DELE A2 for Spanish nationality, who needs it and what the exam is like

To apply for Spanish nationality by residence, people over 18 have to pass the DELE A2 (or a higher level) and the CCSE test. Among others, people who have the nationality of origin of a country where Spanish is an official language do not need it. In Spain the DELE A2 costs 138 euros in 2026 and the diploma does not expire.

What is the DELE A2 and why is it required for nationality?

The DELE (Diplomas de Español como Lengua Extranjera) is the official diploma of Spanish as a foreign language. The Instituto Cervantes (Spain's public institution for the Spanish language) awards it on behalf of the Ministerio de Educación, Formación Profesional y Deportes (Ministry of Education, Vocational Training and Sport). Level A2 is basic Spanish. At this level you can talk about yourself and your surroundings and understand simple messages.

Real Decreto 1004/2015 (Royal Decree 1004/2015) and Orden JUS/1625/2016 (Ministerial Order JUS/1625/2016) require this level of Spanish from people over 18 who apply for nationality by residence. You also have to pass the CCSE exam, which is about the Constitution and Spanish society. They are two different exams, and the Instituto Cervantes organises both.

Who does not have to take the DELE A2?

According to Orden JUS/1625/2016 and the Instituto Cervantes, you do not have to take the DELE A2 in these cases.

• You have the nationality of origin (not acquired) of a country where Spanish is official. The Order lists Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Equatorial Guinea, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Uruguay and Venezuela.
• You are under 18 or your legal capacity has been modified by a court.
• You already have a DELE A2 or higher.
• You have an official Spanish certificate at level A2, B1 or B2, for example from an Escuela Oficial de Idiomas (public language school).
• You studied in Spain and passed the ESO (compulsory secondary education). In this case you present the certificate together with your nationality application.

If you have two nationalities and the one from the Spanish-speaking country is not the main one on record with the Ministerio del Interior (Ministry of the Interior), you must provide a valid passport from that country or a consular certificate.

People who cannot read or write or who have learning difficulties can ask the Ministerio de Justicia (Ministry of Justice) for an exemption before they submit their application. The Instituto Cervantes also states that deaf people who can prove it officially do not have to take the DELE A2.

Is a DELE B1 or B2 valid instead of the A2?

Yes. The rule asks for a DELE at level A2 or higher, so a B1, B2, C1 or C2 is also valid. The A2 is the minimum level and the cheapest of the valid ones.

What is the DELE A2 exam like?

The current exam (2020 version) has four tests. Each test is worth 25 points, 100 in total.

Test	Time	Content
Reading comprehension	60 minutes	4 tasks, 25 questions
Listening comprehension	40 minutes	4 tasks, 25 questions
Written expression and interaction	45 minutes	2 tasks
Spoken expression and interaction	12 minutes plus 12 minutes of preparation	3 tasks

You take the first three tests on the official exam day. The oral test can be on that day or on a nearby day, before or after, depending on the exam centre. In the oral test you talk about a topic, describe a photograph and have a dialogue in a role-play situation.

How many points do I need to pass?

The four tests are split into two groups of 50 points.

• Group 1. Reading comprehension and written expression and interaction.
• Group 2. Listening comprehension and spoken expression and interaction.

To get "Apto" (pass) you need at least 30 points in each group, and you have to take all the tests. Having 60 points in total is not enough if one of the groups is below 30. The final result is "Apto" (pass) or "No apto" (fail).

How much does the DELE A2 cost in Spain?

According to the official Instituto Cervantes price table for 2026, the DELE A2 costs 138 euros in Spain. You register and pay in the Instituto Cervantes online shop. If you take the exam in Spain for nationality, you have to register with your NIE (foreigner identity number). The 2027 price may change, so check it in the shop before you pay.

When are the next DELE A2 exams?

There is one session left in 2026. The DELE A2 written exam is on Friday 13 November 2026, but registration already closed on 30 September.

Registration for 2027 opens on 18 November 2026. These are the DELE A2 dates published by the Instituto Cervantes.

Written exam	Registration closes
Friday 5 March 2027	20 January 2027
Friday 2 April 2027	10 February 2027
Saturday 22 May 2027	7 April 2027
Friday 9 July 2027	12 May 2027
Friday 10 September 2027	14 July 2027
Friday 15 October 2027	1 September 2027
Saturday 13 November 2027	29 September 2027

Not all centres offer all dates.

How long do the results take?

Results come out about two months after the written exam, and about three months for the May and November sessions. They tell you by email, and you download the certificate and the diploma in your personal area.

Does the DELE A2 diploma expire?

No. DELE diplomas are valid indefinitely. An old DELE, even one from before 2008, is still valid for nationality.

How do I prepare for the DELE A2?

• Practise with the Instituto Cervantes sample exams, which include audio files and answer sheets. The Instituto Cervantes exams website is under maintenance in October 2026. If you cannot find the sample exams, ask at your exam centre.
• Do each test with the real time limit.
• Write short texts, such as emails or notes.
• Speak out loud for a few minutes about your routine, your neighbourhood or a photograph.
• Listen to everyday conversations in Spanish.

Remember that you also need the CCSE. You can study the 300 CCSE questions and take a free mock exam on Nacionaliza, which is an independent, unofficial website. Practice for the DELE A2 is coming soon too.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to repeat the whole exam if I fail?

Yes. You have to register again, pay again and take all four tests, even if you passed some of them in the previous session.

Can I ask for my result to be reviewed?

Yes. You have one month to request it from your personal area. It costs 60 % of the exam price, and you get the money back if your result changes from "No apto" (fail) to "Apto" (pass). Your score can also go down.

How do I present the DELE in my nationality application?

You can allow the Ministerio de Justicia to check your results with the Instituto Cervantes. You can also provide a copy of the diploma or of the results certificate, which has a secure verification code.

Which document do I bring on the exam day?

Bring the document you used to register. In Spain the Instituto Cervantes accepts the original passport or TIE (foreigner identity card) even if they have expired. If you are a European Union citizen and take the DELE A2 in Spain, you need two original documents.