Diploma of Spanish as a Foreign Language

International students who want to study in Uruguay are required to demonstrate their level of command in Spanish language. Students must have at least an intermediate level of command in Spanish equivalent to levels B1 and B2 of the CEFR or (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). Pupils who want to undertake linguistic and writing study programmes must have an advanced proficiency level in Spanish language equivalent to level C1 and C2 of the CEFR.

Spanish language proficiency can be proved by submitting DELE certificate-Diploma of Spanish as a Foreign Language (In Spanish: the Diplomas de Espanol como Lengua Extranjera). The DELE diploma is given by the Spanish Instituto Cervantes on behalf of the Spanish Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports. The Universidad ORT Uruguay and Instituto Cervantes have signed an agreement in December 2012 for taking up the DELE exam at their university. The DELE diploma is valid for all time. 

Following candidates are eligible to undertake this exam:

• He/she should be a national of the country whose official language is not Spanish

If the candidate stays in a country where Spanish is spoken, in that case, he/she must satisfy minimum two requirements from the given list:

• Language of communication is Spanish
• The initial language learned in that country was not Spanish
• Candidate’s parent native language is not Spanish

The DELE exam has six proficiency levels-

In order to study in Uruguay, students must have l B1, B2, C1 or C2 level proficiency in Spanish language. 

This level indicates that the candidate is able to understand and use the Spanish language in study, work or leisure activity; and create simple text on familiar or personal interest topics.

This level has 4 sections that are sub-divided into 2 groups-

Group 1 comprises of reading comprehension test and written interaction and expression test.

Reading comprehension test: This test requires the candidates to read and understand the major points of the text given.

• Duration: 70 minutes
  

Written interaction and expression: This test requires the candidates to generate simple text on the familiar topics, or describe events/incidents in a clear and coherent manner.

• Duration: 60 minutes

Group 2 comprises of listening test and oral interaction and expression test.

Listening test: This test requires candidates to listen to the audio and perform the task accordingly.

• Duration: 40 minutes

Oral interaction and expression test: This test requires candidates to put forward their viewpoints. This test assesses the spoken language knowledge of the candidates.

• Test duration: 15 minutes
• Preparation time: 15 minutes 

This level has 4 sections, that are split up into two different groups.

Group 1 consists of reading comprehension test; and expression and written interaction test.

Reading comprehension test: This test requires the candidates to read and understand the central idea of the complex text given

• Duration: 70 minutes

Written interaction and expression test: This test requires the candidates to create a clear and comprehensive text on different topics and also express their opinion on a current issue.  

• Duration: 80 minutes

Group 2 comprises of listening test and oral interaction and expression test.

Listening test: This test requires candidates to listen to an audio text and answer questions accordingly in the Spanish language. 

• Duration: 40 minutes

Oral interaction and expression: This test requires candidates to communicate with native speakers fluently. 

• Test duration: 20 minutes
• Preparation: 20 minutes

This level indicates that the candidate is able to interact in Spanish language easily and spontaneously, comprehends the hidden meaning of the text, and generate a simple and coherent text on any topic.

This level consist of 4 parts, divided into 2 groups

Group 1 consist of listening to comprehension test that last for 80 minutes, and a reading comprehension test that last for 90 minutes. 

Group 2 consist of a listening to comprehension and language test that last for 50 minutes; and an oral interaction and expression and a reading comprehension test that last for 20 minutes. Also, for oral test a preparation time of 20 minutes is allotted.

The level C2 is considered an advanced level of Spanish proficiency exam. This level confirms that the candidate is able to interact in the Spanish language in any situation. The candidate can understand, use and communicate in the language fluently and with a level of high accuracy. This level comprises of 3 tests: 

Test 1 consists of a reading comprehension, language use, and listening to comprehension test that last for 105 minutes of duration

Test 2 consists of written interaction and expression, and reading and listening comprehension test that last for 105 minutes

Test 3 consists of an oral interaction and expression and reading comprehension test that lasts for 20 minutes. Also, a preparation time of 30 minutes is given.

Candidates must fill in a registration form that is available at the examination centre. Submit the form along with a copy of ID, fee payment receipt and documents/signed declaration of the two fulfilled eligibility criteria. 

Examination Centres: There are over 900 examination centres in about 100 countries. To get the examination centre, click here.

Fees: The fees for the DELE exam vary depending on the level and examination country. Contact the examination centre for the exam fees. 

Total score of at least 60 points is needed out of 100; and in each group at least 30 out of 50 points. The final grade is given on a pass-fail basis.

For Diploma in Spanish Language Level C2, a score of 20 points is required for each of the three tests.