The Spanish citizenship test (CCSE + DELE A2)

To get Spanish nationality by residence you normally need to pass two Instituto Cervantes exams: the CCSE (constitutional and sociocultural knowledge) and the DELE A2 Spanish diploma or higher.

CCSE at a glance

• 25 multiple-choice or true/false questions in 45 minutes.
• Pass mark: 15 correct (60%); no penalty for wrong answers.
• Fee: €85, which includes two attempts.
• All questions come from the free official CCSE 2026 Manual.

CCSE dates in Spain, 2026

DELE A2 at a glance

• 4 papers of 25 points each: reading (60 min), listening (40 min), writing (45 min), speaking (12 min + 12 min prep).
• Pass: at least 30/50 in both groups (reading + writing, listening + speaking).
• Fees vary by centre, e.g. €138 at Universidad de Málaga in 2026.

Who is exempt from DELE A2?

Nationals by origin of Spanish-speaking countries, under-18s, people whose legal capacity has been modified by a court, and holders of DELE A2+ or an Escuela Oficial de Idiomas A2/B1/B2 certificate. People who completed ESO in Spain may be exempted by the Ministry of Justice.

Sources (checked 27 Oct 2026): examenes.cervantes.es/es/ccse/como · examenes.cervantes.es/es/ccse/cuanto · examenes.cervantes.es/es/ccse/cuando · examenes.cervantes.es/es/dele/examenes/a2 · examenes.cervantes.es/es/dele/preguntas-frecuentes · www.uma.es/centrointernacionaldeespanol/info/156906/examenes-dele-2026