Yes, you can prepare for the DELE A2 for free if you do three things: get to know the exam format really well, practise with up-to-date models that simulate the exam (the Instituto Cervantes publishes a free one and I have a free speaking test sample) and train each paper with a steady plan, about 30 minutes a day. Here's an 8-week plan and every free resource you can use.

I'll tell you as an examiner: you don't need to spend a lot of money to pass the A2, but you do need to prepare for the exam itself. Knowing Spanish isn't the same as knowing how to do the DELE. People who arrive without knowing the format waste time, get nervous and make mistakes that have nothing to do with their level.

(The video is in Spanish, with subtitles available.)

What is the DELE A2 exam like?

Before you study anything, you need to know what you're facing. The DELE A2 has four papers worth 25 points each:

  • Reading comprehension: 60 minutes, 4 tasks, 25 questions.
  • Listening comprehension: 40 minutes, 4 tasks, 25 questions. You hear every recording twice.
  • Writing: 45 minutes, 2 tasks.
  • Speaking: 12 minutes in the exam room, with 12 minutes of preparation beforehand, and 3 tasks.

To pass (APTO) you need at least 30 out of 50 points in each group: reading + writing on one side, listening + speaking on the other. The groups don't compensate for each other. I explain it with examples in How to pass the DELE A2.

And good news if you're taking it for Spanish citizenship: it's exactly the same exam for everyone.

What free resources are there to prepare for the DELE A2?

These are the ones I'd use, in this order:

  1. A level test. Before you start, check whether you're already close to A2 or need to build your base first. Try my free level test: in a few minutes you'll know where you stand.
  2. The official sample exam from the Instituto Cervantes. It's free and it's the best way to see the exact format. A heads-up: as of 2 November 2026, the Cervantes exams website is under maintenance and only shows dates and deadlines for now. Once it's back, look for it on the DELE A2 page.
  3. My free A2 speaking test sample. All three tasks, the instructions exactly as the examiner reads them, and my notes as an examiner. Download it here: recursos.aporeldele.com/a2oral.
  4. My YouTube videos. I have examples for every paper (in Spanish, with subtitles). To start: the full A2 speaking test, a writing Task 1 example and what the listening paper is like.
  5. The blog guides, paper by paper. I link them in the plan below, each one in its week.
  6. The newsletter. If you join the newsletter, you'll get free resources and reminders before every registration deadline.

An 8-week plan to prepare for the DELE A2 for free

This plan is designed for about 30 minutes a day. Studying a little every day works much better than a four-hour marathon on Sunday: your brain processes what you spread out over time much better.

Week 1: get to know the exam

  • Take the level test.
  • Read the exam structure and watch the video above.
  • Do a full sample exam with the real timings, without worrying about the score. You only want to find out what's hardest for you.

Weeks 2 and 3: reading and listening

  • Practise each reading task against the clock. The goal is to finish reading in about 50 minutes, so you have time to read the listening questions before the first recording starts.
  • In the listening paper, always read the questions before you listen and underline what information you're looking for.
  • Guide for this part: DELE A2 listening: the 4 tasks and their traps.

Weeks 4 and 5: writing

  • The tasks repeat a lot from one session to the next: replying to a message, suggesting a plan, accepting or cancelling something, asking for or giving advice. Build a set of structures for each situation.
  • Write one task a day and check it calmly: have you answered everything the instructions ask for?
  • Guides: writing Task 1 and writing Task 2, with a commented example.

Weeks 6 and 7: speaking

Week 8: everything together, with exam timings

  • Do another full sample under exam conditions: reading and listening back to back, then writing, and speaking out loud.
  • Go over the most common mistakes in 10 mistakes that make you fail the DELE A2.
  • The last week isn't for learning new things: it's for arriving calm and in full control of the format.

What doesn't free preparation give you?

With free resources you can get to the A2 really well prepared. What tends to be harder is structure: knowing what to do each day, which strategy to use in each task and who to ask when you get stuck. If that's your case, a course saves you time. In my online DELE A2 course you get strategies for every paper, commented examples, a community, a Q&A chat and group calls. But you don't need it to pass: what matters is practising with the exam format.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a free official DELE A2 course?

The Instituto Cervantes publishes the exam information and its official sample exam for free, but preparation courses, whether at exam centres or language schools, are usually paid. With the plan above and the free resources, you can prepare on your own.

Where can I find a DELE A2 exam PDF with answers?

The official Instituto Cervantes sample exam is free (its exams website is under maintenance right now). For speaking, you have my free A2 speaking test sample. And if you'd like more full practice tests on paper, my DELE A2 book with 4 models comes with answers and downloadable audio.

How long do I need to prepare for the DELE A2?

It depends on where you're starting from. If you already have an A2 level, eight weeks of steady practice is usually enough to master the format. If you're starting lower, you'll need more time: I explain it in How to prepare for the DELE as a beginner.

Is the DELE A2 for citizenship different?

No. It's the same exam for every candidate. For citizenship you also need to pass the CCSE. Everything is in DELE A2 for Spanish nationality: frequently asked questions.

When can I sit the DELE A2 in 2027?

A2 is the level with the most exam sessions: seven in 2027, with registration opening on 18 November 2026. All the dates are in DELE exam dates 2027.

In short

  • You can prepare for the DELE A2 for free if you know the format and practise with models that simulate the exam.
  • Start with the level test and a full sample to see what's hardest for you.
  • Spend two weeks on each block: reading and listening, writing, speaking.
  • Practise speaking out loud and with a timer: 12 minutes to prepare and 12 to speak.
  • About 30 minutes a day works better than one long session a week.

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¡A por el DELE! 🇪🇸