The Cervantes Institute has published the official schedule for the 2026 DELE and CCSE exams, two key tests for thousands of people worldwide, and especially in Spain. The DELE exams certify proficiency in Spanish as a foreign language, while the CCSE test assesses the constitutional and sociocultural knowledge required to obtain Spanish nationality by residency.
Preparing for the DELE and CCSE exams at our Spanish Language Schools at the University of Salamanca (ELE USAL) means investing in high-quality training, with specialized teachers and materials updated according to the official criteria of the Cervantes Institute. Studying in a prestigious academic environment like the University of Salamanca allows you to gain confidence, improve your actual level of Spanish, and face the exams with solid, success-oriented preparation.
Below, we offer a complete and detailed summary of the exam dates, registration deadlines, and key dates for 2026, with essential information for those planning their preparation and registration.
Official DELE exam dates in 2026
The Diplomas of Spanish as a Foreign Language (DELE) have seven official sessions in 2026, distributed throughout the year, allowing candidates to choose the date that best suits their level and availability.
DELE 2026 Exam Dates
February 13, 2026 (Friday)
- Level: A2
- Registration closes: January 7, 2026
April 17, 2026 (Friday)
- Level: A2 (Spain only)
- Registration closes: February 25, 2026
May 22, 2026 (Friday)
- School Exams: A1, A2/B1, and B2/C1
- Registration closes: April 8, 2026
May 23, 2026 (Saturday)
- General Exams: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2
- Registration closes: April 8, 2026
October 16, 2026 (Friday)
- Levels: B1, B2, and C1
- Registration closes: September 2, 2026
October 17, 2026 (Saturday)
- Level: A2
- Registration closes: September 2, 2026
November 13, 2026 (Friday)
- School exams and general A2 level
- Registration closes: September 30, 2026
November 14, 2026 (Saturday)
- General exams: A1, B1, B2, C1, and C2
- Registration closes: September 30, 2026
This calendar confirms that May and November remain the main macro-calls, as they concentrate the largest offer of levels and the largest number of candidates worldwide.
CCSE Exam Dates in 2026
The CCSE (Constitutional and Sociocultural Knowledge of Spain) test is administered once a month, except in August and December, and is primarily for those applying for Spanish nationality by residency.
CCSE 2026 Calls for Applications
- January 29, 2026 – Registration until January 8
- February 26, 2026 – Registration until February 5
- March 26, 2026 – Registration until March 5
- April 30, 2026 – Registration until April 9
- May 28, 2026 – Registration until May 7
- June 25, 2026 – Registration until June 4
- July 30, 2026 – Registration until July 9
- September 24, 2026 – Registration until September 3
- October 29, 2026 – Registration until October 8
- November 26, 2026 – Registration until November 5
This schedule allows for flexible planning, especially for people who need to pass both the DELE A2 and the CCSE test to complete their nationality application.
Importance of these exams
The DELE A2 and CCSE exams are mandatory requirements for obtaining Spanish nationality by residency, except in specific cases of exemption. Furthermore, DELE diplomas at higher levels (B1, B2, C1, and C2) are highly valued in academic and professional circles, both in Spain and internationally.
Each year, hundreds of thousands of candidates take these exams in more than 100 countries, solidifying the Instituto Cervantes' position as a global leader in Spanish language certification.
Recommendations for candidates
Experts advise:
• Register early, as many testing centers fill up quickly.
• Choose an exam session with sufficient preparation time, especially for levels B2, C1, and C2.
• Be aware of registration deadlines, which typically close between 4 and 8 weeks before the exam.
A Key Year for Spanish Certification
The 2026 calendar confirms the sustained growth in demand for official Spanish certifications, driven by international mobility, migration processes, and the rise of Spanish as a global language. With this wide range of dates, the Cervantes Institute aims to facilitate access to official accreditation, guaranteeing quality standards and academic rigor.
