Diploma of Spanish as a Foreign Language–Diplomas de español como lengua extranjera (D.E.L.E)

The D.E.L.E is an official title given by the Ministry of Education and Spanish Culture that validates several levels of competence in the Spanish language. There are three diplomas:

Certificado Inicial de Español: This validates an elementary linguistic ability. The candidate must take 5 tests: written comprehension and expression, oral comprehension and expression, grammar and vocabulary.

Diploma Basico de Español: This validates a level of competence sufficient for communicating in day-to-day situations without requiring a specialized vocabulary.

Diploma Superior de Español: This validates a thorough command of the Spanish language and culture.

The University of Salamanca has been given the responsibility of developing and evaluating the exams leading to the D.E.L.E.

Exam dates: two sessions, May and November. Registration with the Cervantes Institutes.

Information on the Web: http://www.usal.es

Organization responsible for preparation and the exams:

The Cervantes Institutes are present in 153 countries.

Address of head office:

Instituto Cervantes
C/Libreros, 23
28801 Alcalà de Henares. Madrid. España.
tel: 34 91 8856100
fax: 34 91 8830814
web: informa@cervantes.es