The DELE (Diplomas de Español como Lengua Extranjera) is a set of internationally recognized official certifications that attest to proficiency and mastery of the Spanish language. These diplomas are awarded by the Instituto Cervantes, in collaboration with the University of Salamanca, on behalf of the Spanish Ministry of Education and Vocational Training.
The DELE exams assess candidates' language skills according to the levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), which defines six levels of language proficiency: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2. Here is a brief description of each level:
A1: Elementary level, for individuals capable of communicating with simple and short sentences.
A2: Lower intermediate level, for those who can understand and express themselves in common everyday situations.
B1: Intermediate level, for those who are capable of handling most common communication situations.
B2: Upper intermediate level, for those who can interact fluently and spontaneously in more complex situations.
C1: Advanced level, for individuals capable of understanding and expressing themselves in demanding academic or professional contexts.
C2: Mastery level, for those who have near-native language proficiency.
To obtain a DELE diploma, candidates must take an exam that evaluates different skills, such as reading and listening comprehension, writing, and speaking interaction. DELE exams are offered several times a year and can be taken at many authorized examination centers worldwide. They are widely recognized by educational institutions, businesses, and immigration authorities.
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