If you have decided to learn Spanish in Madrid, you will probably want to take the DELE exam. First of all, DELE Spanish Certificate is an official title, certifying the degree of knowledge and mastery of the Spanish language. This title is accredited by the Spanish Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport. In addition to that, you have the possibility of being hired by numerous companies. It is a way of demonstrating that you really have the right knowledge to maintain a fluent conversation in the language.
The DELE exams are designed following the guidelines of the Council of Europe's Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) and cover all levels: DELE A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2.
If you know enough Spanish and want to get your DELE certificate, you should know that these certificates have great prestige at an international level. In addition, they are recognised by schools and companies all over the world. If you are interested in our language, you can start with our online Spanish test to find out your Spanish level!
How DELE exam is scored
- Level A1 is the first of the six learning levels in the Council of Europe's Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. If you apply to level A1, the diploma certifies that you are capable of speaking an elementary language with very everyday topics. This exam consists of four tests.
First you have the group 1 tests. It refers to reading and writing skills. Reading comprehension (45 minutes) and written expression and interaction (25 minutes).
Group 2 encompasses oral skills. This group includes listening comprehension (20 minutes) and oral expression and interaction (15 minutes). It´s important, becasue a minimum of 30 points is required to achieve an A1 qualification.
- Level A2 is the second of the six levels. This diploma certifies that you are able to understand frequently used everyday phrases and expressions related to relevant areas of experience. For example, that you are able to give basic information about yourself, places, family, occupations...
In addition to that, the exam is composed of four tests, also organized in two groups. In the first group are reading and writing skills. The test of reading comprehension (60 minutes) and written expression and interaction (50 minutes). In the second group you will find listening comprehension (40 minutes) and oral expression and interaction (15 minutes).
Consequently, a minimum of 30 points in each group is required to qualify as "Apt".
Level B of DELE exam
- DELE A2/B1 School Diploma is aimed at schoolchildren aged between 11 and 17 and is only offered in the May edition. Eligible candidates may receive the DELE A2 or DELE B1 diploma, referenced respectively to the second and third of the six levels of learning proposed in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages of the Council of Europe.
The DELE A2/B1 School exam consists of different tests, organised in two groups:
Group 1: Reading comprehension (50 minutes) and written expression (50 minutes).
Group 2: Listening comprehension (30 minutes) and oral expression and interaction (12 minutes).
Probably, the most important: it is necessary to get a minimum of 20 points in each group to get the A2 grade and a minimum of 36 points in each group for B1.
- DELE B1. This examination corresponds to the third of the six levels. This diploma accredits the ability of the user of the language for:
- Understand the main points of clear, standard language texts if they deal with matters that are familiar to you, whether in work, study or leisure situations.
- Be able to deal with most of the situations that may arise during a trip to areas where the language is used.
- Produce simple, coherent texts on topics that are familiar or in which you have a personal interest.
- Describe experiences, events, wishes and aspirations, as well as briefly justify their opinions or explain their plans.
Groups for B1
The B1 exam consists of 4 tests, organised in two groups:
Group 1 (Reading and Writing Skills): Reading comprehension (70 minutes) and written expression and interaction (60 minutes).
Group 2 (Oral Skills): Listening comprehension (40 minutes) and oral expression and interaction (15 minutes).
It is necessary to get a minimum of 30 points in each group to obtain the grade of "Apt".
- DELE B2 is the fourth of the six learning levels. This diploma accredits the ability of the user of the language for:
Produce clear and detailed texts on different subjects, as well as defend a point of view on general subjects, indicating the pros and cons of the different options.
Therefore, understand the main ideas of complex texts dealing with both concrete and abstract subjects, even if they are of a technical nature, as long as they are within their field of specialisation.
Groups for B2
The DELE B2 exam consists of 4 tests, organised in two groups:
Group 1 (Reading and Writing Skills): Reading comprehension (70 minutes) and written expression and interaction (80 minutes).
Group 2 (Oral Skills): Listening comprehension (40 minutes) and oral expression and interaction (20 minutes). Hence, it is necessary to get a minimum of 30 points in each group to obtain the grade of "Apt".
Level C of DELE exam
- DELE C1. This examination corresponds to the fifth of the six levels of. This diploma accredits sufficient linguistic competence for:
To understand a wide variety of long texts with a certain level of exigency, as well as to recognize implicit meanings in them.
Know how to express oneself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious effort to find the appropriate expression. To be able to make flexible and effective use of the language for social, academic and professional purposes.
Be able to produce clear, well-structured and detailed texts on subjects of a certain complexity, showing a correct use of the mechanisms of organization, articulation and cohesion of the text.
Groups for C1
The DELE C1 exam consists of 4 tests, organized in two groups:
Group 1: Reading comprehension and use of the language (90 minutes) and Listening comprehension and written expression and interaction (80 minutes).
Group 2: Listening comprehension and use of language (50 minutes) and Reading comprehension and oral expression and interaction (20 minutes) (and 20 minutes of preparation).
Henceforth, a minimum of 30 points must be scored in each group to qualify as "Able".
- DELE C2. Is the sixth of the six levels . The DELE level C2 accredits the linguistic competence necessary to function in any situation with total efficiency, showing a spontaneous capacity to adapt to any context, with a high degree of precision. So the user shows a subtle mastery of the nuances that gives natural fluidity to all his interventions.
Tests for C2
Finally, the DELE C2 exam consists of three tests:
Test 1: Use of language, reading and listening comprehension (105 minutes).
2: Integrated Skills: Listening and Reading Comprehension and Written Expression and Interaction (150 minutes).
3: Integrated Skills: Reading Comprehension and Oral Expression and Interaction (20 minutes) (and 30 minutes of preparation).
A minimum of 20 points in each of the tests is necessary to obtain the qualification of "Apt".
