DELE: Diplomas in Spanish as a Foreign Language

What better place than Spain to learn a language shared by over 400 million people worldwide? You'll find a range of different options to help you learn Spanish or improve your level. If you want, you can also prepare the official DELE Certificate, the Diploma in Spanish as a Foreign Language.

What are DELEs?
The Diplomas in Spanish as a Foreign Language (DELEs) are official, internationally recognised qualifications that allow you to accredit your level in the Spanish language. They are awarded by the Cervantes Institute, on behalf of the Spanish Ministry of Education and Science.

What advantages do DELEs have?
DELE diplomas are accepted worldwide by business and chambers of commerce, as well as by public and private education systems. In Spain they help with access to universities, language schools and jobs. They are valid indefinitely and allow for geographical mobility within the European Union in academic and professional spheres.

How many levels are there?
There are six diplomas in Spanish as a Foreign Language, corresponding to the levels proposed by the Council of Europe within the common European reference framework: Diploma in Spanish Level A1, Diploma in Spanish Level A2, Diploma in Spanish Level B1 (before Beginners'), Diploma in Spanish Level B1-Escolar for schools, Diploma in Spanish Level B2 (before Intermediate), Diploma in Spanish Level C1, and Diploma in Spanish Level C2.

Who can take the exams?
DELE exams can be taken by anyone who does not speak Spanish as their first language and who wants to have an official qualification that accredits his/her knowledge of the language.

Where are exams held?
There are 700 centres all over the world where you can enrol and sit the exams for these diplomas. These include centres of the Cervantes Institute, Spanish embassies and consulates, and other accredited examination centres. There is a complete list on the website of the Cervantes Institute.

When are exams held?
The examinations take place on two standard dates (May and November) and one special date (August). You'll find models of question papers and audios from previous examinations for each level at the following link: http://diplomas.cervantes.es/informacion/modelos_examen_audios.html

Is it necessary to complete a special course in order to take the exam?
It is not obligatory, given that these are open exams designed to evaluate linguistic competence. Nevertheless, the Cervantes Institute and other public and private centres offer preparatory courses. The Cervantes Institute website provides detailed information on the courses available in Spain, as well as dates, schedules, exam centres and enrolment conditions.

When is the diploma awarded?
The qualifications obtained can be checked on the Internet, at the Cervantes Institute website. The organisation will inform candidates of their results within approximately three months of the examination date. The Institute delivers the diplomas to successful candidates via the corresponding Examination Centre.

How easy is that? It'll be even easier here in Spain, living amongst the Spanish.