Who is exempt from the DELE A2 and CCSE for Spanish nationality
The following are exempt from the DELE: people who already have a DELE A2 or higher diploma; nationals by birth of 20 Spanish-speaking countries (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); and people who have an official A2, B1 or B2 certificate in Spanish for foreigners from an Official Language School. The nationality exemption does not include the CCSE.
Exempt from the DELE
- Anyone who already has a DELE diploma at A2 level or higher (valid indefinitely; older diplomas remain valid).
- Nationals by birth of the 20 countries listed above. According to the Instituto Cervantes, acquired nationality does not qualify.
- Anyone who has an official basic (A2), intermediate or advanced level certificate in Spanish for foreigners from an Official Language School: in this case, they are exempt from the language tests.
- People under the age of 18 and people whose legal capacity has been modified by a court. In these cases, certificates must be provided from the education, residential or care centres where they have stayed.
- Deaf people, provided that they officially prove their condition (as stated in the Instituto Cervantes frequently asked questions).
Exemptions decided by the Ministry of Justice
- Anyone who has completed Compulsory Secondary Education (ESO) in Spain may receive a full exemption from the DELE and CCSE if they provide proof and the Ministry of Justice approves it.
- People who cannot read or write must contact the Ministry of Justice to request a partial exemption. With this exemption, they take adapted DELE A2 and CCSE tests. For the DELE, they only take the adapted oral test (DELE A2-NA), which is only held in Spain. If you pass, you receive a certificate that is valid for the nationality application, but not the DELE diploma.
What about the CCSE?
The exemptions based on nationality and a previous diploma apply to the DELE. The CCSE test remains compulsory unless a full exemption applies, such as for people who have completed ESO in Spain, if the Ministry of Justice approves it. For people under the age of 18 and people whose legal capacity has been modified by a court, the Real Decreto provides that they must prove their integration through certificates from the centres where they have stayed.
Support for people with disabilities
The Instituto Cervantes offers reasonable adjustments for the DELE and CCSE to people with visual or hearing disabilities or reduced mobility, people with dyslexia or dysgraphia, and people who live in enclosed religious communities, have been admitted to healthcare facilities for more than two months, or are in prison. They must request these adjustments from the exam centre, with supporting documents, at least two weeks before the exam.
These rules may change. Before deciding that you are exempt, confirm this with the Ministry of Justice, the Instituto Cervantes or a lawyer.
Frequently asked questions
If I am from a Spanish-speaking country, do I have to take the DELE A2?
No, if you are a national by birth of one of these countries: 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 or Venezuela. You do have to take the CCSE.
Do I have to retake the DELE if I have an older diploma?
No. According to the Instituto Cervantes, DELE diplomas are valid indefinitely, including those issued before 2008, and are accepted for nationality applications.
Is a certificate from an Official Language School accepted?
Yes, if it is an official basic (A2), intermediate or advanced level certificate in Spanish for foreigners: it exempts you from the language tests.
What happens if I cannot read or write?
You must contact the Ministry of Justice to request a partial exemption. With this exemption, you take adapted DELE A2 and CCSE tests. For the DELE, you only take the adapted oral test (DELE A2-NA), which is only held in Spain.
Official sources
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