How to Pass the DELE A2 Exam: A Complete Study Guide for Beginners

Key takeaways

• The DELE A2 exam tests four skills: reading, listening, writing, and speaking, with each section worth 25 points
• You need to score at least 60% overall (30 points minimum per group) to pass the exam
• Consistent practice over 8-12 weeks is more effective than cramming before exam day
• The speaking section requires the most preparation and benefits greatly from regular practice with Spanish tutors or native speakers.
• Official practice tests from Instituto Cervantes are the most accurate way to prepare

The DELE A2 exam is your gateway to official Spanish language certification, whether you’re applying for Spanish citizenship, documenting your language skills for work, or simply proving your progress in Spanish. This level confirms you can handle everyday topics in Spanish-speaking countries.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know: exam structure, scoring requirements, and practical strategies for each section. You’ll learn how to create a study plan that works and where to focus your efforts for the best results.

Working with Spanish DELE tutors who understand the exam format can make your preparation more focused and help you avoid common mistakes that trip up first-time test takers.

What is the DELE A2 exam?

The DELE A2 exam is an internationally recognized Spanish proficiency test that certifies you’ve reached the A2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The CEFR is a standardized scale that describes language ability from A1 (beginner) to C2 (mastery).

At A2 level, you can communicate in simple, routine tasks about familiar topics. You can describe your background, immediate surroundings, and basic needs. The diploma is issued by the Cervantes Institute on behalf of Spain’s Ministry of Education and never expires.

People take this exam for several reasons. Spain requires A2 certification for citizenship applications. Others need it for university admission, employment verification, or personal achievement. The Instituto Cervantes DELE A2 page provides official information about the exam structure and requirements.

How is the DELE A2 exam structured?

The exam has four sections that test reading, listening, writing, and speaking. Each section evaluates specific language skills through different tasks.

Section	Duration	Tasks	Skills Assessed
Reading Comprehension	60 minutes	4 tasks (25 items total)	Understanding texts, identifying main idea and following instructions
Listening Comprehension	40 minutes	4 tasks (25 items total)	Understanding spoken Spanish in conversations and announcements
Written Expression	45 minutes	2 tasks	Writing personal correspondence and short compositions
Oral Expression	12 minutes (plus 12 minutes prep)	3 tasks	Describing images, giving a presentation and conversational interaction

The reading section includes short texts like signs, advertisements, and simple articles. Listening tasks feature audio recordings of dialogues, announcements, and everyday conversations. Writing tasks ask you to compose emails or brief compositions. The oral test is conducted with two examiners and follows a structured format. You can review the complete DELE A2 exam specifications on the Instituto Cervantes website.

DELE A2 scoring and passing requirements

The DELE A2 exam awards a maximum of 100 points total, divided into two groups of 50 points each:

Group 1: Reading (25 points) + Writing (25 points) = 50 points
Group 2: Listening (25 points) + Speaking (25 points) = 50 points

Section	Maximum Points	Minimum Required (by Group)
Reading	25	Group 1: 30 points
Writing	25
Listening	25	Group 2: 30 points
Speaking	25

To pass the exam, you must:

• Score at least 30 points out of 50 in Group 1 (Reading + Writing)
• Score at least 30 points out of 50 in Group 2 (Listening + Speaking)
• Achieve a minimum overall score of 60 points out of 100

If you score below 30 points in either group, you fail the entire exam, even if your total score exceeds 60 points. Both groups must meet the minimum requirement according to official Instituto Cervantes guidelines. Your DELE exam results typically arrive within three months of your test date.

Study plan: Step-by-step preparation

A structured 10-week plan helps you cover all exam areas without burning out. Consistency matters more than intensity when building language skills.

Week	Focus Areas	Study Time/Week	Key Activities
1-2	Assessment and basics	5-7 hours	Take a sample exam, review A2 grammar foundations, identify weak areas
3-4	Reading and vocabulary	6-8 hours	Practice reading comprehension exercises, build topic-specific vocabulary, learn scanning strategies
5-6	Listening skills	6-8 hours	Daily listening practice with different accents, transcription exercises, Spanish podcasts
7-8	Writing practice	7-9 hours	Complete written test samples, get feedback on writing skills, learn common phrases and connectors
9-10	Speaking and review	8-10 hours	Mock oral tests, full practice tests, review all sections, address remaining gaps

Adjust this timeline based on your starting level. Complete beginners may need 12-16 weeks. If you already have some foundation in the Spanish language, 8 weeks of focused study can be enough.

Schedule regular sessions with Spanish tutors online to practice speaking and get personalized feedback on your writing throughout your preparation period.

Tips for the reading section

The reading section tests your ability to extract information from different text types. You have 60 minutes for four tasks and need strong reading comprehension skills.

• Build scanning skills first 

Don’t read every word. Look for keywords related to the questions. Practice identifying the main idea quickly, then search for specific details.

• Expand vocabulary by topic 

The exam covers everyday topics like shopping, travel, health, and work. Create word lists for each area. Learn not just new words but how they appear in context. Building your basic Spanish words foundation will help you recognize common terms quickly.

• Practice with authentic materials 

Read Spanish restaurant menus, public signs, simple news articles, and social media posts. This exposure helps you recognize how information is presented in real Spanish texts.

• Time yourself during practice

Spend roughly 15 minutes per task. If you get stuck on a question, mark it and move on. You can return to difficult questions if time permits.

• Pay attention to question types

Some ask for specific information, others test overall comprehension. Read the question before the text so you know what to look for. Understanding the instructions saves valuable time. Use official Instituto Cervantes practice exams to familiarize yourself with the exact exam format and difficulty level you’ll encounter on test day.

Tips for the listening section

The listening section requires you to understand spoken Spanish in various contexts. You’ll hear each audio recording twice, giving you opportunities to answer questions accurately.

• Listen for gist first, details second 

During the first listening, focus on understanding the general situation and main points. Use the second listening to catch specific information and verify your answers.

• Predict before you listen

Read the questions during the preparation time. Think about what vocabulary and information you expect to hear. This primes your brain to catch relevant details.

• Train your ear with different accents 

DELE tests include speakers from various Spanish-speaking countries. Listen to Spanish podcasts, videos, and radio from Spain, Mexico, Argentina, and other regions. This variety prevents confusion during the actual exam.

• Practice note-taking

Jot down key words while listening, not full sentences. Numbers, names, and specific details are easy to forget between the first and second listening.

• Focus on context clues 

If you miss a word, the surrounding conversation often provides hints. Listen for verb tenses, connectors like “pero” (but) or “porque” (because), and tone of voice.

• Create a daily listening routine 

Spend 20-30 minutes every day with Spanish audio. Start with slower, clearer content and gradually increase difficulty. Consistency builds comprehension speed and improves your overall listening comprehension. Watch Spanish TV shows with Spanish subtitles, not English. This helps you connect spoken words with their written form while learning new expressions.

Tips for the writing section

The writing section includes two tasks: writing a personal letter or email (60-70 words) and composing a short text based on guidelines (70-80 words). Strong writing skills are important for success in this written test.

• Learn the format for each task type 

Personal letters need proper greetings and closings. Know when to use “Estimado/a” versus “Querido/a.” Practice different letter purposes: invitations, complaints, requests, and thank you notes.

• Use connectors to organize ideas

Words like “primero” (first), “además” (also), “por eso” (therefore), and “finalmente” (finally) make your writing clearer and more coherent.

• Keep vocabulary simple and accurate

Don’t try to impress with complex words you’re unsure about. Clear, correct simple sentences score better than ambitious mistakes. Focus on spelling accuracy.

• Stick to the word count 

Writing too little loses points. Writing too much wastes time and increases error risk. Practice hitting the target range consistently.

• Check your work systematically 

Reserve 5 minutes at the end to review. Check verb conjugations first (they’re the most common error), then gender agreement, then spelling. Understanding basic Spanish grammar rules helps you catch these mistakes quickly.

• Get your writing reviewed by Spanish teachers 

They can spot recurring mistakes and help you improve before exam day. Regular feedback turns weak areas into strengths.

• Memorize useful phrases

Have ready-made expressions for common situations: introducing yourself, expressing opinions, making suggestions, and concluding thoughts. These phrases save thinking time during the exam. Learning common Spanish phrases beforehand gives you a strong foundation.

Tips for the speaking section

The speaking section makes or breaks most candidates. It includes three tasks: describe a photo, give a short presentation on a topic, and have a conversation with the examiner. This oral test evaluates your speaking skills and overall fluency.

This section benefits most from working with experienced DELE tutors who can simulate real exam conditions. Online Spanish tutors who specialize in DELE preparation on italki can:

• Practice all 3 speaking tasks with you repeatedly
• Give immediate feedback on pronunciation and grammar errors
• Help you build confidence in conversation with native speakers
• Teach you exam-specific strategies and transition phrases
• Simulate real exam pressure so you know what to expect

For the photo description task: 

• Practice describing images systematically. Start with what you see, then add details about people, actions, and settings. 
• Use present continuous tense (“está hablando,” “están comiendo”) and location phrases (“en el fondo,” “a la izquierda”).

For the presentation task:

• Organize your response clearly. State the topic, give 2-3 main points, and conclude with your opinion. 
• Practice common topics like holidays, daily routines, hobbies, and travel. 
• Time yourself to speak for 2-3 minutes.

For the conversation task:

• Listen carefully to the examiner’s questions. If you don’t understand, ask politely: “¿Puede repetir, por favor?” 
• Give complete answers with detailed information, not just yes or no. Expand your responses with reasons and examples. Mastering basic conversations in Spanish prepares you for this interaction.

Record yourself regularly

Listen back to identify filler words, long pauses, and repeated mistakes. Self-awareness speeds improvement and builds communication skills.

Build response templates 

Have structures ready for common question types: expressing preferences, describing past experiences, discussing future plans, and giving opinions.

Practice thinking in Spanish 

The 12-minute preparation time helps, but spontaneous conversation reveals your true level. Daily practice, even talking to yourself, builds fluency and confidence. If you’re wondering how to speak Spanish more naturally, regular speaking practice is the answer.

Book regular conversation sessions with DELE-specialized tutors at least 6-8 weeks before your exam. Consistent speaking practice transforms nervous candidates into confident test-takers with strong oral expression.

Best DELE A2 study resources and materials

• Official Instituto Cervantes materials

 These are your most important resources. Download sample exams and model answers from the official DELE website. These show you exactly what examiners expect. Practice with official materials at least once every two weeks to track your progress.

• Online courses through italki 

These provide personalized DELE preparation with access to experienced DELE teachers. Choose tutors who specifically mention DELE experience in their profiles. One-on-one lessons allow you to focus on your weak areas and get immediate corrections. You can learn Spanish online with flexible scheduling that fits your routine.

• Preparation books 

They give structured practice and exercises. “Preparación al DELE A2” by Edelsa is comprehensive and widely used by candidates. “Objetivo DELE A2” by Difusión includes practice tests and audio materials. “El Cronómetro A2” offers timed practice to build speed and accuracy.

• Language learning apps 

Apps like Anki or Quizlet help with vocabulary memorization through spaced repetition. Spanish flashcard apps are excellent tools for building your word bank. SpanishDict provides quick grammar references and conjugation practice. News in Slow Spanish offers graded listening content that matches A2 level.

• Study communities 

These keep you motivated on your path to success. The r/Spanish subreddit has active discussions about DELE preparation and helpful tips. Language exchange platforms connect you with native speakers for conversation practice. Join Facebook groups dedicated to DELE preparation to share resources and experiences.

Use each resource strategically. Official materials for authentic practice, Spanish online tutors for speaking and writing feedback, books for structured learning, apps for daily reinforcement, and communities for motivation and study strategies.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

• Starting preparation too late

Many candidates underestimate the exam difficulty and don’t allocate enough study time. Begin at least 10-12 weeks before your test date. Cramming doesn’t work for developing language proficiency. If you’re aiming to learn Spanish in three months, you’ll need intensive daily practice.

• Ignoring the speaking section

Some students focus only on reading and writing because they can study those alone. The oral expression section requires consistent practice with feedback. Schedule weekly conversation sessions to improve.

• Translating from English

Direct translation creates awkward, incorrect Spanish. Think in Spanish structures. Learn phrases and expressions as complete units, not word-by-word translations.

• Not timing practice tests

Taking tests without time pressure doesn’t prepare you for actual exam conditions. Always simulate real timing to build speed and learn to manage pressure on exam day.

• Neglecting official practice materials

Third-party resources help, but they don’t always match the exam format perfectly. Use official Instituto Cervantes materials as your primary guide to learn the exact question types.

• Skipping grammar review

A2 level requires solid understanding of basic grammar: present, past, and future tenses, reflexive verbs, and common prepositions. Gaps in fundamentals cost points across all sections and affect your final grade. Understanding how to learn Spanish grammar systematically makes a big difference.

• Not getting enough feedback

Self-study has limits. You need someone to correct your speaking and writing. Regular feedback from qualified Spanish teachers prevents errors from becoming habits.

• Missing the registration deadline

Register early to secure your preferred test date and location. The exam fee varies by country, so check with your local Instituto Cervantes. Late registration can mean waiting months for the next available date.

• Giving up after one section feels difficult

Even if one task seems hard, continue with full effort. You might perform better than expected, and other sections can compensate for weaker performance.

Ready to pass DELE with flying colors?

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FAQ

Is DELE A2 difficult?

The DELE A2 exam is achievable for dedicated learners with basic Spanish language skills. Most people find the speaking section most challenging because it requires spontaneous responses and clear pronunciation. The reading and listening sections are manageable with regular practice and good preparation strategies. The exam difficulty depends on your preparation quality and starting level. Students who study consistently for 10-12 weeks and practice all four skills typically pass on their first attempt and achieve the diploma.

How long does it take to prepare for DELE A2?

Most learners need 8-12 weeks of focused study to prepare for the A2 exam, assuming they already have basic Spanish knowledge. Complete beginners should allow 6-9 months to build foundational skills before starting specific exam preparation. Study 6-10 hours per week during the preparation period to see real progress. Your timeline depends on your starting level, available study time, and how much speaking practice you get with native speakers or online Spanish teachers. Using a structured course can speed up your preparation. The easiest way to learn Spanish involves regular speaking practice combined with focused study.

How to pass DELE A2 in Spanish?

Pass the DELE exam by scoring at least 30 points out of 50 in both exam groups: Reading plus Writing, and Listening plus Speaking. Focus your preparation on all four skills equally since weakness in any area can prevent you from achieving success. Use official Instituto Cervantes practice materials, study grammar fundamentals, build topic-specific vocabulary, and practice speaking regularly with Spanish teachers online. Take at least three full practice tests under timed conditions before your test date. Work on your fluency through daily conversation practice.

What is the passing score for the DELE A2 exam?

The passing score for DELE A2 requires 30 points minimum in Group 1 (Reading and Writing combined) and 30 points minimum in Group 2 (Listening and Speaking combined), for a total minimum of 60 points out of 100 possible. You cannot pass if you score below 30 in either group, even if your overall score exceeds 60. Each of the four sections is worth 25 points maximum. Meeting these requirements earns you the official diploma.

What happens if you fail the DELE?

If you fail the DELE exam, you receive a detailed score report showing your performance in each section with specific answers marked. You can retake the exam at any future test date since there’s no limit on attempts or waiting period. You must pay the full exam fee again and register for a new test date. Many candidates use their score report to identify weak areas and focus their next preparation period on those specific skills and tasks. Some people work with tutors between attempts through online Spanish classes to address the gaps that prevented passing. Education and focused practice usually lead to success on the second attempt.