Carlos V Language Schools in Madrid, Seville and Málaga, as authorised examination centres of the Cervantes Institute, offer candidates the opportunity to sit the official DELE and CCSE exams, as well as specialised preparation courses for those who need to certify their Spanish language level or obtain Spanish nationality.

Demonstrating proficiency in Spanish or proving knowledge of Spanish society and culture are important steps for many people who study or live in Spain. These requirements are also part of the process of applying for Spanish nationality. As authorised examination centres of the Cervantes Institute, Carlos V Language Schools provide access to both the DELE and CCSE examinations, while also offering dedicated training to help candidates prepare successfully for each exam.

DELE: Officially Certify Your Spanish Level

The Diplomas of Spanish as a Foreign Language (DELE), awarded by the Cervantes Institute on behalf of the Spanish Ministry of Education, Vocational Training and Sports, officially certify a candidate’s level of Spanish language proficiency.

These qualifications cover all levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), from A1 to C2. Recognised internationally and valid for life, DELE diplomas are valuable for accessing educational opportunities, demonstrating language skills and improving professional prospects.

In addition, applicants seeking Spanish nationality through residency are generally required to demonstrate at least an A2 level of Spanish by obtaining the DELE diploma and to pass the CCSE examination, except in cases where exemptions or waivers apply under current regulations.

Carlos V offers two-week DELE preparation courses comprising a total of 20 hours of tuition. Classes focus on all the skills assessed in the exam, including reading and listening comprehension, written expression and interaction, and speaking and oral interaction.

CCSE: Knowledge of Spain for Nationality Applications

The Constitutional and Sociocultural Knowledge of Spain Test (CCSE), developed by the Cervantes Institute, assesses candidates’ understanding of the Spanish Constitution, as well as Spain’s social and cultural realities. Together with a DELE A2 diploma or higher, it is one of the general requirements for obtaining Spanish nationality through residency, subject to any legally established exemptions.

The exam consists of 25 multiple-choice and true-or-false questions divided into five tasks. Candidates are given 45 minutes to complete the test and must answer at least 15 questions correctly in order to pass.

For those who require preparation, Carlos V offers intensive three-hour courses delivered in a single session during the week preceding the exam. The course reviews the key topics covered in the test, from the structure of the Spanish state to Spanish culture and everyday life, and also includes assistance with the registration process.

Preparation and Examination in the Same Centre

In addition to organising official examination sessions, Carlos V provides specialised training to help candidates understand the format and requirements of each exam and prepare according to their individual goals.

While the CCSE is designed for those who need to demonstrate constitutional and sociocultural knowledge when applying for Spanish nationality, the DELE enables candidates to certify their Spanish language proficiency from A1 through to C2 level. As a result, these examinations are suitable both for individuals fulfilling nationality requirements and for students and professionals wishing to obtain official recognition of their Spanish level.

Prospective candidates can find information about preparation courses, available examination dates and registration requirements through Carlos V and the official Cervantes Institute website: examenes.cervantes.es.

Information about preparation courses and upcoming examination sessions is also available through Carlos V. Registration for both DELE and CCSE examinations, together with payment of the corresponding fees, must be completed through the official Cervantes Institute website, where candidates can also consult examination dates, requirements and specific conditions for each test.

Two examinations with different objectives, but the same opportunity: to officially certify Spanish language knowledge and competencies.