What score do you need to pass the DELE?

From A1 to C1: two groups of 50 points

The exam is worth 100 points and each paper contributes 25. The four papers are paired. To be graded “Apto” (pass) you need at least 30 in group 1 and at least 30 in group 2.

Example: 18 in reading + 14 in writing = 32, and 16 in listening + 15 in speaking = 31. Both groups reach 30: “Apto”. 40 points in one group and 29 in the other is “No apto”.

C2: three papers, 20 points on each

C2 has no groups. You need at least 20 points on every paper. A high mark on one paper does not make up for another.

• Use of Spanish, reading and listening comprehension: 33.33 points.
• Written expression, mediation and interaction: 33.33 points.
• Spoken expression, mediation and interaction: 33.34 points.

How the points are calculated

• Reading and listening: each correct answer is worth 1 point and mistakes do not subtract. The correct answers are then converted to the paper’s scale. On the B1 reading paper, for example, 20 correct answers out of 30 are 20 × 25 / 30 = 16.67 points.
• Writing and speaking: trained, accredited examiners mark them with rating scales. That mark is also converted to the paper’s scale.

The result: “Apto” or “No apto”

There are only two final grades. The grade report shows the points for each paper, but it is informative and it is not the certificate. It arrives in about three months (at A1 and A2, between one and three months, depending on the session). If you disagree with the mark, you can ask the Instituto Cervantes for a review within the deadline they set.