DELE A2 exam structure: tests, duration and how to pass
The DELE A2 has four tests worth 25 points each (100 in total): reading comprehension (60 minutes), listening comprehension (40 minutes), written expression and interaction (45 minutes), and oral expression and interaction (12 minutes plus 12 minutes of preparation). To pass («apto»), you must obtain at least 30 points out of 50 in Group 1 (reading + writing) and at least 30 out of 50 in Group 2 (listening + speaking).
| Test | Duration | Tasks | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Reading comprehension | 60 minutes | 4 tasks, 25 questions (5 + 8 + 6 + 6) | 25 |
| 2. Listening comprehension | 40 minutes | 4 tasks, 25 questions (6 + 6 + 6 + 7) | 25 |
| 3. Written expression and interaction | 45 minutes | 2 tasks (130 to 150 words in total) | 25 |
| 4. Oral expression and interaction | 12 minutes (+ 12 minutes of preparation) | 3 tasks | 25 |
Reading comprehension
There are four tasks with three-option questions and questions that require you to match texts with statements. They include personal emails and letters, short texts from public life (advertisements, signs, leaflets, blogs), slightly longer texts and a narrative text. There is a separate answer sheet. No points are deducted for incorrect answers.
Listening comprehension
There are four tasks with recordings: informal conversations and conversations about shopping or services, radio clips, a conversation between two people, and messages or announcements. You hear each recording twice. No points are deducted for incorrect answers, so it is advisable to answer all the questions.
Written expression and interaction
- Task 1: a note, postcard, message, email or short letter in response to a given text (60 to 70 words).
- Task 2: a short composition. You choose between two options: an everyday topic from your personal life or a biographical or narrative text based on photos or information (70 to 80 words).
- Two independent raters mark each test, and their scores are averaged. The two tasks have the same weight (50 % of the score for this test). In each task, language use accounts for 66 % and task completion for 34 %.
Oral expression and interaction
- You have 12 minutes to prepare for the three tasks, and you may take notes or write a draft.
- Task 1, presentation: a monologue lasting 2 to 3 minutes on a topic you choose from two options.
- Task 2, describing a photograph: a monologue lasting 2 to 3 minutes.
- Task 3, conversation with the interviewer: 3 to 4 minutes, based on the situation in the photograph.
- There are two examiners in the room: the interviewer and the rater. The rater's score accounts for 60 % and the interviewer's score for 40 %.
How the score is calculated
In the comprehension tests, each correct answer is worth 1 point and each incorrect answer is worth 0. In the expression tests, the examiners use scales from 0 to 3, which are converted to a 25-point scale. The tests are grouped as follows: Group 1 = reading comprehension + written expression; Group 2 = listening comprehension + oral expression. You receive a pass («apto») if you obtain 30 points or more in each group. There are only two possible grades: pass and fail («no apto»).
Practical tip: because each group combines a comprehension test and an expression test, a very high reading score can make up for a low writing score, but it cannot make up for listening or speaking, which are in the other group.
As a general rule, you must take all the tests to pass («apto»). The exceptions are candidates with total hearing impairment, who may be exempt from the listening comprehension or oral expression test, and people granted a partial exemption because they cannot read or write, who take only the adapted oral test. This structure is based on the official Instituto Cervantes guide to the DELE A2 exam. Always check the current version.
Frequently asked questions
How many points do you need to pass the DELE A2?
At least 30 points out of 50 in Group 1 (reading comprehension and written expression) and at least 30 out of 50 in Group 2 (listening comprehension and oral expression).
Are points deducted for incorrect answers?
Not in the comprehension tests: correct answers receive 1 point, incorrect answers receive 0, and there is no penalty.
How long does the DELE A2 exam last?
Reading 60 minutes, listening 40 minutes, writing 45 minutes and speaking 12 minutes (with 12 minutes of preparation beforehand).
How many words do you have to write?
Between 130 and 150 words in total: 60 to 70 in the first task and 70 to 80 in the second.
Can I take only some of the tests?
As a general rule, no. To pass («apto») and receive the diploma, you must take all the tests. The only exceptions are for total hearing impairment or a partial exemption for people who cannot read or write.
Official sources
Information reviewed on .