Every year, thousands of people decide to spend some time in Spain to learn the language. In 2023, more than 130,000 foreign students enrolled in Spanish courses in Spain, making it one of the main educational destinations for the language on a global level. Cities such as Alicante or Granada are the main setting for these classes and cultural outings that the different Spanish schools organise for their students. Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
One of the main motivations of these students is to obtain official certification of their level of Spanish, and the DELE exam is the most internationally recognised and valued option.
Want to know more?
What is the DELE exam?
The Diplomas de Español como Lengua Extranjera (DELE) are official certifications that accredit your mastery of Spanish. This certification is aimed at those people whose first language is not Spanish and who need it to validate academic agreements or for professional and personal reasons.
Meaning and origin of DELE
The DELE exam was created in 1989 as an initiative of the Spanish Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Cervantes Institute, to assess and certify a person’s level of Spanish, in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Institutions behind the certification
Behind this certification is the Instituto Cervantes, which is responsible for the management of the DELE exam worldwide. However, the preparation, correction and evaluation of this exam is carried out by the University of Salamanca.
Recognition and international value
The DELE is recognised in more than 100 countries and by thousands of educational institutions and companies around the world. It is the most prestigious official certification of Spanish, and is endorsed by the Spanish Government.
The good thing is that you can take Spanish course DELE preparation in Alicante or in any city that has specific training for this exam.
DELE certificate levels
The DELE offers six levels of certification, aligned with the CEFR, allowing each candidate to choose the level that best suits their language skills and objectives:
A1 and A2 - Basic User
DELE A1 certifies the ability to understand and use everyday expressions and simple sentences.
DELE A2 certifies a basic understanding of the environment and the ability to communicate in everyday situations.
According to data from the Cervantes Institute, 17.6% of the students are at A1 or A2 levels.
B1 and B2 - Independent user
DELE B1 certifies that the candidate can understand texts and cope with most situations that may arise during a trip.
DELE B2 demonstrates that the speaker can interact with native speakers fluently and naturally.
These levels are the ones that are most valued for university entrance and in the workplace. About 47% of students who take this test do so at this level.
C1 and C2 - Competent user
DELE C1 certifies effective and flexible use of the language in social, academic and professional contexts.
DELE C2 is the highest level and demonstrates a command of Spanish comparable to that of an educated native speaker.
More and more students and professionals are taking this level in order to score more points and stand out in the job market.
Which level should I choose?
The choice of level depends on your objectives. For example:
To apply for Spanish nationality, a minimum of DELE A2 is required.
For access to Spanish universities, the minimum level required is usually B2 or C1.
For employment or migration opportunities, the higher the level, the more doors open.
Why obtain a DELE certificate?
Obtaining the DELE certificate will mark a before and after in your personal and professional life.
Academic and professional advantages
Having and mastering another language always opens doors, never closes them. Many companies value languages when hiring a candidate. In addition, many universities reward students with this type of certification when awarding scholarships.
Validity and official status
The DELE diploma is valid indefinitely and is an official title of the Government of Spain. That is why it does not need to be renewed, unlike other certifications or exams.
For visa, residence or nationality purposes
The DELE is a requirement for:
Apply for Spanish nationality (level A2).
Proof of language proficiency in residency or visa procedures in Spanish-speaking countries.
Fulfilling migration requirements in institutions around the world.
How to prepare for the DELE exam?
When you go to do the DELE preparation in Granada or in the city of your choice, there are a few things to bear in mind:
Understand the format of the exam
The DELE exam consists of four tests:
Reading comprehension
Listening comprehension
Written expression and interaction
Oral expression and interaction
Competences assessed: reading, writing, listening and speaking.
In each of the tests, the student’s language skills will be assessed. It is therefore important to know what each of these assessments consists of beforehand and to practise with official models and qualified native teachers.
Tips for effective preparation
- Prepare yourself with exams from previous years
- Practice on your own, with people you know and record yourself to recognise mistakes, especially for the oral test.
- Work with professionals who are prepared and trained to teach Spanish.
- Focus on your weaknesses without neglecting your strengths.
Prepare your DELE with Proyecto Español
At Proyecto Español we know how to prepare you so that your DELE exam is perfect.
Experienced native teachers and personalised feedback
In each of our academies, we have teachers accredited by the Instituto Cervantes, with extensive experience preparing students from all over the world.
Thanks to his personalised work, he will be there every step of the way, guiding you through your mistakes and developing your strengths.
Courses available in Alicante, Barcelona, Granada and Madrid.
Proyecto Español is available in four of the most important cities in Spain: Alicante, Granada, Barcelona and Madrid. Here you will find a wide range of courses to help you learn or improve your Spanish. We offer both face-to-face and intensive courses so that you will be prepared for your exam.
Support for accommodation, airport transfer and visa processing
At Proyecto Español we think of everything. Not only do we want to teach you Spanish, we also want to make your stay in Spain easier and more comfortable. For this reason, we have a series of complementary services to accompany you on this journey:
Student visa management
Homestay or residential accommodation options
Airport pick-up service and assistance during your stay
It’s time for you to start learning Spanish, join Proyecto Español and we’ll be waiting for you!
