The exam
What the DELE A2 exam is
The DELE A2 certifies an A2 level of Spanish. Issued by the Instituto Cervantes, it has international and permanent validity. It is the most requested level in Spain because it is the minimum requirement for Spanish citizenship.
Uses
What the DELE A2 is for
For Spanish citizenship
If you apply for citizenship by residence and are not a Spanish speaker, you must pass the DELE A2 or higher and the CCSE. They are two separate tests. The DELE A2 is valid forever; the CCSE expires after four years.
As an official certificate of Spanish
It also certifies your level for your CV, work or study, and is the first step towards higher levels.
Format
Structure of the DELE A2 exam
Four papers across two sessions:
Reading (60 min)
Short texts and 25 multiple-choice or matching questions. Don't get stuck on one text.
Listening (40 min)
Everyday audio, each played twice. Train your ear with authentic materials.
Writing (45 min)
Two short texts. Points are lost here to wrong register or not covering everything asked.
Speaking (12 + 12 min)
You introduce yourself, describe a photo and hold a dialogue. The key: having practised it beforehand.
Marking
How the DELE A2 is marked
Marked in two groups: Group 1 (reading + writing) and Group 2 (listening + speaking). Each out of 50; you need 30/50 in each.
There is no compensation between groups. Neglecting the speaking paper is the number-one cause of avoidable fails.
Exemptions
Who is exempt from the DELE A2 for citizenship
You are exempt if: you are a national of a Spanish-speaking country by origin; you are under 18 or have legally modified capacity; you already hold a DELE A2 or higher; you hold an A2–B2 certificate from an Official School of Languages; or you completed compulsory secondary education in Spain. Otherwise, the DELE A2 is mandatory.
Price and dates
DELE A2 price and dates in 2026
The official DELE A2 fee in 2026 is around €138 in Spain (it varies by country). The DELE A2 runs several times a year between February and November. Register early. More at examenes.cervantes.es.
June 2026.
Method
How we prepare you to pass the DELE A2
Our lessons are taught by an official examiner accredited by the Instituto Cervantes. We mark your writing and speaking to the exact exam criteria and run real mock exams. If you are sitting it for citizenship, we tailor the lessons to your profile and explain how the DELE A2 fits with the CCSE.
Next level
Do you need a higher level?
If your goal is to study or work in Spanish, the next step is DELE B1 preparation online.