CCSE and DELE A2 exams for Spanish nationality: who must sit them

To obtain Spanish nationality by residence you must pass two tests run by the Instituto Cervantes: the CCSE, on constitutional and sociocultural knowledge, and the DELE at level A2 or higher, on the Spanish language. The second is not required of nationals of a country where Spanish is an official language.

They prove the "sufficient degree of integration into Spanish society" required by article 22.4 of the Civil Code. It is wise to pass them before completing your residence period, so you can apply on the first possible day.

The CCSE test

What it assesses. Knowledge of the Constitution, of Spain's administrative and territorial organisation, and of the country's cultural, historical and social reality.

Format. A multiple-choice exam with questions drawn from an official manual that the Instituto Cervantes publishes and updates each year. Every possible question is in that manual: anyone who studies it all meets no surprises.

Who must sit it. As a rule, every adult applicant, including those from Spanish-speaking countries.

Validity. The pass certificate has limited validity. Check it will still be valid on the day you file your nationality application.

The DELE A2 diploma

What it assesses. That you can cope in Spanish in everyday situations: understand simple texts and recordings, write short messages and hold a basic conversation.

Format. Four parts: reading comprehension, listening comprehension, written expression and oral expression. The oral part is taken before an examiner.

Who must sit it. Those who are not nationals of a country where Spanish is an official language. A higher DELE (B1, B2, C1 or C2) also counts, proving the same with more margin.

Who may be exempt

Nationality rules provide for dispensations and adaptations. The usual cases:

• Minors and persons with support measures for exercising their legal capacity: they do not sit the tests.
• Nationals of Spanish-speaking countries: exempt from the DELE, not from the CCSE.
• People schooled in Spain who completed secondary education here: they may request a dispensation, proving it with their qualifications.
• People who cannot read or write, or with learning difficulties: they may request a dispensation or an adapted test.
• People with disabilities: they are entitled to have the exam adapted to their needs.

Dispensations are not automatic: you must request and justify them with documents, well before filing for nationality.

How to register

1. Create your account on the Instituto Cervantes exams website.
2. Choose the test, the exam centre and the session. There are centres throughout Spain and in many other countries.
3. Pay the registration fee. The Instituto shows the amount when you enrol.
4. Attend on exam day with the same identity document you registered with.
5. Download the result and certificate when published; they take several weeks.

Places at some centres run out early, especially before summer. Do not leave it to the last month.

When to sit them

Plan backwards from the date you complete your residence period (ten, five, two or one year depending on your case; see nationality by residence: how many years):

• Six months before: register for both tests.
• Three or four months before: sit them, leaving room to resit.
• Meanwhile: request your birth certificate and criminal record from your country, which also expire.

How to prepare

• CCSE: study the current year's official manual and do mock tests with the real questions. No academy is needed, but consistency is.
• DELE A2: if you use Spanish daily, practise mainly the format: sample papers, short written messages and the oral test. If your level is lower, a course at an official language school or accredited centre prepares you well.

Common mistakes

• Sitting a DELE you do not need as a national of a Spanish-speaking country.
• Letting the CCSE expire while gathering other documents.
• Registering with one document and turning up with another, or with an expired passport.
• Assuming a dispensation without having requested it.
• Confusing the CCSE with the DELE: different tests, registrations and dates.

Frequently asked questions

I am from a Spanish-speaking country. Do I have to sit any exam?

The CCSE, yes; the DELE, no.

I have a Spanish university degree. Am I spared the exams?

Having studied in Spain may entitle you to a dispensation, but you must request it and have it granted. Do not assume it until then.

What if I fail?

You can sit again at another session. That is why it matters to take the exams months in advance.

Can I apply for nationality without the certificates?

Without proof of integration the application is incomplete and you will receive a request for documents. The sensible course is to file with everything.

Do other Spanish diplomas count?

The rule refers to the DELE at level A2 or higher and to certificates with recognised equivalence. If you hold another qualification, confirm beforehand that it is accepted.

Your next step

The free test works out your date to apply for nationality and which tests you need. If you are unsure about a dispensation or which session to choose, ask Resi.