What is the passing score for DELE A2?

You need at least 30 out of 50 in Group 1 (Reading + Writing) AND at least 30 out of 50 in Group 2 (Listening + Speaking). Both groups must be passed.

How many questions are there in DELE A2?

There are 55 questions total: 30 in Reading, 25 in Listening, plus 2 writing tasks and 3 speaking tasks.

How long is the DELE A2 exam?

The total exam time is about 2 hours 55 minutes, excluding breaks. Breakdown: Reading 60 min, Listening 35 min, Writing 50 min, Speaking 15 min (plus 15 min preparation).

Can I use a dictionary during the DELE A2 exam?

No. Dictionaries, mobile phones, and any electronic devices are not allowed in the exam room.

Is DELE A2 harder than A1?

Yes. A2 requires more vocabulary and grammatical structures. You need to handle longer texts and conversations, and produce more complex written and spoken responses.

How much does the DELE A2 exam cost in India?

Fees are set by Instituto Cervantes and vary by location. As of early 2026, the fee in India was approximately ₹6,000–₹8,000. Always verify on the official website before registering.

How long is the DELE A2 certificate valid?

The DELE certificate is valid for life. It does not expire.

DELE A2 Exam Pattern 2025: Sections, Time, Marks & Pass Criteria

The DELE A2 exam is the second level of the Spanish language proficiency test administered by the Instituto Cervantes. It certifies that you can understand and use everyday expressions, handle simple conversations, and describe basic needs. This page gives you the exact exam pattern — sections, time limits, number of questions, marking scheme, and pass criteria — so you can prepare with clarity.

DELE A2 Exam Structure Overview

The DELE A2 exam is divided into four sections (called pruebas): Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking. All four are mandatory. The total exam time is approximately 2 hours and 55 minutes (excluding breaks between sections).

| Section | Time | Number of Tasks/Questions | Max Score | |---------|------|---------------------------|-----------| | Reading (Prueba 1) | 60 minutes | 5 tasks / 30 questions | 25 points | | Listening (Prueba 2) | 35 minutes | 5 tasks / 25 questions | 25 points | | Writing (Prueba 3) | 50 minutes | 2 tasks | 25 points | | Speaking (Prueba 4) | 15 minutes (+15 min preparation) | 3 tasks | 25 points |

Total possible raw score: 100 points (25 per section).

Section 1: Reading (Prueba 1) — 60 minutes, 30 questions

This section tests your ability to read and understand short texts, signs, advertisements, and simple articles. It consists of 5 tasks:

Task 1: Match 7 short texts (e.g., notices, messages) to 7 corresponding headings or images.
Task 2: Read 8 short texts (e.g., classified ads) and answer 8 multiple-choice questions (3 options each).
Task 3: Read a longer text (around 300–400 words) and answer 6 multiple-choice questions (3 options each).
Task 4: Read 6 short texts and match them to 6 descriptions or statements.
Task 5: Read a text with 6 blanks and choose the correct word from 3 options for each blank (cloze test).

Scoring: Each correct answer gives 1 point. Total raw score = 30 points, but converted to a scaled score of 25.

Section 2: Listening (Prueba 2) — 35 minutes, 25 questions

You will hear short audio recordings (announcements, conversations, interviews) and answer comprehension questions. All audio is played twice.

Task 1: Listen to 5 short dialogues and match each to a picture or option (5 questions).
Task 2: Listen to 6 short conversations and answer 6 multiple-choice questions (3 options each).
Task 3: Listen to a longer conversation (2–3 minutes) and answer 6 multiple-choice questions (3 options each).
Task 4: Listen to 5 short messages (e.g., voicemail) and match each to a purpose or context.
Task 5: Listen to a short interview and answer 3 true/false questions.

Scoring: 1 point per correct answer. Raw score out of 25, scaled to 25.

Section 3: Writing (Prueba 3) — 50 minutes, 2 tasks

You will produce two written texts. Handwriting is allowed (pen or pencil).

Task 1: Write a short text (30–40 words) — e.g., a note, message, or postcard. You are given a prompt with 3 points to cover.
Task 2: Write a longer text (60–80 words) — e.g., a letter, email, or short description. You are given a situation and 3–4 bullet points.

Scoring: Each task is scored holistically (0–5 scale) by two examiners. The final score for each task is the average of the two examiners' scores. Total raw score = 10 points per task = 20 points, then scaled to 25.

Section 4: Speaking (Prueba 4) — 15 minutes (+15 min preparation), 3 tasks

You will have 15 minutes to prepare (you can take notes). The examiner will then conduct a face-to-face interview.

Task 1: Monologue — describe a photograph or a situation (2–3 minutes).
Task 2: Dialogue with the examiner — answer questions about a topic (2–3 minutes).
Task 3: Role-play — you and the examiner simulate a real-life situation (e.g., ordering food, asking for directions) — 3–4 minutes.

Scoring: Two examiners score you. One is the interviewer, the other observes. Each task is scored on a 0–5 scale. Raw score out of 15, scaled to 25.

Marking Scheme & Pass Criteria

Raw scores from each section are converted to a scaled score out of 25.
To pass DELE A2, you need to achieve at least 30 out of 50 in Group 1 (Reading + Writing) AND at least 30 out of 50 in Group 2 (Listening + Speaking).
Group 1: Reading (25) + Writing (25) = 50 points total. Minimum required: 30.
Group 2: Listening (25) + Speaking (25) = 50 points total. Minimum required: 30.
There is no minimum score per individual section. You can fail one section as long as your combined score in the group meets the threshold.
If you score 30 or above in both groups, you pass. If you score below 30 in either group, you fail the entire exam.

Take a free DELE A2 demo mock to find out where you stand: <a href="/demo">Try the demo →</a>

Important Notes for Indian Candidates

DELE A2 is offered multiple times a year (usually February, April, May, July, September, October, November). Check the Instituto Cervantes website for exact dates in your city.
Exam centres in India: New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune, and others. Verify availability on the official portal.
Fees vary by country and are subject to change. As of early 2026, the fee for DELE A2 in India was approximately ₹6,000–₹8,000 (confirm on the official website before registering).
Results are published online about 3 months after the exam. You receive a certificate valid for life.

How to Prepare for DELE A2

Understand the format: Familiarise yourself with each task type. Time yourself during practice.
Build vocabulary: Focus on everyday topics — family, work, shopping, travel, weather, hobbies.
Practice listening: Listen to Spanish podcasts, watch TV shows with subtitles, and use mock tests.
Write regularly: Practice writing short notes and emails within time limits.
Speak out loud: Record yourself describing a photo or answering common questions. Simulate the speaking test with a partner.

See DELE A2 mock-test packs and pricing: <a href="/plans">View plans →</a>

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not reading instructions carefully — each task has specific requirements (e.g., word limit in writing).
Spending too much time on one task — move on if stuck; you can return later (except listening).
Ignoring the pass criteria — focus on both groups equally. A strong reading score won't compensate for a weak listening score.
Not practising with a timer — time pressure is real. Simulate exam conditions.
Neglecting speaking preparation — many candidates underprepare for the oral section. Use the 15-minute prep time wisely.

Where to next?

Take a full-length DELE A2 mock test to simulate the real exam.
Read our DELE A2 preparation guide for strategies and resources.
Explore other DELE levels — A1, B1, B2, C1, C2 — and choose the right one for your goal.

DELE A2 Exam Pattern 2026 — Sections, Timing, Scoring