If you need the DELE A2, it's probably for your Spanish nationality file, and you want to know exactly what the exam asks, when you can sit it and how to make sure you pass the first time.
A2 is a basic level, but the exam tests all four skills, and you have to pass the spoken half as well as the written one. Here's how the exam works, the 2027 dates and what to practise.
Who needs the DELE A2?
The DELE (Diplomas de Español como Lengua Extranjera) is the official Spanish diploma, awarded by the Instituto Cervantes on behalf of Spain's Ministry of Education. A2 or higher is the language requirement for Spanish nationality by residence, alongside the CCSE civics test. Nationals by origin of Spanish-speaking countries, under-18s and a few other groups are exempt; our guide to the Spanish citizenship language requirement lists them all.
Anyone can register, whatever their nationality, and you don't need to have taken a course or a lower level first.
What's on the DELE A2?
This is the structure the Instituto Cervantes publishes for the current version of the exam, in use since 2020:
| Part | Time | What you do | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | 60 minutes | 4 tasks, 25 questions on everyday texts | 25 |
| Listening | 40 minutes | 4 tasks, 25 questions on short recordings | 25 |
| Writing | 45 minutes | 2 tasks: reply to a message, then write a short text | 25 |
| Speaking | 12 minutes, plus 12 to prepare | 3 tasks: talk about a topic, describe a photo, act out a short everyday scene with the examiner | 25 |
You take reading, listening and writing on the official exam date, starting at 9:00. The speaking test can be the same day or a day just before or after, depending on your exam centre.
How do you pass?
The 100 points are split into two groups. Reading and writing make one group, and listening and speaking make the other. You need 30 points out of 50 in each group, according to the Instituto Cervantes. A total of 60 isn't enough on its own: strong reading can't make up for weak speaking.
If you fail, you register again, pay again and retake all four parts, even the group you passed.
Results come about two months after the written exam, or about three months for the May and November sessions. You'll get an email, then download your certificate and digital diploma from your personal area. You can also authorise the Justice Ministry to check your result with the Instituto Cervantes directly.
DELE A2 dates for 2027
The DELE A2 runs seven times a year. Registration for 2027 opens on 18 November 2026, and each session closes six to eight weeks before the exam. Here are the official 2027 dates:
| Session | Written exam | Registration closes |
|---|---|---|
| March | Friday 5 March | 20 January |
| April | Friday 2 April | 10 February |
| May | Saturday 22 May | 7 April |
| July | Friday 9 July | 12 May |
| September | Friday 10 September | 14 July |
| October | Friday 15 October | 1 September |
| November | Saturday 13 November | 29 September |
How much does the DELE A2 cost?
The price depends on the country where you register. In Spain, the DELE A2 costs €138 in 2026, according to the Instituto Cervantes' official 2026 price table. If you're taking it elsewhere, check the price with your local exam centre, and in Spain you'll also see it during checkout after you register on the exam site.
How to prepare for the DELE A2
Start with the free official sample exam and audio, which show you the exact format of every task. Time yourself on every part, including the two writing tasks in 45 minutes.
Then spend most of your time on listening and speaking, because they're half your score and you can't pass without them. In the speaking test you give a short talk on a familiar topic, describe what's happening in a photo, and act out a simple everyday scene with the examiner. That's A2 Spanish in action: the past tense for what you did, and short questions and answers for everyday situations. In one of our A2 lessons, friends talk about a Sunday at Madrid's flea market:
«¿Dónde fue vuestra reunión del domingo?»
"Where was your group's Sunday meetup?"
«Fue en el Rastro y fue muy divertida.»
"It was at El Rastro, and it was a lot of fun."
Our app, Copycat Cafe, is built for that spoken half. You hear each conversation at normal or slow speed and rebuild every line by ear, which trains the listening part. You say the lines aloud and get a 0–100 pronunciation score on every word, then use the same Spanish with Copy, your AI conversation partner, which is a good way to rehearse the scene you'll act out with the examiner. The Spanish from Spain course has 50 lessons at each level from A1 to B2, so you can work through A1 and A2 before the exam. Copycat Cafe costs $174 a year ($14.50 a month) or $29 a month in the US, with a 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee on your first payment.
Frequently asked questions
What score do you need to pass the DELE A2?
At least 30 out of 50 in reading and writing together, and at least 30 out of 50 in listening and speaking together. Each of the four parts is worth 25 points.
How long is the DELE A2 valid?
Forever. DELE diplomas never expire, so an older diploma still counts for Spanish nationality.
Can I take a higher DELE level instead of A2?
Yes. The nationality requirement is A2 or higher, so a B1 or B2 diploma also counts. It costs more, and failing it doesn't give you an A2.
How long do DELE A2 results take?
About two months after the written exam, or about three months for the May and November sessions.
Is the DELE A2 hard?
It's a basic level, but you have to pass the spoken half and the written half separately. Most of the preparation is getting comfortable listening to and speaking everyday Spanish.