Tools
Spanish Language Proficiency
For most long-term visas and a confident life in Spain, a recognised level of Spanish matters. Below is an overview of how proficiency is taught and certified, based on the curriculum and exams of the Instituto Cervantes — with references to its London branch.
The Institution
Instituto Cervantes
The Instituto Cervantes is the official public institution created by the Spanish government in 1991 to promote the teaching, study, and use of Spanish worldwide, and to spread Spanish and Hispanic-American culture.
Its language programme is built entirely around the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), delivering courses from absolute beginner (A1) to full mastery (C2). The London branch is one of its flagship centres, offering the complete curriculum, official DELE examination sittings, and a full cultural calendar — a practical option for UK-based learners before relocating.
We help you map the right starting level, plan a study timeline around your move date, and connect you with the right course format (in-person, online, or intensive).
Curriculum
The CEFR curriculum, level by level
The Instituto Cervantes curriculum follows the six CEFR levels. Each level defines what a learner can do in Spanish, with an approximate guided-learning-hour target.
Acceso
Basic expressions and everyday phrases; introduce yourself and ask simple questions.
Plataforma
Routine tasks; describe your background, immediate environment and basic needs.
Umbral
Handle most travel situations; produce simple connected text on familiar topics.
Avanzado
Interact with fluency; write detailed texts and present clear viewpoints.
Dominio operativo eficaz
Express ideas fluently; use language flexibly for social, academic and professional purposes.
Maestría
Understand virtually everything heard or read; express yourself precisely in complex situations.
Approximate guided learning hours
Cumulative effort typically needed to reach each CEFR level.
Official Certification
DELE — Diplomas de Español como Lengua Extranjera
DELE are the official titles certifying degree of competence in Spanish, granted by the Spanish Ministry of Education and organised through the Instituto Cervantes. They are internationally recognised, hold permanent validity, and are accepted as proof of language ability for Spanish residency and nationality applications.
Examination levels
Acceso
Basic expressions and everyday phrases; introduce yourself and ask simple questions.
Plataforma
Routine tasks; describe your background, immediate environment and basic needs.
Umbral
Handle most travel situations; produce simple connected text on familiar topics.
Avanzado
Interact with fluency; write detailed texts and present clear viewpoints.
Dominio operativo eficaz
Express ideas fluently; use language flexibly for social, academic and professional purposes.
Maestría
Understand virtually everything heard or read; express yourself precisely in complex situations.
The London branch runs regular DELE examination sittings throughout the year.
The four tested skills
Each DELE exam assesses the same four abilities, weighted across papers.
- Reading comprehension
- Listening comprehension
- Written expression
- Oral expression
- · Reading comprehension — understanding written texts
- · Listening comprehension — understanding spoken Spanish
- · Written expression — producing written texts
- · Oral expression — speaking and interacting
Plan your path to fluency
Ready to start learning Spanish?
This is an overview to get you oriented. For a tailored study plan around your visa timeline, course format, schedule, get in touch. More detailed sections are coming soon.