The Spanish language exam (DELE A2) for nationality

Key rules

• Pass mark: You need at least 30 out of 50 in each of the two groups, with no averaging between them.
• Level: A2 is the Spanish level you must prove for nationality.
• Exemption: If Spanish is an official language in your country, you do not need to prove your level.
• Alternatives: A higher DELE, an official language school certificate, a recognised immigrant course or Spanish ESO can replace the DELE A2.

What the exam is and who needs it

The DELE A2 is the standard A2-level Spanish exam from the Instituto Cervantes, and the nationality route uses it. A2 is the level you must prove. If Spanish is an official language in your country, you are exempt from this proof.

If you are a school-age minor or have limited schooling, there is a nationality-specific version (A2 escolares). If you cannot read or write, adapted arrangements exist. Tell the exam centre in advance.

The four tasks

The exam has four tasks in two groups.

• Group 1: reading comprehension (60 minutes), then written expression and interaction (50 minutes).
• Group 2: listening comprehension (35 minutes), then oral expression and interaction (about 10 minutes, with about 10 minutes of preparation).

The written parts take roughly 2 hours 45 minutes in total, plus the oral. Most people sit it on paper at an accredited centre. Some centres offer a computer version. The oral is usually face to face with examiners. Timings and format vary by centre, so ask your centre when you book.

How it is graded

You get either Apto (pass) or No apto (fail). To pass you need at least 30 out of 50 in each of the two groups. Strong marks in one group cannot make up for a weak one. If you fall short in one group, you fail the exam overall.

Other ways to prove A2

The exam is not the only route. These are also accepted:

• A higher DELE level (B1, B2, C1 or C2).
• A certificate of passing Spanish for foreigners at level A2 or above at an official language school (Escuela Oficial de Idiomas).
• A certificate of completing a recognised Spanish course for immigrants.
• Proof of Spanish compulsory secondary schooling (ESO) or a higher Spanish qualification.

The decision, documents and checklist below help you pick one and gather the paperwork.

Choosing between options

How will you prove your A2 Spanish level?

• Sit the DELE A2 exam: You hold no other Spanish qualification and need a diploma from the Instituto Cervantes.

• Use Spanish schooling or a higher DELE: You completed Spanish compulsory secondary schooling (ESO) or higher, or already hold a DELE at B1 or above.

If you already hold any accepted certificate, use it. Otherwise sit the DELE A2.

Confirm which certificates are accepted for your application before you pay for an exam or course.

Documents you need

• DELE A2 diploma, or a higher DELE level (B1, B2, C1 or C2), issued by the Instituto Cervantes.

• Certificate of passing Spanish for foreigners at level A2 or above at an official language school (Escuela Oficial de Idiomas). Use it instead of the DELE.

• Certificate of completing a recognised Spanish-language course for immigrants. Use it instead of the DELE where such courses are recognised.

• Proof of Spanish compulsory secondary schooling (ESO) or a higher Spanish qualification. Use it instead of the DELE.

Checklist

• Check whether Spanish is an official language in your country, because nationals of Spanish-speaking countries are exempt.

• Confirm you need to prove level A2 Spanish, which is the level required for nationality.

• Check whether you already hold an accepted alternative, such as a language school certificate or Spanish secondary schooling.

• Ask the exam centre whether it runs the paper or the computer version and when the oral takes place.

• Plan your preparation around the four tasks: reading, writing, listening and speaking.

Frequently asked questions

Can I take the DELE A2 on a computer?

Yes, some centres offer a computer-based version, but the exam is normally taken on paper at accredited centres. Ask your centre which format it runs before you register.

How long does the DELE A2 take in total?

The written parts take roughly 2 hours 45 minutes, plus the oral part. Reading takes 60 minutes, writing 50 minutes and listening 35 minutes. The oral lasts about 10 minutes, with about 10 minutes of preparation time.

Do I have to sit the DELE A2 if I come from a Spanish-speaking country?

No, nationals of Spanish-speaking countries are exempt from proving their Spanish level. If you cannot read or write, adapted arrangements exist, so ask the exam centre.

Is the oral part of the DELE A2 done in person?

Yes, the oral exam is usually face-to-face with examiners. You get about 10 minutes of preparation time before you speak.