spanish language exams * diplomas de español como lengua extranjera (dele)

The 'Diplomas de Español como Lengua Extranjera' (DELE) are qualifications designed for foreign learners of Spanish, and recognised by the Ministry of Education and Science.

There are three exams, the Certificado Inicial, the Diploma Básico de Español and the Diploma Superior de Español.

1. Certificado Inicial (CIE)

Candidates should be able to handle basic linguistic situations.

Exam consists of:

• Written paper
  (Write simple text, such as a postcard: (50 minutes)

• Reading Comprehension
  (Multiple choice and questions: 40 minutes)

• Grammar and vocabulary (40 minutes)
  (Various exercises including text completion: 40 minutes)

• Listening Comprehension
  (Answer questions on a simple conversation/ recording: (30 minutes)

• Oral exam (10 minutes)
  (Talk about a picture/photograph for 10 minutes)

2. Diploma Básico de Español (DBE)

Candidates should be able to handle everyday situations.

Exam consists of:

• Written paper
  (Write short essay and letter: 60 minutes)

• Reading comprehension
  (Multiple choice based on four short texts: 60 minutes)

• Grammar and vocabulary
  (Fill in blank spaces in text from various options: 60 minutes)

• Listening comprehension
  (Multiple choice based on 4 recordings: 30 minutes)

• Oral exam
  (Hold conversation about a picture/ photograph for 10-15 minutes)

3. Diploma Superior de Español (DSE)

Candidates should have an advanced knowledge of the language to enable them to handle a wide range of situations.

Exam consists of:

• Written paper
  (Formal letter and an essay of 150-200 words: 60 minutes)

• Reading comprehension (60 minutes)
  (Multiple choice based on 3 texts + relate up to 10 series of text extracts: 60 minutes)

• Grammar and vocabulary (60 minutes)
  (Fill in blank spaces of text from various options + spot grammatical errors in a given text: 60 minutes)

• Listening comprehension
  (Multiple choice based on 4 recordings: 45 minutes)

• Oral exam (10-15 minutes)
  (Hold a conversation about a picture/ photograph: 10-15 minutes)