About DELE

Isabella & Ferdinand® Academia de Español® is recognized by the Instituto Cervantes to administer the "Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera" (DELE), an international examination that measures language proficiency in Spanish. We also offer our own courses to help students prepare for it.

The DELE Spanish diplomas are official titles accrediting the degree of competence and proficiency in the Spanish language, granted by the Instituto Cervantes on behalf of the Spanish Ministry of Education and Vocational Training.  The Instituto Cervantes is responsible for the academic, administrative and economic management of the DELE diplomas, in accordance with the provisions of Royal Decrees 1137/2002 of 31 October, RD 264/2008 of 22 February and RD 1004/2015 of 6 November. 

DELE exams are designed according to the guidelines of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) and the Manual for Linking Exams to the CEFR, both works of the Council of Europe. 

The repertoire of language content that can be included in the DELE exams is included in the Curriculum Plan document of the Instituto Cervantes. Reference Levels for Spanish (NRE), developed by the Instituto Cervantes from the MCER descriptors.

Who Can Take the DELE Examination?

The DELE examinations are open to candidates of all ages who wish to certify their level of Spanish proficiency. The General DELE Diplomas are primarily designed for adult learners and candidates aged 16 and older, although younger students may also participate when appropriate.

Candidates must have sufficient literacy skills to complete the examination tasks, as the DELE assesses reading comprehension, listening comprehension, written expression and interaction, and oral expression and interaction according to the corresponding Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) level.

For candidates who are minors or individuals who do not have legal capacity to act independently, registration must be completed by a parent, guardian, or legally authorized representative.

In addition to the General DELE examinations, the Instituto Cervantes offers DELE Escolar Diplomas, specifically designed for students between 11 and 17 years old, with age-appropriate examination content adapted to their educational context.

What levels does the DELE cover?

DELE Spanish Diplomas are official titles certifying degree of competence and mastery of the Spanish language, granted by Spain's Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport.
The Instituto Cervantes organizes examination sessions, while the Universidad de Salamanca in Spain designs the exams and is in charge of corrections and the final evaluation of all exams.

DELE A1 Escolar – Nivel A1 (Acceso) DELE A2/B1 Escolar – Niveles A2 (Plataforma) y B1 (Umbral) DELE B2/C1 Escolar – Niveles B2 (Avanzado) y C1 (Dominio operativo eficaz)

DELE Adultos DELE A1 – Acceso DELE A2 – Plataforma DELE B1 – Umbral DELE B2 – Avanzado DELE C1 – Dominio operativo eficaz DELE C2 – Maestría

Recognition of DELE exams. 

DELE diplomas are internationally recognised and have a great prestige, not only among public and private educational institutions and authorities but also in the business world and among chambers of commerce. They are an official guarantee in the evaluation and certification of language proficiency in Spanish.

What DELE Diplomas Do We Prepare For?

Our DELE Preparation – Adults & Teens program prepares candidates for every official DELE diploma, in person at Spaces Chevy Chase or online.

DELE School Diplomas (DELE Escolar)

The DELE Escolar examinations are specifically designed for students between the ages of 11 and 17 who are learning Spanish as a foreign language.

We prepare students for the complete range of official DELE School Diplomas:

• A1 Escolar

• A2/B1 Escolar (a single examination that certifies either A2 or B1 depending on the candidate's performance)

• B2/C1 Escolar (a single examination that certifies either B2 or C1 depending on the candidate's performance)

Our preparation courses are fully aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and the official assessment criteria established by the Instituto Cervantes.

Students develop the communicative competencies required to:

• Understand increasingly complex spoken and written texts.

• Communicate effectively and confidently in academic and social settings.

• Produce coherent and well-structured written texts.

• Express ideas, opinions, and arguments with accuracy and fluency.

• Apply appropriate grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and communicative strategies.

• Demonstrate intercultural awareness and pragmatic language use.

Each course includes comprehensive preparation for the four components of the official DELE examination:

• Reading Comprehension

• Listening Comprehension

• Written Expression and Interaction

• Oral Expression and Interaction

Students also complete official-format mock examinations, receive individualized feedback, and develop effective test-taking strategies to maximize their performance.

DELE Diplomas for Adults

Our adult preparation program is designed for candidates seeking official certification for academic, professional, or personal purposes.

A1 – A2

Students learn to:

• Understand and use familiar everyday expressions.

• Communicate in simple and routine situations.

• Read and write short texts.

• Participate in basic conversations using appropriate vocabulary and grammar.

B1 – B2

Candidates develop the ability to:

• Understand the main ideas of authentic spoken and written texts.

• Communicate effectively in academic, professional, and social contexts.

• Express opinions and justify ideas clearly.

• Produce coherent written texts and participate confidently in conversations.

C1 – C2

Advanced candidates strengthen their ability to:

• Understand demanding academic and professional texts with ease.

• Communicate fluently, spontaneously, and accurately.

• Produce sophisticated oral and written discourse.

• Interpret nuanced language and cultural references.

• Adapt language appropriately to a wide range of communicative situations.

Our Preparation Methodology

Our DELE preparation programs are aligned with the Instituto Cervantes assessment criteria and the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Every course includes:

• Certified and experienced DELE instructors.

• Official DELE practice examinations.

• Individualized performance reports.

• Task-based communicative instruction.

• Preparation for all four examination papers.

• Proven strategies for success on the official DELE examination.

Whether preparing for DELE Escolar or DELE Adult, our goal is to help every candidate achieve internationally recognized certification with confidence, linguistic competence, and academic excellence.

DELE EXAM 2027

The next DELE exams at Isabella & Ferdinand® will take place on Friday, May 21, 2027 (DELE for Schoolers: A1, A2/B1, B2/C1) and Saturday, May 22, 2027 (DELE for Adults: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2).

Registration opens November 18, 2026 and closes April 7, 2027, or earlier if all seats are filled. Space is limited.

See dates, fees and how to register →