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Residence and nationality

CCSE and DELE A2 exams for citizenship

Exámenes CCSE y DELE A2 para la nacionalidad

What it is

To obtain Spanish nationality by residence you must pass two Instituto Cervantes tests: the DELE Spanish diploma, at least level A2, and the CCSE test on constitutional and sociocultural knowledge of Spain. Those who already hold DELE A2 or higher, or are nationals of a Spanish-speaking country, do not have to sit the DELE. The CCSE has 60 % questions on the Constitution and the organisation of Spain and 40 % on culture, history and society; all are closed-answer.

Official wording
Los interesados deberán superar tanto los exámenes para la obtención del diploma de español como lengua extranjera (DELE) como mínimo de nivel A2, como la prueba que acredite el conocimiento de los valores históricos, constitucionales y socioculturales de España (CCSE)

Official sources

Where it applies
All of Spain

Official information

Official sources

Go to the official website: CCSE test (Instituto Cervantes)

When

Before applying for nationality. The CCSE is held almost every month: in 2027 there are sessions from January to November (except August), with registration open from 23 November 2026. For DELE 2027, registration opens on 18 November 2026; the general DELE A2 is held in March, April, May, July, September, October and November.

Official wording
Apertura del plazo de inscripción para los exámenes de 2027: 23 de noviembre de 2026

Official sources

Steps

  1. Step 1: Check which tests you need

    All applicants need the CCSE. DELE A2 is not needed if you already hold DELE A2 or higher or are a national of Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Equatorial Guinea, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Uruguay or Venezuela.

    Official wording
    Estarán dispensados de la prueba de examen DELE los interesados que hayan obtenido con anterioridad un diploma de español como lengua extranjera (DELE) como mínimo del nivel A2

    Official sources

  2. Step 2: Prepare

    The Instituto Cervantes offers the CCSE 2026 preparation manual and the free official app "CCSE Nacionalidad Española" for Android and iOS.

    Official wording
    Es totalmente gratuita y está disponible para dispositivos móviles en Google Play y en la App Store

    Official sources

  3. Step 3: Register

    Exams are bought in the Instituto Cervantes online shop, before the registration deadline of each session. Tests are held at exam centres recognised by the Instituto Cervantes.

    Official wording
    Cursos, exámenes y otros productos de certificación están disponibles en nuestra tienda en línea

    Official sources

  4. Step 4: Results and certificates

    Grades and certificates are checked and downloaded in your Instituto Cervantes personal area. In the nationality application you can provide the certificates or authorise a direct check of the Instituto Cervantes databases.

    Official wording
    se deberá autorizar, en el formulario de solicitud de nacionalidad, el acceso directo a dicha información obrante en las bases de datos del Instituto Cervantes.

    Official sources

FAQ

Which CCSE sessions remain in 2026?

November: registration until 5 November 2026, official session 26 November 2026.

Official wording
Noviembre 5 de noviembre de 2026 26 de noviembre de 2026

Official sources

Where can I ask?

Through the Instituto Cervantes user service, sending your question via its website.

Official wording
Envíanos tu consulta a través de nuestro servicio de atención al usuario

Official sources

Related procedures

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