The Diplomas de Español como Lengua Extranjera (DELE) issued by the Cervantes Institute (Instituto Cervantes) are to Spanish what the University of Cambridge ESOL exams are to English: widely-recognized and prestigious language certifications. The DELE exams are only available for general English, however.

The DELE exams are offered at three levels: Nivel Inicial, Nivel Intermedio, and Nivel Superior. Each exam is divided into five sections which test reading comprehension, written expression, listening comprehension, grammar and vocabulary, and oral expression. All four exams include reading comprehension, listening comprehension, writing, grammar, vocabulary, and oral expression components. All parts of the exam are taken on the same day.

The "A1" exam takes a total of 1 hour and 45 minutes to complete; the "Inicial" exam takes a total of 2 hours 50 minutes; the "Intermedio" exam lasts a total of 3 hours 45 minutes and the "Superior" exam lasts a total of 4 hours.
Test dates are offered three times a year. After the exam it takes approximately three months to learn of your results.
 

The DELEs are divided into three levels depending on the language level:

• Diploma de Español (Nivel Inicial - B1)Intermediate-mid/threshold level
  This accredits sufficient knowledge of the language to allow control in situations which require an elementary use of the language.
   

• Diploma de Español (Nivel Intermedio - B2) High-intermediate level
  This accredits the necessary knowledge of the language to allow communication in everyday situations which do not require specialized terms.
   

• Diploma de Español (Nivel Superior - C2) Superior level
  This accredits an advanced knowledge of the language allowing communicaton in all situations requiring advanced use of the language and a knowledge of cultural background.

DELE Exam Dates for 2010

1. May 21 (registration dates: from February 22 until April 16. Deadline for documentation to be received by the school: April 15)
2. August 20 (registration dates: from July 12 until July 30, in Spain. Deadline for documentation to be received by the school: July 29
3. November 19 (registration dates: September 1 until October 15, in Spain. Deadline for documentation to be received by the school: October 14)

Programs which offer DELE preparation courses and exams

• Playa del Carmen, MEXICO: The courses focus on preparing the students to take the DELE exams. Students are given access to past papers and have the opportunity to develop and practice specific exam techniques. Upon completion of a level test, we will advise students which level of the exam we think they should register for in order to ensure a successful outcome.

2010 Start dates: March 29, July 5, September 27
 

24 one hour class preparation course (4 hrs per week for 6 weeks): 300 US$ (course materials not included)

Please note that the exam fees are not included in the price of the preparation course and are subject to change.

• Barcelona, Spain: 4 week-course DELE exam preparation course. 

The courses focus on preparing you to take the DELE exams. Part of your class time is spent on looking at past papers and you have the opportunity to develop and practise specific exam techniques.

During the first week of the course, we suggest which level of the exam we think you should register for in order to ensure a successful outcome.

Start dates: October 19, 2009; April 26, 2010; July 26, 2010; October 25, 2010

Note also that you are required to register for the examination at least 6 weeks in advance.

4-week course: €840

The price of your Spanish course includes registration, level test, classes, all course materials, our programme of social and cultural activities, certificates, student card and access to all the school's facilities.

The prices quoted do not include the DELE exam fees, entrance fees and transport on excursions.

Current exam fees
•Inicial €115
•Intermedio €140
•Superior €160

Intensive Spanish + DELE preparation course
If you do not have the level of Spanish required to take the DELE exam, we also offer the possibility of an intensive Spanish course of 2 or more weeks combined with an exam preparation course.

The intensive course provides you with the opportunity to develop your overall level of competency in Spanish, while the DELE preparation course will provide you with the skills required to ensure success in the exam.

For beginners, we recommend a minimum 8-week intensive course, followed by the 4-week DELE course. This combination should ensure that if you start out as a beginner, you will pass the DELE "Inicial" exam successfully.

• Cordoba, Spain: Intensive 5 week DELE Course

•Maximum number of students per class: 8
•Classes per week: 20+6 x 55 minutes
•Timetable: Monday to Friday, 9.00-13.00; 13.20-15.10 (Mon, Tues and Thurs)
•Length of course: 5 weeks
•Levels: Pre-Intermediate and above

2010 Start dates: April 12, October 10
5-week course: €1076
Exam registration fee: approx. €150 (subject to confirmation)

• San Sebastian, Spain: 4 week course evaluates the level of the student, advisea on which level to prepare, and help book for the exam. Having said this, we will admit students for a shorter period if they are not able to stay for the full 4 weeks and their level of Spanish is adequate.

Starting dates
•October 19, 2009
•April 26, 2010
•July 26, 2010
•October 25, 2010

Prices
•1 to 3 weeks: €225/week
•4 to 7 weeks: €215/week
•Summer weeks supplement: +€35 per week
•Registration fee: €60
NB Price does not include exam fees and registration. 

• Valencia, Spain: DELE Course details

•Start of courses:April 5, July 5, October 4
•Nº of classes per week: 25 classes for preparing students for the DELE exam
•Length of each class: 55 minutes
•Length of the course: From 1 to 6 weeks
•Levels: From intermediate (B1) to advanced.
•Nº of students per class: Maximum of 10, average 4
•Timetable: Mornings or afternoons, 9:30-14:30 or 13:30-18:30 (subject to changes)

•Per week: €190
 

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