CCSE and DELE exams for Spanish nationality: a complete guide

To obtain Spanish nationality by residence, most adult applicants must pass two Instituto Cervantes tests: the CCSE exam and the DELE. In this guide we explain, in an orientative way, what the CCSE exam and the DELE for Spanish nationality consist of, how many answers you need to pass, how much it costs, how to enrol and in which cases there is an exemption.

What the CCSE and DELE exams for Spanish nationality are

They are two distinct and complementary tests that certify your integration:

• CCSE (Constitutional and Sociocultural Knowledge of Spain): measures your knowledge of the Constitution, institutions, culture and Spanish society.
• DELE (Diploma of Spanish as a Foreign Language): certifies your language level. For nationality, a minimum of level A2 is required.

Both are managed and administered by the Instituto Cervantes, not by the Immigration Office or the Civil Registry.

Legal note: nationality is not governed by the Immigration Regulation

It is important not to confuse two different frameworks. Residence permits (arraigo, employed work, long-term residence, etc.) are governed by the new Immigration Regulation, RD 1155/2024, in force since 20 May 2025. By contrast, nationality by residence is governed by the Civil Code (arts. 21 and 22) and by Royal Decree 1004/2015, and the CCSE and DELE exams depend on the Instituto Cervantes. If you are still in the residence phase and want to see which route applies to you, you can use our immigration route finder.

Who is required to take the exam and who is exempt

As a general rule, those over 18 must pass both tests. There are common exemptions:

• Exempt from the DELE (but not from the CCSE): nationals of countries where Spanish is an official language (for example, most Latin American countries).
• Exempt from both tests: minors and people with judicially modified capacity, who prove their integration by other means.
• Possible DELE exemption: those who have completed and passed studies in the Spanish education system may prove the language level with the corresponding qualification, without retaking the exam.

The exemption is assessed in your file; when in doubt, many people take the CCSE anyway to avoid problems.

The CCSE exam: content, questions and passing mark

The CCSE is a multiple-choice test with these orientative characteristics:

• 25 questions with closed answers (true/false or multiple choice).
• It is passed with 15 correct answers (60%).
• Approximate duration of 45 minutes.
• The questions come from a manual and a bank of questions that the Instituto Cervantes publishes each year, so you can prepare with official, free material.

There are monthly sittings throughout the year. Once obtained, the CCSE diploma certifies the test for your nationality application.

The DELE A2: required level of Spanish

For nationality, a DELE of level A2 or higher is enough. A2 is a basic level: understanding frequently used phrases and expressions and communicating in simple, everyday tasks. If you already have a DELE of a higher level (B1, B2, etc.), it also counts. The DELE diploma, once obtained, is permanently valid.

How to enrol and how much it costs

Enrolment for both tests is done on the Instituto Cervantes website, choosing a date and exam centre:

• You must register, select a sitting and pay the fee online.
• The CCSE is around EUR 85 (a fee set annually by the Instituto Cervantes).
• The price of the DELE varies depending on the level and the country.

Always check the current fee and dates on the official website before enrolling, because they are updated every year.

When to take the exams within the nationality process

It is usual to pass the CCSE (and the DELE, if you are not exempt) before submitting the nationality application, so you can attach the diplomas to the file. Remember that, to apply for nationality by residence, you first need to prove the corresponding period of legal and continuous residence (10 years as a general rule, with reduced timeframes in certain cases). If you are still building that residence, review the Spanish nationality by residence page and, as a prior step, that of long-term residence. Many people reach nationality after years of residence that began with arraigo social.

If you want an idea of the timelines of the nationality procedure itself, we have a guide on how long Spanish nationality takes.

Frequently asked questions about the CCSE and DELE exams

Do I have to take the DELE if I am from a Spanish-speaking country?

No. Nationals of countries where Spanish is an official language are exempt from the DELE, but they do have to pass the CCSE exam.

How many questions do I need to get right in the CCSE to pass?

You need 15 correct answers out of 25, that is, 60%.

Does the CCSE or DELE diploma expire?

No. Once obtained, both diplomas are permanently valid and count for your nationality application, even if you submit it some time later.

What DELE level do I need for Spanish nationality?

The minimum level is A2. Any DELE of level A2 or higher is valid.

Can I retake the exam if I fail?

Yes. You can enrol again in a later sitting, paying the corresponding fee again.

Are the CCSE and DELE exams managed by the Immigration authorities?

No. They are managed by the Instituto Cervantes. The nationality application is then processed before the Ministry of Justice through the Civil Registry or the electronic office.

This guide is orientative and does not replace individualised legal advice or the official information of the Instituto Cervantes and the Ministry of Justice. Fees, sittings and requirements may change; always verify the details with official sources before enrolling or submitting your application.