What is the DELE B1?

The DELE B1 is one of six official DELE diplomas (Diplomas de Español como Lengua Extranjera) that certify Spanish language proficiency for individuals over 16 years old, from levels A1 to C2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale.

Issued by the Instituto Cervantes on behalf of the Spanish Ministry of Education and Vocational Training, the DELE B1 is a globally recognised qualification. It may be required in various contexts, such as applying for jobs requiring good Spanish proficiency, completing administrative procedures or pursuing education at Spanish-speaking institutions.

The B1 level of the DELE certifies that you can understand the main points of a text or conversation in standard language, particularly on familiar subjects related to everyday life (studies, travel, leisure, etc.). It also confirms that you can write simple texts on familiar topics, relate experiences and briefly express your opinions, plans or aspirations.

Once obtained, the DELE B1 is valid for life.

DELE B1 Exam Structure

The DELE B1 exam consists of four tests corresponding to the assessment of the four main language skills: reading comprehension, listening comprehension, writing expression and oral expression.

Comprensión de lectura (Reading Comprehension)

Lasting 70 minutes, this test includes 30 questions divided into five tasks (six questions per task):

1. Read nine short texts (advertisements, personal messages, etc.) of 40 to 60 words and match six texts to six corresponding statements
2. Read an informative text of 400 to 450 words and answer six multiple-choice questions
3. Read three descriptive, narrative or informative texts of 100 to 120 words and connect them to six statements or questions
4. Read a gapped text of 400 to 450 words and complete it with six suitable sentences from eight options
5. Read a gapped text of 150 to 200 words and complete the six blank spaces with the correct word from three options

Comprensión auditiva (Listening Comprehension)

This 40-minute test contains 30 questions divided into five tasks (six questions per task):

1. Listen to six short messages of 40 to 60 words each (advertisements, personal messages, etc.) and answer six multiple-choice questions
2. Listen to a monologue of 400 to 450 words (a speaker describing their personal experience) and answer six multiple-choice questions
3. Listen to six informative messages of 350 to 400 words each (radio or TV programme excerpts) and answer six multiple-choice questions
4. Listen to six monologues or conversations of 50 to 70 words each and match them to corresponding statements from nine response options
5. Listen to a conversation between two people of 250 to 300 words and match statements to the correct speaker (the man, the woman, or neither)

Expresión e interacción escritas (Written Expression and Interaction)

Lasting 60 minutes, this test requires writing two texts:

1. Read a short text (email, blog post excerpt, etc.) of 75 to 85 words and write a response text (100 to 120 words) in the form of a letter, email, forum message, blog comment, etc.
2. Choose one text (from two options): blog or magazine article excerpt, social media post, etc. (40 to 50 words) and write a response text (130 to 150 words) relating your experience, providing information or sharing your personal opinion

Expresión e interacción orales (Oral Expression and Interaction)

This final test, lasting 15 minutes (plus 15 minutes preparation time), comprises four tasks:

1. Choose between two topics and briefly introduce yourself by answering a few questions (2 to 3 minutes)
2. Participate in a conversation with the examiner related to the topic chosen in the first task (3 to 4 minutes)
3. Choose a photograph (from two options), describe it and answer the examiner's questions (2 to 3 minutes)
4. Participate in a conversation with the examiner related to the photograph from the previous task and an everyday situation: making a complaint, booking an appointment, requesting information, planning an activity with friends, etc. (2 to 3 minutes)

Understanding the Scoring System

Each of the four tests is individually marked out of 25 points. The total score is then calculated out of 100 points. Correct answers earn points, but incorrect answers do not incur penalties.

The tests are grouped into two sections:

• The first section combines reading comprehension and written expression (50 points)
• The second section combines listening comprehension and oral expression (50 points)

To pass the DELE B1, you must achieve at least 30 points in each section and an overall score of at least 60 points out of 100.

Generally, candidates receive their results by email approximately three months after the session to the address provided during registration.

How to Prepare for the DELE B1

The DELE B1 is an exam that requires long-term preparation. Following a specially adapted training programme for this level will help you become familiar with the test structure and approach the exam with confidence.

With PrepMyFuture's DELE B1 preparation, you have access to comprehensive training with 40 lesson worksheets, 1,300 practice questions, 2 mock tests, and a free mini-test to assess your level. All our resources are available in French, Spanish and English to facilitate understanding and learning.
Looking for a higher level than B1? Discover our DELE B2 test preparation.

How to Register for the Exam

In France, registration for the DELE B1 is done directly through Instituto Cervantes offices (Paris, Lyon, Toulouse and Bordeaux). If you reside in another country, you can find a list of all examination centres abroad on the official Instituto Cervantes website.
Depending on the chosen centre, registration can be completed online, in person or by email. You will need to provide a valid email address, a copy of your ID and pay the registration fee.

In 2025, the fee to take the DELE B1 in France is set at 144 euros. Group registration is also available for student groups.

Where to Take the Test

DELE B1 sessions are organised throughout the year in a network of 1,000 examination centres approved by the Instituto Cervantes and present in more than 100 countries. In France and abroad, you can choose the centre closest to you.

Consult the complete list of centres where you can take the DELE B1 on the official Instituto Cervantes website.

Why Take the DELE B1?

The DELE B1 diploma, issued by the Spanish Ministry of Education and Vocational Training, is one of the most recognised certifications worldwide for attesting to an intermediate level of Spanish.

Having the DELE B1 qualification may be required in many situations:

• Enhancing a job application requiring good Spanish proficiency (in sectors such as commerce, tourism, hospitality, etc.)
• Demonstrating your level of Spanish proficiency for an academic exchange
• Completing administrative procedures abroad (for example, to obtain Spanish nationality)

Tips for Succeeding in the DELE B1

The DELE B1 certification attests to an intermediate level of Spanish. Before beginning your DELE B1 training, verify that this level matches your profile and needs.

To maximise your chances of success, organise a work plan spread over several weeks. Alternate between revising the four assessed skills (reading comprehension, listening comprehension, written expression and oral expression), then practice with mock tests. These will help you better manage your time and approach the tests with more confidence.

Alongside DELE B1 preparation, immerse yourself in the language as much as possible daily: read magazine articles or blogs in Spanish, listen to podcasts, watch films or series in the original version and practice writing short texts. By using Spanish in your daily life, you will consolidate what you've learnt and gain fluency in both speaking and writing.

Start now with your PrepMyFuture preparation with our free DELE B1 test!