Booking the language exam (DELE A2): fees, dates and validity

Key rules

• Fee: The fee differs by country and centre, so ask your centre before registering.
• Registration deadline: Registration usually closes a month or more before the exam, so book early.
• Diploma timing: Results take about 2 to 3 months and the diploma about 3 to 6 months after the exam.
• Validity: A DELE diploma does not expire for a nationality application, but you need it in hand before you file.

What you need to do

Choose an accredited centre and a session, register and pay, sit the exam, then link your result to your nationality application. Start early. Registration closes well before each exam, and the diploma takes months to arrive.

Fee

The Instituto Cervantes sets the DELE A2 fee, and it differs by country and centre. In Spain it is in the low hundreds of euros. A2 costs less than the higher levels. Ask your centre for the current fee before you register.

Dates and registration

DELE A2 runs in several sessions a year, typically in January/February, April, May, July, October and November. Exact dates and registration windows differ by centre. Registration usually closes a month or more before the exam.

To register:

1. Pick an accredited centre. This can be an Instituto Cervantes centre or an authorised university or language school.
2. Pick a session and note when its registration closes.
3. Register online or in person, with your passport or identity document.
4. Pay the fee and keep the confirmation.

Some centres ask for their own forms, so follow the centre's instructions. Bring your ID on exam day.

Results and diploma

Results are normally available online about 2 to 3 months after the exam. The diploma comes after the results, usually about 3 to 6 months after the exam. You can usually get a certificate of your result earlier than the diploma. Timing varies by session and centre, so plan your nationality filing around the later date.

Validity

A DELE diploma does not expire. For a nationality application it stays valid, and you must have it in hand before you file.

Getting your result to your application

The Instituto Cervantes sends your result electronically to the Ministry of Justice, which adds it to your nationality file. In the electronic application you normally enter your certificate reference or authorise the check. You may be asked to attach the certificate. Follow the Ministry of Justice instructions shown in the application.

Timeline and deadlines

• Choose a centre and a session: Sessions run several times a year, typically January/February, April, May, July, October and November

• Sit the exam: On the session date your centre gives you

• Receive your diploma: Typically about 3 to 6 months after the exam

Documents you need

• Passport or identity document, needed to register and to bring on the exam day.

• Your DELE A2 certificate of the result, which you can usually get earlier than the diploma and which the Instituto Cervantes issues.

• Your DELE A2 diploma, issued by the Instituto Cervantes after the results; you may be asked to attach it to the nationality application.

Checklist

• Pick a session and note when its registration closes, usually about one month or more before the exam.

• Ask the centre for the current DELE A2 fee for your country.

• Register within the centre's window, online or in person, with your passport or identity document.

Check the current fee, dates and registration window with the Instituto Cervantes or your exam centre.

Frequently asked questions

When do DELE A2 results arrive?

DELE A2 results are normally available online about 2 to 3 months after the exam.

How long does the DELE A2 diploma take to arrive?

The DELE A2 diploma usually arrives about 3 to 6 months after the exam, because it is issued after the results. If you need proof sooner, ask your centre for a certificate of the result.

Is the DELE A2 fee the same at every centre?

No, the DELE A2 fee differs by country and centre, and it is lower than the fee for higher levels. Ask the Instituto Cervantes or your centre for the current amount before you register.