One of the most important requirements for obtaining Spanish citizenship is the successful passing of two exams: DELE A2 and CCSE.

DELE A2 is an official diploma from the Cervantes Institute, confirming the level of proficiency in Spanish (the minimum acceptable is A2, but if you wish, you can take the exam immediately to a higher level). The CCSE is an examination of knowledge of the constitutional, social and cultural foundations of Spain (Prueba de conocimientos constitucionales y socioculturales de España), also developed by the Cervantes Institute.

We will analyze both exams in detail: how and where they take place, how to register, prepare, as well as requirements and exceptions.

Both exams are taken separately. Typically, the CCSE test takes approximately 45 minutes to complete. The DELE language exam, which includes several different blocks, lasts two and a half hours with a short break.

CCSE: important points

The exam takes the form of a test and consists of 25 multiple-choice questions. It is possible to either choose an answer between right and wrong, or choose the correct answer from three proposed options. The exam is considered successfully completed if the proportion of questions answered correctly is at least 60% (15 out of 25).

Structure of examination papers

The exam questions are divided into two large blocks: government structure, legal framework and citizen participation – first block (15 questions); culture, history and social aspects – second block (10 questions).

To successfully pass the exam you must have:

• Knowledge of the structure of the Spanish government, authorities, powers and state institutions, basic laws and mechanisms for citizen participation in state affairs;
• Knowledge of the rights and responsibilities of a Spanish citizen;
• Knowledge of the territorial organization, physical and political geography of Spain;
• Knowledge of local traditions, cultural and historical aspects;
• Knowledge of the social structure of Spanish society and basic administrative procedures.

Access to the CCSE exam

Anyone, regardless of citizenship, aged 18 years or older, can sign up for the exam. You must have a passport and TIE card, or a passport and an EU family member’s card, and EU citizens can access the exam with their country’s passport and a NIE certificate from Spain.

Minor children acquiring Spanish citizenship, as well as persons with incapacities, disabilities and learning difficulties over 65% are exempt from this exam. For people with disabilities and specific problems, special simplified options are provided.

At the same time, the following are exempt from the exam:

• Persons holding a Spanish Secondary School Certificate (ESO);
• Persons who have studied in Spain in Spanish and have received official vocational or higher education diplomas.

Registration and payment of fees

Exams are held every month at the centers of the Cervantes Institute. Registration and payment of a fee are required to take the exam. The addresses of the centers can be found on the official website, and you can register there. If necessary, the initially selected center and exam dates can be changed, provided that the acceptance and processing of applications is still open. Also, within 14 days from the date of payment you can change your mind and get your money back.

Fee: 85 euros. It includes two attempts (regardless of whether you failed the first or simply did not show up for the exam for any reason), access to preparatory materials, and the issuance of a certificate if you pass. If both attempts fail, you will be required to pay a fee again to access the exam. After an unsuccessful first attempt, you must appear for a repeat exam within 6 months.

You can preview the practical guide, as well as a sample exam paper, on this page. There are also links to download and install the application on your phone. For those wishing to take full-time training courses, the Cervantes Institute offers various options, both in its own centers and in third-party accredited ones.

Registration for the exam requires registration on the official website of the Cervantes Institute and gaining access to your personal account. The final results will appear in your personal account approximately 20 days after the exam. In case of successful completion, the certificate is issued electronically and is valid for 4 years from the date of issue.

DELE: important points

The DELE diploma is an official document confirming the level of proficiency in Spanish, issued by the Instituto Cervantes on behalf of the Spanish Ministry of Education and Training. There are six official levels: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2. To obtain Spanish citizenship you must have level A2 or higher, i.e. obtain a minimum DELE A2 diploma.

Structure of the DELE A2 exam

The language exam includes four blocks:

• Reading and comprehension of text (60 minutes);
• Written exam (40 minutes);
• Listening (45 minutes);
• Oral exam (12 minutes + 12 minutes preparation).

You can familiarize yourself with the options for assignments on this page, and if you wish, take paid preparatory courses.

The maximum score is 100 points, 25 points for each block. Minimum passing score: 30 points for the first two blocks (reading + writing) and 30 points for the second two blocks (listening + speaking).

Access to the DELE A2 exam

The DELE A2 exam is designed for people over 18 years of age. As in the previous case, the following are exempt from the exam:

• Persons holding a Spanish Secondary School Certificate (ESO);
• Persons who have studied in Spain in Spanish and have received official vocational or higher education diplomas;
• Persons with disabilities and learning difficulties over 65%.

In addition, the following are exempt:

• Minor children under 18 years of age;
• Citizens by birth of countries where Spanish is the official language;
• Incapacitated persons;
• Persons who have previously received a DELE A2 diploma or higher;
• Persons who have a certificate from the Official Language School (Escuelas Oficiales de Idiomas – EOI) A2, B1 or B2.

Exam schedule, cost and required documents

The exam schedule for 2024 is published on the website of the Instituto Cervantes. In total, there are more than 1000 centers in more than 100 countries: you can choose any one to take the exam. Depending on the country and language level, prices may vary significantly.

In any case, taking the DEFE A2 exam in Spain in 2024 costs 134 euros. Unlike the CCSE exam, the language exam requires only one attempt. Failure to appear or receiving a failing score means that you will have to sign up for a repeat exam and pay the full fee again. If you do not have enough points, you will need to retake all four blocks of the exam, even if you previously passed some of the blocks successfully.

You can sign up for the exam and pay the fee on the website through your personal account, and you must provide your NIE number when registering. Also, within 14 days from the date of payment, but no later than the day when applications and registration cease, you can change your mind and get your money back. To do this, you must submit an application for a refund of the paid amount through your personal account.

You must appear for the exam with the following documents:

• a document confirming registration for the exam;
• official notification from the center where the exam will take place;
• TIE card (or a card of a family member of an EU citizen) and a valid passport. EU citizens may carry the original passport of their country, as well as paper NIE certificate, received in Spain.

In case of loss or theft of any document (passport or TIE), the original statement submitted to the police is presented. In case of TIE renewal, an official document of registration with the police or a certificate issued by the police stating that the card is in the process of renewal must be presented.

The results of the exam can be found out approximately three months after passing. As a rule, the notification comes by email, and in case of successful completion, the electronic certificate can be printed from your personal account. The DELE diploma is unlimited, so if you have a DELE A2 diploma obtained previously, you do not need to retake the exam.