The DELE language exam is the Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera and is a globally recognized test of Spanish proficiency. As well as taking the exam in Spain, students can also take the exam in over 100 countries. Many thousands of exams are taken annually by candidates in hundreds of examination centres. The DELE exam is open to anyone wishing to test their Spanish language level and can also be used for employment applications or for applications to educational institutions. After taking all four test areas of the DELE exam, candidates get a certificate that’s valid for a lifetime.
Ready to start preparing for the DELE? Let’s go!
How do candidates register for the DELE test?
Registration for the DELE exam must be done via the Instituto Cervantes. For DELE exams taken in Spain online registration is possible directly on the Insituto Cervantes registration portal. For those outside Spain it can be done at an examination centre. Young Learners need to register at their chosen exam centre, regardless of their location.
To register for the DELE exam, students need to provide their e-mail address, along with other personal information. The Instituto Cervantes will communicate information via the email provided so it is best to choose one that you check regularly.
It may be that not all centres offer exams for all of the levels on the date you may require so it’s best to check in advance whether they offer your level on your preferred date.
There are more than one thousand centres in over a hundred countries spread all across the world. You can see the current list of centres here.
You need to make the payment for the DELE exam online via credit card or PayPal on the Instituto Cervantes site here. Following registration, you will receive an email with your registration receipt which you need to take to your chosen centre.
If you’re outside Spain then you will need to go to the exam centre of your choice with your passport or similar photo identification and photocopies of the main pages, as well as proof of payment of the registration fee. The information provided during registration must match that on the identification document. You will need to take two copies of the application form. You can download the DELE exam application form here.
Registration must be completed before the deadlines for the year you are applying for. The exam dates and registration deadlines for taking the DELE exam in 2020 are the following:
Exam date February 14th:
- Adults: Level A2
- Deadline: January 8th
Exam date April 17th:
- Adults: Levels A1, A2, B1, B2, C1
- Deadline: February 19th
Exam date May 15th and 16th:
- Young Learners: Levels A1, A2/B1
- Adults: Levels A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2
- Deadline: March 18th
Exam date July 10th:
- Adults: Levels A2, B1, B2, C1
- Deadline: May 13th
Exam date September 11th:
- Adults: Level A2
- Deadline: July 15th
Exam date October 2nd:
- Adults: Levels A2, B1, B2
- Deadline: August 15th
Exam date November 13th and 14th:
- Young Learners: Levels A1, A2/B1
- Adults: Levels A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2
- Deadline: October 7th
Contact your chosen examination centre if you have any questions or would like further information.
Which exam centre should I choose?
The centre a candidate chooses will depend on where they are likely to be in the month of the test date they have chosen as there are different months to take the test. You also need to check whether a centre you are considering does the test at the level you have chosen. Other factors to consider are the cost of the test as it does vary between centres.
What are the fees for the test?
Prices for the DELE exams can vary depending on the country and examination centre but also on the level so it’s best to contact your centre directly. For lower levels the cost of the exam is around 110 Euro’s and for the higher levels around 220 Euro’s as a rough guide.
What’s does the DELE test consist of?
The DELE test consists of the four main parts of reading, writing, listening and speaking. Candidates can take it at six levels of Spanish proficiency. When taking the DELE exam, students need to decide on a specific level and take all four test areas together. In return, they will get a diploma that never expires. The DELE exam lasts between two and four and half hours depending on the level. Each level has a section for reading comprehension, listening comprehension and writing, as well as an oral portion.
When are the results available?
DELE test results are communicated by The Instituto Cervantes to examinees approximately three months after the exam date. Diplomas are posted out to the address provided at the time of application for all those who received a pass grade.
Any advice to do well in the DELE test?
It’s definitely advisable to get a good night’s sleep before the test so that you are alert and ready. In the months before the test spend at least part of everyday listening to and reading things in Spanish. You can even do both at the same time by listening to audio books and following along by reading the text. Make a note of new vocabulary and phrases. You can also try some online Spanish language reading and listening exercises too.
A general Spanish course covering grammar, vocabulary, listening and reading skills would also be useful. If you are able to have tailored 1 to 1 classes with a personal tutor, this would have obvious benefits as you will be able to get useful feedback and advice.
What can GlobalExam do to help me study for the DELE test?
GlobalExam can help you prepare for the DELE Test by offering free materials so you can see how useful the materials are and see the quality of the content. There are sample exercises, and vocabulary and grammar study materials. Once you have tried out the free sample materials you will be ready to sign up for one of our premium plans to get access to more practice exercises that are really similar to the actual test. You will have the chance to do full mock exams under timed conditions – just like in the real DELE exam. This will have the added benefit of helping you choose which level of the DELE exam you should take.
GlobalExam have a team of experts who regularly update the site content to deliver effective training and provide plenty of fresh practice opportunities. On the site you will be able to do reading and listening exercises for the DELE exam and get immediate feedback. You will be able to review your results in the statistics section and track your progress. After you identify your weak areas you can improve on them with the help of some vocabulary and grammar study sheets. Get studying as soon as possible to maximize your chances of a higher score. Visit the GlobalExam site to check out the free trial version today and you’ll have more time to prepare for the DELE exam!
Find out more about the difference between the DELE and the Bright Spanish.
