DELE A1 Exam 2026: Registration Fees, Payment & Refund Policy
The DELE A1 (Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera) is the official beginner-level Spanish certification awarded by the Instituto Cervantes on behalf of the Spanish Ministry of Education. Recognised worldwide, this diploma validates your ability to understand and use everyday Spanish expressions, making it a valuable asset for university admission in Spain and Latin America, Spanish nationality applications, and professional or cultural opportunities.
Before you register for the DELE A1 exam in 2026, it's essential to understand the registration fees, payment options, and refund/cancellation policies. This guide provides clear, up-to-date information to help you plan your exam journey.
Exam Overview (2026)
- CEFR Level: A1 (Beginner)
- Administering Body: Instituto Cervantes
- Exam Format: Four tests (Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking)
- Duration: Approximately 2 hours 40 minutes (plus breaks)
- Scoring: Each test is marked out of 25; a score of 30/50 is required overall (with at least 15/25 in each group: Reading+Writing, Listening+Speaking)
- Results: Issued within 3 months after the exam date; available online
Registration Fees for 2026
DELE exam fees are set by the Instituto Cervantes and may vary by country and exam centre. Below are the indicative fees for 2026 (in local currencies). Always confirm the exact fee at your chosen centre during registration.
Fee Table by Region
| Region/Country | Currency | Approx. Fee (2026) | |----------------|----------|--------------------| | Spain | EUR | € 115 | | Latin America | USD | $ 130 | | USA | USD | $ 145 | | UK | GBP | £ 110 | | India | INR | ₹ 10,500 | | China | CNY | ¥ 1,000 | | Other countries | Varies | Check local centre |
Note: Fees are subject to annual revision. The above are estimates based on 2025 data and may change slightly in 2026.
What Does the Fee Include?
The registration fee covers:
- Administration of the exam
- Evaluation by certified examiners
- Issuance of the official diploma (if passed)
- Access to your results online
Additional Costs
- Exam preparation materials (optional)
- Rescheduling fee (if allowed)
- Bank transfer charges (if applicable)
Payment Methods
Instituto Cervantes offers several payment options for DELE registration. The availability depends on your exam centre.
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Online: Credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express)
- Bank Transfer: Direct deposit to the centre's bank account
- In-Person: Cash or card payment at the centre's registration office
- Mobile Wallets: In some countries, options like PayPal, Alipay, or UPI may be available
Important: Ensure you receive a registration confirmation with a reference number after payment. Keep this for future correspondence.
Refund and Cancellation Policy
Life happens – you may need to cancel or reschedule your DELE A1 exam. Below is the standard policy for 2026, but always verify with your specific centre.
Cancellation Deadlines and Refunds
| Timeframe | Refund Policy | |-----------|---------------| | More than 30 days before exam | Full refund minus a €20 administration fee | | 15-30 days before exam | 50% refund | | Less than 15 days before exam | No refund | | No-show on exam day | No refund |
How to Request a Cancellation
- 1Contact your exam centre in writing (email or form) before the deadline.
- 2Provide your registration number and personal details.
- 3Refunds are processed within 30 days of approval.
Rescheduling Policy
- Rescheduling is generally not allowed for DELE exams. If you cannot attend, you must cancel and re-register for a future session.
- In exceptional circumstances (e.g., medical emergency with documentation), the centre may consider a one-time rescheduling at a fee.
Force Majeure
If the exam centre cancels the session (e.g., due to natural disaster), you will receive a full refund or the option to transfer to the next session.
Fee Waivers and Discounts
Instituto Cervantes offers limited fee reductions in specific cases:
- Students of Instituto Cervantes: Some centres offer a 10-15% discount for their enrolled students.
- Unemployed applicants: In Spain, a reduced fee is sometimes available for those registered as job seekers.
- Scholarship programs: Certain institutions may sponsor DELE fees; check with your educational or cultural organisation.
Note: Waivers are not automatic – you must apply with supporting documentation during registration.
How to Register for DELE A1 in 2026
Follow these steps to secure your place:
- 1Find an exam centre – Visit the official Instituto Cervantes website and locate an accredited centre near you.
- 2Check the exam dates – DELE exams are held several times a year (usually in April, May, July, and November).
- 3Complete the registration form – Online or in-person, providing personal details and choosing your exam level.
- 4Pay the fee – Use one of the accepted payment methods.
- 5Receive confirmation – You'll get an email with your registration details and exam instructions.
Registration usually opens 2-3 months before the exam date. Book early to avoid late fees (if any) and ensure availability.
Why Take the DELE A1?
- Globally recognised – Valued by employers and universities worldwide.
- Permanent diploma – Once you pass, you never need to renew it.
- Foundation for higher levels – A stepping stone to DELE A2, B1, and beyond.
- Cultural and professional mobility – Opens doors to Spanish-speaking countries.
Prepare with LanguageTest.in
Ready to ace the DELE A1? At LanguageTest.in, we offer realistic DELE A1 mock tests that mirror the real exam format, timing, and difficulty. Our practice tests help you build confidence, identify weak areas, and familiarise yourself with the test structure.
Start your preparation today – sign up for a mock test and take the first step towards your Spanish certification!
Last updated: November 2025. Fees and policies are subject to change by Instituto Cervantes. Always verify with your exam centre.