DELE A2 for Spanish nationality: what it is and who must take it
The DELE A2 is the official Instituto Cervantes exam that certifies A2 level Spanish. To apply for Spanish nationality by residence, you must have a DELE diploma at A2 level or higher and also pass the CCSE test (Real Decreto 1004/2015, Article 6). Those exempt from the DELE include people who already have a DELE A2 diploma or higher and nationals by birth of 20 Spanish-speaking countries.
What the DELE A2 is
DELE diplomas are official qualifications that certify your level of Spanish. They are awarded by the Instituto Cervantes on behalf of Spain's Ministry of Education, Vocational Training and Sports. Level A2 corresponds to a basic user: they understand and use everyday expressions, give simple information about themselves and their surroundings, and describe aspects of their past in simple terms.
Who must take it
Anyone applying for Spanish nationality by residence must pass 2 tests designed and administered by the Instituto Cervantes: the DELE at A2 level or higher and the CCSE test on constitutional and sociocultural knowledge. They are 2 separate exams and require separate registration.
Who is exempt from the DELE
- Anyone who already has a DELE diploma at A2 level or higher (the diploma does not expire).
- Nationals of Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Equatorial Guinea, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Uruguay and Venezuela (according to the Instituto Cervantes, only if they are nationals by birth and did not acquire the nationality).
- Anyone who has an official basic (A2), intermediate or advanced Spanish certificate for foreign learners from an Official Language School.
- People under 18 and people whose legal capacity has been modified by a court.
The nationality exemption applies only to the DELE: the CCSE test is still required. The exemptions page lists all cases, including deaf people, those who have passed ESO in Spain and those who cannot read or write.
The four tests
- Reading comprehension: 60 minutes, 25 questions.
- Listening comprehension: 40 minutes, 25 questions.
- Written expression and interaction: 45 minutes, 2 short texts.
- Spoken expression and interaction: 12 minutes, with 12 minutes to prepare.
Each test is worth 25 points. To pass («apto»), you need at least 30 points in each of the 2 groups of tests. We explain this on the exam structure page.
How to get started
- Check whether you are exempt (list of countries and cases).
- Choose an exam session and register on the Instituto Cervantes portal (if you are taking the exam in Spain, use your NIE).
- Practise all 4 tests in the same format before the exam.
Frequently asked questions
What level of Spanish is required for Spanish nationality?
At least level A2, certified by the DELE A2 diploma (or higher) from the Instituto Cervantes.
Are the DELE A2 and the CCSE the same?
No. The DELE A2 assesses your level of Spanish. The CCSE assesses your knowledge of the Spanish Constitution, society and culture. Both tests are required for nationality by residence, unless you are exempt.
Does the DELE A2 diploma expire?
No. According to the Instituto Cervantes, the DELE diploma does not expire.
Does a national of a Spanish-speaking country have to take the DELE A2?
No, if they are a national by birth of one of the 20 countries listed in Article 6.5 of Real Decreto 1004/2015. They must still take the CCSE test.
Official sources
Information reviewed on .