect register (too informal or too vague)
• Difficulty inferring meaning in listening tasks

DELE C1 – Advanced

Total duration: ~4.5 hours

What makes C1 challenging

• Integrated grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension
• Summarising and mediating complex information
• Maintaining precision under time pressure

DELE C2 – Proficiency

Total duration: ~5 hours

At C2 level, examiners expect:

• Near-native fluency and control
• Advanced argumentation and synthesis
• Accurate use of idiomatic and formal language

DELE exam dates and sessions (2026)

DELE exams are organised several times per year worldwide. Available dates depend on the level and exam centre, so always check early.

Official schedules and registration: https://examenes.cervantes.es

Expert tip

Popular levels (B1–C1) often fill up quickly. We recommend registering as soon as registration opens and planning preparation backwards from your exam date.

How much does the DELE exam cost in 2026?

Prices vary by country and exam centre. The following are indicative prices in Spain:

• A1: ~€115
• A2: ~€140
• B1: ~€175
• B2: ~€205
• C1: ~€230
• C2: ~€245

How to prepare effectively for the DELE exam

1. Build a realistic study plan

• 3–6 months: 30–60 minutes per day, 5 days a week
• Less than 2 months: 1–2 hours per day plus weekend revision

2. Focus on speaking and writing early

Based on our experience preparing DELE candidates, writing and speaking are the decisive skills. These require feedback — self-study alone is rarely enough.

3. Use exam-specific materials

• Official DELE mock exams
• Timed practice under real exam conditions
• Correction using official scoring criteria

Why blended learning works best for DELE preparation

The most successful DELE candidates combine structured self-study with expert teacher feedback. This blended approach allows you to progress faster and avoid common exam mistakes.

Our DELE preparation approach

• Personalised study plan based on your target level
• Weekly feedback on speaking and writing
• Mock exams corrected by certified teachers
• Exam strategies and time management
• Flexible online learning adapted to working professionals
• Private teacher + a learning portal that mimicks the exam format.

Our experience and results

• 10,000+ learners trained worldwide
• 150+ certified professional teachers
• Average rating: 4.8/5
• Proven success across all DELE levels

Passing the DELE is not about perfection. It’s about preparation, consistency, and understanding what examiners are really looking for. Start early, prepare smart, and pass with confidence.