One of the most important requirements for obtaining Spanish citizenship is passing two different tests: the DELE A2 and the CCSE. In this article we will teach you everything you need to know to pass them successfully. Duration of the tests, structure, and number of questions, how to study for them, cost, where to register, and much more!
The DELE A2 and CCSE are the two nationality tests that any foreigner must pass in order to be granted nationality in Spain.
They are two different exams that will determine whether or not you are eligible for a Spanish passport, based on your level of Spanish (language) and knowledge of the country.
Although certain situations make it unnecessary to take them, they are an indispensable requirement during the process of obtaining Spanish citizenship.
How long does the Spanish nationality test take?
The Spanish nationality test (CCSE) lasts a total of 45 minutes. Below, we will see in greater detail how this time is distributed, but as you can see, it is quite short.
However, as we have mentioned, there is also the language exam, or DELE A2, which lasts longer: about two and a half.
How many questions does the nationality test have?
The CCSE exam has 25 questions, divided into 5 tasks (true-or-false and multiple-choice questions). To pass, you need to score at least 15 (60%), which means you can miss up to 10.
In the case of the language exam, we will detail each and every one of its questions later in this article.
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How much do you need to pay in order to take the citizenship test?
The registration fee for the exam is 85 euros. This price will allow you to take the exam twice.
That is, if you fail the first time or do not reach the minimum number of correct answers that are required, you will have another chance without any extra cost.
This second opportunity will also be granted to you in case you were not able to attend the initial call.
If you fail again on the second attempt, you will have to pay the same € 85 again and repeat the exam until you pass.
How much does the DELE A2 exam cost?
The registration price for the DELE A2 in Spain is 138 €. This fee is paid directly to the Cervantes Institute when you register for a call and is independent of the CCSE fee (85 €): they are two different exams, with two different payments.
The amount may vary if you take the exam outside of Spain, since the Cervantes Institute publishes a specific rate per country.
How and where can I pay?
Payment for registration for the socio-cultural exam is made on the website of the Cervantes Institute, the entity that organizes them.
And you can pay either by debit or credit card.
CCSE
Let’s see, first of all, everything you need to know about the Spanish culture and society exam.
As we mentioned, it consists of a total of 25 questions, of which you must get 60% right.
In other words, you can fail up to 10 of the 25 questions and still pass the exam.
Not answering a given question right won’t subtract any point.
What is the society and cultural exam exactly about?
The CCSE is divided into two different parts, making up a total of 5 subsections.
Government, legislation and citizen participation in Spain
The first 60% of the exam is divided into 3 different sections:
a) Firstly, you will find questions regarding the Spanish government and its powers, institutions of the country, legislation, and mechanisms for citizen participation. It has two tasks, with 10 multiple-choice questions.
b) Secondly, you will find three format questions, “true or false”, also about the government, but more focused on administrative procedures that you must know how to do, such as applying for nationality (which you probably carry by hand)
c) Finally, 2 multiple-choice questions on the territorial, geographical, and political organization of Spain.
Common knowledge: culture, history, and Spanish society
The second part of the exam, which represents 40%, deals with the culture and society of Spain. It is divided into the following two sections:
a) Firstly, questions regarding general cultural knowledge, traditions, and history of Spain. In this section, there are 3 multiple-choice questions.
b) The second part, consisting of 7 multiple-choice questions, deals with knowledge of different aspects of daily life in Spain and societal behavior. This includes, among others, knowledge about relevant administrative procedures.
When is it NOT necessary to take the CCSE?
There are few cases in which you can avoid taking the CCSE, as it is more common to be able to avoid the language one than the cultural one.
However, as long as you have studied ESO (school) or Bachillerato (high school) in Spain, it is not necessary to pass this exam to obtain nationality.
DELE A2
You will also face the Spanish language exam, the DELE A2. This test serves to certify that you have a sufficient level of Spanish so to understand and communicate clearly by using this language.
This exam was reformed in 2020 and presents important differences in relation to what we have seen until now.
Below we detail its current structure, which came into force in February 2020.
Language test structure
The DELE is divided into 4 different parts.
- First, a reading comprehension test, which lasts 60 minutes.
- Then, a listening comprehension test, which lasts 40 minutes.
- Test 3 is for written expression, with two tasks lasting 45 minutes in total.
- Finally, test 4 is for oral expression. This consists of 3 tasks. This oral exam can be held the day immediately before the rest of the tests or immediately after, although it is usually the same day.
*Between tests 2 and 3, there is a break, so as you can see, it roughly takes about 3 hours.
First part: Reading
The first test has 4 tasks. These tasks are related to your daily life and the environment in which you live.
There are 25 questions of which you must get at least 60% of the answers.
- The first task consists of reading an e-mail, about 250 words long, and answering 5 questions (a, b or c).
- Task number 2 consists of 8 announcements/job offers, and you will have to answer one question from each one.
- In task 3 you will find 6 questions. You will have to read 3 texts and relate each of them to 6 different statements.
- Finally, the last task in this section consists of a slightly longer text, about 350-400 words, that creates 6 questions to be answered (a, b or c).
Second Part: Listening
The listening test is also divided into 25 questions divided into 4 different tasks. Again, you should get a 60% right (minimum).
Each audio is played twice. And you will always listen to an example first so that you can understand the mechanics.
- Task 1 consists of 6 short, informal conversations and 3 pictures. You will have to relate each conversation to the 3 pictures.
- Task 2 consists of 6 short announcements, with 3 possible answers.
- In task 3, you will listen to a conversation. You have 6 statements, and you need to answer questions about the interlocutors of that conversation.
- Finally, in task number 4 you will hear 7 messages, and you must relate them to 10 statements, out of which 3 won’t be selected (you must discard them).
Third Part: Writing
This writing test, which used to have 3 tasks, is now reduced to just 2. It consists of writing two different texts for 45 minutes.
- The first text to be written is a letter, between 60 and 70 words. You will have to read what someone writes to you and answer him or her in your letter, including everything that is asked in the statement.
- In the second part, you can choose between two different options. Option A is an everyday text, in which you have to write about yourself. Option B is a narrative text, in which you have to talk about events or an anecdote. Here, the text should be 70 or 80 words long.
Fourth Part: Speaking
Finally, the most feared part for many: oral expression and interaction.
It consists of 3 tasks that you will prepare in a preparation room for 12 minutes.
Afterwards, you will carry out each of them with the examiner.
- Task 1 consists of a 2- or 3-minute monologue on a topic, with two options to choose from.
- In Task 2, you will choose from 2 pictures. You will prepare a description of the photo you have chosen.
- Finally, Task 3 is related to the previous one. It is an informal conversation between you and the examiner in which you will discuss the chosen photo.
When is it NOT necessary to take the DELE?
They are exempt from taking DELE A2:
- Nationals of origin (not acquired) from countries or territories where Spanish is the official language: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Equatorial Guinea, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Uruguay and Venezuela.
- Minors under 18 years of age and people with judicially modified capacity.
- Those who already have a DELE A2 or higher, or an A2, B1 or B2 level certificate from the Official Language Schools.
Where and when are the exams taking place?
The Cervantes Institute has centers all over the world, so you can find one very close to you.
Moreover, their website makes it very easy for you.
You basically need to enter here, select your country and region, and the exam you want to take. You will see a list of all the locations and available dates you can register for.
How long are DELE A2 and CCSE certificates valid?
The CCSE certificate is valid for 4 years from the date of the qualification certificate. If you do not submit your nationality application within that period, you will have to re-examine yourself.
The DELE A2 diploma has no expiration date, so a diploma obtained years ago is still valid for the nationality process.
The best way to practice for the nationality test
Generally speaking, you can easily pass both exams provided you study and prepare properly.
Our recommendation?
Take as many of the exams published online as possible. After all, this is the only way to understand the kind of questions you will be asked and get to know how to answer them.
In the case of the CCSE, for example, the exam is made up of a battery of 300 questions. You can find the official preparation manual of Instituto Cervantes, which is updated every year. So answering them all is the best way to practice.
And if you need specialized help to prepare for each test or to obtain nationality, do not hesitate to contact us. Our team of lawyers will be happy to help you!
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3 Replies to “Spanish Citizenship Test: Duration, Cost, Where to Take it and More”
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Hello, i am writing to ask u information on trying to get my spanish citizenship..i am living in Almoradi, Alicante and want to know which school or centre could guide and help me out to all the necessary information to be able to prepare for it. At the moment i am living with my permanent residencia card and i have been living here since 8 years, i am married to a European union member. Also could you help me out with the steps to be followed and what is the sequence of procedures to be followed. I dont have any idea of what has to be done a d where do i get all my study material from ? Do i have to go any special classes on a daily basis to follow what has to be done. How long preparing nd studying for this exam would take ? I would appreciate your advice and help at your earliest.
Sir i pass ccsa exam and can not pass dele2 Exam u have any solution