DELE registration: what you should look at with a magnifying glass before paying

Before you register: what really matters

Terms and conditions are not exciting, but this is where the details are that later cause problems: changes, refunds, ID rules, dates, results. Here’s what you actually need to know, explained clearly.

What you’re buying when you register

When you pay, you’re not paying for a generic exam. You’re paying for your right to take a specific session: a level, a date and an exam centre. That’s why, before you pay, it’s worth checking everything twice: level, city, session, and your personal details.

Your personal details: check them carefully

Your name and surname exactly as they appear on your document, your passport/DNI/NIE number, date of birth, etc. If something is wrong, that mistake can end up on your certificate or diploma. Fixing it later can take time and may involve a fee.

What you must bring on exam day

Don’t take risks here. On exam day you must bring an original official photo ID (the one you used when registering, or your passport) and your registration receipt/confirmation.

If the centre cannot verify your identity properly, they may not allow you to sit the exam.

Timetables: what “written exam date” means, and what happens with the speaking test

The date shown in the calendar as the written exam date refers to the reading, listening and writing papers. In other words, that day you do reading, listening and writing.

The speaking test is separate. It may be on the same day or on a different day within the period organised by the exam centre. When you register, you accept that you must follow the timetable they assign you.

Changing session, centre or level: what you can and can’t do

This depends on how and where you registered, but the key idea is the same: changes are not automatic, and the closer you are to the registration deadline, the harder it is.

In general, once registration is closed, changes are not possible. And even if it’s still open, changes often depend on availability.

If you change to a more expensive exam, you normally pay the difference. If you change to a cheaper one, they normally don’t refund the difference.

Refunds and withdrawal: the most sensitive point

There is a legal withdrawal period after you register, but it’s short. Many people don’t check it, it passes, and then there is no refund.

If you registered with doubts, check that deadline as soon as possible and, if you need to cancel, do it within the allowed time.

If you don’t show up

If you don’t attend, the usual result is “not presented”, and you don’t recover that session. If you want to take the exam in another session, you must register and pay again.

Special arrangements and accommodations: request them early

If you need accommodations (for example, due to a disability or learning difficulties), it cannot be arranged on exam day. You must request it in advance and submit the required documentation within the deadline. If you request it late, they may not be able to grant it.

If your request is denied, there is usually a procedure and a deadline to act, so it’s important to follow the instructions and move quickly.

Exam conduct: what can leave you without a result

This matters: phones and electronic devices must be out. Any irregular behaviour (cheating, communicating, impersonation, etc.) can mean removal from the exam or “not graded”. This can also apply if it is detected later.

In practice, go with the minimum, follow instructions, and avoid any situation that could look suspicious.

Results, certificate and diploma: how it works

After the exam, results are published in the portal. You can download an electronic certificate showing your result: pass, fail, not presented or not graded. If you pass, the diploma is issued.

And one important point: if you don’t pass, partial results are not carried over to another session. Next time, you take the full exam again.

Score review: what to expect

You can request a score review following the official procedure and within the deadline. It’s not something you can request whenever you want. It is usually requested only once, and depending on the case, it may have a cost.

Also, you won’t be given access to the exam materials to take them away, copy them or reproduce them.

Quick checklist before you pay

Check the level, date and centre. Check your personal details exactly as they appear on your ID. Make sure you can attend the speaking test on the dates assigned by the centre. And save your registration receipt somewhere easy to find.

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