CCSE or DELE A2: differences between the two Spanish nationality tests
The DELE A2 assesses your level of Spanish and has four parts (reading, listening, writing and speaking). The CCSE assesses your knowledge of the Constitution, society and culture of Spain. It is a 45-minute test with 25 questions, and you need 15 correct answers to pass. For Spanish nationality by residence, both tests are required (DELE level A2 or higher), unless you are exempt.
| CCSE | DELE A2 | |
|---|---|---|
| What it assesses | The Constitution, the organization of the State, and the society, culture and history of Spain | A2 level Spanish |
| Format | 25 multiple-choice questions (3 options or true/false), 5 tasks | 4 parts: reading, listening, writing and speaking |
| Duration | 45 minutes | Reading 60 min, listening 40 min, writing 45 min, speaking 12 min (+12 min preparation time) |
| To pass | 15 out of 25 questions (60%) | At least 30 points out of 50 in each of the two groups of tests |
| Penalty for incorrect answers | No | No penalty in the comprehension tests |
| Results | About 20 days later | Between 2 and 3 months, depending on the exam session |
| Validity | The certificate is valid for 4 years from the date of issue | The diploma is valid indefinitely |
| Price | 85 € (since 2023) | Depends on the country; in Spain, the price is shown when you register |
| Second attempt | If you do not pass or do not attend, you can register a second time without paying again | No: you must register again, pay and retake all the tests |
Figures from Instituto Cervantes and Real Decreto 1004/2015. Schedules are published each year and prices may change. Check them on the official website before registering.
Which one should I start with?
You can take them in any order and in different exam sessions. As the CCSE certificate is valid for 4 years and the DELE does not expire, people usually plan both so that both documents are valid when they submit their application. If you are not sure of your Spanish level, start by practising for the DELE A2. It has two parts in which you must produce language (writing and speaking), and these require practice.
What to study for each test
- CCSE: study the test content (the Constitution, institutions, rights and duties, geography, history, culture and administrative procedures). The registration fee includes the Instituto Cervantes preparation materials.
- DELE A2: practise all four parts using the same format and ask someone to correct your written texts and spoken answers.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to take the CCSE and the DELE A2?
For Spanish nationality by residence, yes, you must take both tests unless you are exempt from one of them. Nationals by birth of a Spanish-speaking country are exempt only from the DELE.
How many questions are there in the CCSE, and how many correct answers do I need?
25 questions in 45 minutes. You need 15 correct answers (60%). Incorrect and unanswered questions do not reduce your score.
How much does the CCSE cost?
85 € since 2023, according to Instituto Cervantes. This includes the exam, the certificate and the preparation materials.
How long is the result valid?
The CCSE certificate is valid for 4 years from the date of issue. The DELE diploma is valid indefinitely.
Official sources
Information reviewed on .