How to prepare for the DELE Exam - 2025 Guide

Dreaming of earning your DELE certificate? Start strong by knowing exactly what to expect

The DELE (Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera) is an internationally recognized certificate that proves your proficiency in Spanish. It’s granted by the Instituto Cervantes on behalf of the Spanish Ministry of Education.

Why take it?

• Boost your CV and job applications
• Meet requirements for Spanish residency/citizenship
• Prove your level for academic programs
• Gain confidence and motivation in your Spanish journey

DELE levels explained

There are 6 DELE levels, based on the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference). It’s essential to identify the DELE level that matches your current skills and goals. While the DELE is available from A1 to C2, most learners focus on the levels below:

• A1 - Understands and uses familiar everyday expressions
• A2 - Understands simple conversations and communicates basic needs
• B1 - Manages everyday tasks and writes short, clear messages
• B2 - Understands detailed content and speaks with confidence in most situations
• C1 - Uses Spanish naturally in professional, academic, or social settings
• C2 -Communicates with precision and nuance, like a native speaker                                                                                           

Choose the right level before you start

Your ideal DELE level depends on two things:

• Your current Spanish level
• How much time you can dedicate to preparing

Consider All 4 Skills

Don’t just focus on grammar—also reflect on:

• How well you speak
• How clearly you write
• How confidently you understand written and spoken Spanish

Try a Full Practice Exam

Once you have a level in mind:

• Take a full mock DELE exam
• See if you feel comfortable with the tasks
• Adjust if it feels too easy or too hard

What is the DELE exam like?

Depending on the level, the tests are different , but always consist of four parts:

• Reading comprehension test
• Listening comprehension test
• Written expression and interaction test
• Oral expression and interaction test

To pass, you must score at least 60% overall, so it's crucial to develop all four skills equally.

DELE A1 - Spanish for absolute beginners

Total duration: ~2.5 hours

Reading comprehension (45 min)

• 4 tasks, 25 questions total
• Understand emails, post-it notes, brochures
• Match messages to images or multiple-choice answers
• Texts up to 210 words

Listening comprehension (25 min)

• 4 tasks, 25 questions total
• Listen to short, clear audios: dialogues, announcements, descriptions
• Match dialogues to images or complete sentences
• Conversations are slow and clear

Writing expression (25 min)

• 2 short writing tasks
• Fill out a form with personal information
• Write a short message or email (30–40 words)

Oral expression (10 min + 10 prep)

• 3 tasks
• Introduce yourself
• Talk briefly about a familiar topic (e.g. your routine, city)
• Simple conversation with the examiner

DELE A2 - Spanish for beginners

Total duration: ~3 hours

Reading comprehension (60 min)

• 4 tasks, 25 questions
• Read letters, announcements, blog posts, basic instructions
• Tasks include matching text to questions
• Texts range up to 425 words

Listening comprehension (40 min)

• 4 tasks, 25 questions
• Hear everyday conversations, public announcements, voicemails
• Match content to images or determine speaker
• Topics: shopping, transport, free time

Writing expression (45 min)

• 2 writing tasks
• Respond to a message (letter, email, note – 60–70 words)
• Write a short personal text (about studies, work, travel – 70–80 words)

Oral expression (12 min + 12 prep)

• 3 tasks
• Short personal presentation (e.g. talk about your hometown)
• Describe a photo (daily life situation)
• Simulate a conversation (e.g. buying a ticket, booking a room)

DELE B1 - Intermediate

Total duration: ~3.5 hours

Reading comprehension (70 min)

• 5 tasks, 30 questions
• Match short messages to people, complete missing parts of a text
• Texts: ads, articles, reviews, blog posts, news

Listening comprehension (40 min)

• 5 tasks, 30 questions
• Audio: interviews, announcements, anecdotes
• Identify speaker, complete info, match meaning

Writing expression (60 min)

• 2 tasks
• Write a blog post, letter, or email about a given topic (100–120 words)
• Write a short story or diary entry expressing an opinion (130–150 words)

Oral Expression (15 min + 15 prep)

• 4 tasks
• Monologue on a topic (e.g. technology, holidays)
• Discuss that topic with examiner
• Describe a photo
• Simulate a real-life dialogue (e.g. making a complaint)

DELE B2 - Upper-intermediate

Total duration: ~3.5–4 hours

Reading comprehension (70 min)

• 4 tasks, 36 questions
• Analyze arguments, identify opinions
• Texts: essays, opinion columns, editorials

Listening comprehension (40 min)

• 5 tasks, 30 questions
• Listen to radio shows, interviews, public discussions
• Infer meaning, identify tone, pick up implications

Writing expression (80 min)

• 2 tasks
• Write a formal email or letter based on a listening (150–180 words)
• Write a blog article or opinion piece using graphs, data or a text (150–180 words)

Oral Expression (20 min + 20 prep)

• 3 tasks
• Discuss solutions to a problem scenario
• Describe a situation from a photo and give your views
• Debate or discuss a graph or text with the examiner

DELE C1 - Advanced 

Total duration: ~4.5 hours

Reading + Grammar (90 min)

• 5 tasks, 40 questions
• Work with contracts, reports, editorials, opinion pieces
• Grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension integrated

Listening + Grammar (50 min)

• 4 tasks, 30 questions
• Listen to lectures, interviews, colloquial dialogues
• Infer intent, opinion, identify idioms and tone

Writing + Mediation (80 min)

• 2 tasks
• Summarize and comment on a monologue (220–250 words)
• Choose between:
  a) Write an article from a graph
  b) Write a formal letter or review based on a text

Speaking (20 min + 20 prep)

• 3 tasks
• Summarize a long article and give your opinion
• Answer complex questions in an interview
• Negotiate a decision based on visuals and information

DELE C2 - Proficiency

Total duration: ~5 hours

Reading, Listening + Grammar (105 min)

• 7 tasks, 52 questions
• Interpret essays, debates, literary texts
• Infer meaning, spot idioms, evaluate tone
• Integrated comprehension and advanced grammar

Writing (150 min)

• 3 advanced writing tasks
• Synthesize info from audio + multiple texts (400–450 words)
• Create a formal document from notes
• Write a report or opinion piece based on data or a short stimulus

Speaking (20 min + 30 prep)

• 3 tasks
• Present a topic using 2–3 texts and graphics
• Answer interview-style questions
• Negotiate or agree/disagree with the examiner on a topic

For further details and additional Cervantes exam resources, click here.

How much does the DELE exam cost?

DELE exam prices depend on the level, the center, and the country in which you take the exam. These are the prices in Spain for the DELE exams for the 2025 sessions:

• A1 - €112
• A2 - €134
• B1 - €173
• B2 - €204
• C1 - €225
• C2 - €240

Set smart goals and build your study plan

Choose the Right Level (Realistically). Knowing your level helps you set realistic goals, choose the right study materials, and create a smart study plan.         

• What’s my real level right now?
• Take a free placement test (e.g. this one from Cervantes)
• Why am I taking the DELE?
• Just want a certificate? Take your current level or one step above.
• Want to work in a Spanish-speaking company? Aim for B1 or B2 minimum.
• Want help with the DELE? Read our guide

Build a study plan that works

Studying for DELE isn’t about cramming, it’s about consistency and balance. Here's how to structure your prep time:

If you have 3–6 months:

• Study 30-60 minutes/day, 5 days a week

If you have less than 2 months:

• Boost your sessions to 1–2 hours/day, with weekend reviews

Choose the best study tools

Start with official DELE materials, then supplement with online tools.

• Work with a DELE-certified tutor
• Focus on speaking and writing, where feedback matters most
• Get real corrections and learn the structure the examiners expect
• DELE exam samples from Instituto Cervantes
• DELE-specific grammar and vocabulary books, here. 

How to Improve DELE speaking skills

The speaking portion is often the most nerve-wracking. But confidence comes from regular practice, not just study.

Speaking tips:

• Use language exchange apps
• Join local or virtual Spanish meetups
• Simulate test scenarios with a timer
• Record yourself and evaluate fluency and structure
• Get feedback from a native speaker or qualified tutor

Don’t aim for perfection, aim for clarity and flow

To maximize your prep, sidestep these frequent pitfalls. Common struggles our students face:

• Waiting until the last minute to start studying
• Ignoring your weakest skills
• Skipping mock exams
• Memorizing blindly without understanding context
• Not reviewing your past mistakes

Consider a DELE preparation course

Self-study is great, but a structured course can significantly accelerate your progress. Our DELE course, led by certified and experienced tutors, is designed to help students succeed at all DELE exam levels. Here's what we offer:

• Instructors familiar with the exam’s structure and grading
• Feedback on writing and speaking performance
• Mock exams with real-time corrections
• Time management strategies for test day

Work with our teachers and get:

• A personalized study plan
• Feedback on your writing and speaking
• Real exam simulations
• Motivation and structure

Proven Track Record

Passing the DELE isn’t about being perfect, it’s about preparation, consistency, and smart strategy. Start early and give yourself the tools you need to succeed. Start now, prepare smart, and pass with confidence:

• Over 10,000 happy students
• Rated 4.8/5
• 150+ certified professional teachers