Citizenship exams (CCSE and DELE A2)
You can plan, book and pass the culture and language exams in the right order.
Applying for Spanish nationality means passing two Instituto Cervantes exams: a culture and constitution exam (CCSE) and a Spanish language exam (DELE A2). This Topic covers what each exam tests, how to book and prepare, who is exempt, and what happens if you fail.
Pick the article that fits your situation
What the Spanish culture and constitution exam (CCSE) covers
Explains what the CCSE nationality exam looks like: how it is delivered, how long it lasts, what topics it covers and what score you need. It is for anyone applying for Spanish nationality by residence who is planning to sit it.
Booking the culture exam (CCSE): fees, centres and calendar
How to book a seat for the CCSE, the Spanish culture exam: the steps to register with Instituto Cervantes, the fee, how to choose a centre in Spain or abroad, and how to pick a session from the calendar.
How to prepare for the culture exam (CCSE)
The free official manual, the published question bank and the practice tests are all you need to prepare for the CCSE culture exam. This page gives a short study plan for newcomers who want to pass first time.
The Spanish language exam (DELE A2) for nationality
DELE A2 is the standard Spanish exam used to prove A2 level for nationality. This page explains its sections, timings and pass mark, and who can skip it. It is for people applying for Spanish nationality by residence.
Booking the language exam (DELE A2): fees, dates and validity
How to book the DELE A2 Spanish exam for a nationality application: what the fee depends on, when sessions run, how long results and the diploma take, and how your result reaches your file. For nationality applicants.
Who is exempt from the language or culture exam
Shows who can skip or adapt the Spanish language exam (DELE A2) and the culture exam (CCSE) when applying for nationality by residence. It covers nationality, schooling, age, illiteracy and disability, and the proof each one needs.
Failing an exam: retakes and when to sit them before filing
If you fail the CCSE or the DELE A2, you can sit it again. This page explains what a retake costs, how soon you can do it, and how to time your exams so both results are in hand before you file your nationality application.
About this topic
It is for anyone considering, planning or carrying out a move to Spain who wants Spanish nationality. You will be able to plan, book and pass both exams in the right order.
Start with "What the Spanish culture and constitution exam (CCSE) covers". It explains the format, the topics and the pass mark, so you know what you are preparing for before you book anything. From there, follow the articles on booking and preparing for each exam, then check whether you are exempt, and read what to do if you need a retake.
Key rules
- DELE A2 pass mark: To pass the DELE A2 you need at least 30 out of 50 points in each of the two groups, with no averaging between them.
- CCSE format: The CCSE has 25 multiple-choice questions and lasts 45 minutes.
- Result validity: A CCSE pass and a DELE diploma do not expire for a nationality application, and both must be in hand before you file.
- Retakes: There is no limit on attempts and no waiting period, but each retake means registering and paying the fee again.
- Format: The exam is taken on a computer, with three answer options per question.
- Language: There is no translated version, so you answer in Spanish.
Citizenship exams (CCSE and DELE A2): the whole process, step by step
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Learn what each exam involves: CCSE format, topics and pass mark, and the DELE A2 format (read the two exam-content articles): Before you book anything
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Check whether you are exempt from the language or culture exam (read the exemptions article): Before you book, so you do not pay for an exam you do not need
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Book the CCSE: choose a centre and date, pay the fee online and keep the confirmation (read the CCSE booking article): Registration closes a few weeks before each session. See Booking the culture exam (CCSE): fees, centres and calendar.
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Study for the CCSE with the official bank of 300 questions (read the CCSE preparation article): In the weeks between booking and the exam
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Book the DELE A2: choose a centre and session (read the DELE booking article): Registration usually closes one month or more before each exam. See Booking the language exam (DELE A2): fees, dates and validity.
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Sit the exams and wait for results: DELE A2 results are normally online 2 to 3 months after the exam; the diploma usually arrives 3 to 6 months after. See Failing an exam: retakes and when to sit them before filing.
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If you fail, register and pay again for a retake (read the retakes article): After you get your result, at the next session with open registration
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Have your CCSE pass and DELE diploma in hand before you file your nationality application: Before filing. Neither expires for a nationality application, so you can sit them well ahead
Documents you may need
Identity and residence
- Your passport or NIE — Booking the culture exam (CCSE): fees, centres and calendar
- Passport or identity document — Booking the language exam (DELE A2): fees, dates and validity
- Your passport or birth certificate — Who is exempt from the language or culture exam
Other documents
- DELE A2 diploma — The Spanish language exam (DELE A2) for nationality, Booking the language exam (DELE A2): fees, dates and validity
- Valid identification to bring with you on exam day — Booking the culture exam (CCSE): fees, centres and calendar
- Your Spanish compulsory secondary education — Who is exempt from the language or culture exam
- A disability certificate — Who is exempt from the language or culture exam
- Certificate of passing Spanish for foreigners at level A2 or above — The Spanish language exam (DELE A2) for nationality
- Certificate of completing a recognised Spanish-language course for immigrants — The Spanish language exam (DELE A2) for nationality
- Proof of Spanish compulsory secondary schooling — The Spanish language exam (DELE A2) for nationality
- Your DELE A2 certificate of the result — Booking the language exam (DELE A2): fees, dates and validity
Citizenship exams (CCSE and DELE A2): questions that cross several articles
Does my CCSE pass or DELE diploma expire before I apply for nationality?
No, a CCSE pass and a DELE diploma do not expire for a nationality application, but both must be in hand before you file. This means you can sit the exams well before you apply. Read the article on failing an exam and retakes for timing before filing.
How much does it cost to take the CCSE, and how does registration work?
The CCSE fee was 85 euros in 2025, and it can be revised. You register online, choose a centre and date, enter your passport or NIE details and pay by card. Read the article on booking the culture exam for the steps, and the retakes article if you need to pay again.
How many questions do I need right to pass the CCSE, and what is on it?
You need at least 15 of the 25 questions right to pass, and the result is apto or no apto. Wrong answers do not subtract points. The questions come from a published bank of 300 items covering government, rights and duties, geography, culture and history, and society. Read the article on what the CCSE covers, then the preparation article.
How early should I book the CCSE and DELE A2 if I want both done together?
Book each exam before its registration closes, which is a few weeks before the CCSE and usually a month or more before the DELE A2. Dates differ by centre, so check both calendars. Read the two booking articles, and the exemptions article first in case you need only one.
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