Knowing your Spanish level is crucial if you want to obtain an official diploma. Choosing the right one and defining your learning goals will help you make the most of your Spanish classes and prepare effectively for official exams.
At Españolé, we help students identify their level, follow a structured curriculum, and prepare efficiently for Spanish certifications.
In this guide, you will learn exactly how Spanish levels work, what skills you need at each stage, and how to get ready for official exams like DELE or SIELE.
What are Spanish levels and why they matter
Understanding your Spanish level is essential to succeed in official exams and maximize your learning. Spanish certifications like DELE or SIELE are internationally recognized and help you:
- Prove your Spanish proficiency.
- Access academic programs in Spain or Latin America.
- Enhance career opportunities.
At Españolé, we follow the CEFR framework to align our courses with official exam requirements, ensuring efficient preparation.
You can be interested in: Which are the main Spanish language certifications?
Spanish levels according to CEFR
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) defines six Spanish levels:
Level | Name | Skills Overview |
A1 | Beginner | Basic conversation, self-introduction, simple sentences |
A2 | Advanced Beginner | Improved vocabulary, understand menus, podcasts, basic directions |
B1 | Intermediate | Conversational fluency, read simple books, express opinions |
B2 | High Intermediate | Advanced communication, debate, write essays, watch series/movies |
C1 | Advanced | Fluent and accurate Spanish, professional and academic use |
C2 | Mastery / Bilingual | Near-native proficiency, full comprehension and expression |
How do I know which level of Spanish I have?
Identifying your correct Spanish level is essential to join the right group, progress faster, and prepare effectively for DELE or SIELE exams.
In all of them, they evaluate aspects like understanding the main points of oral and written texts, writing coherent essays or expressing yourself in different settings, situations and contexts.
In the following sections, we will briefly explain what each level covers so you can understand the differences between them.
Spanish Level A1 (Beginner)
This is a basic level of Spanish that allows you to develop your communication skills, for example, during a tourism trip.
Once you reach this level, you will be able to:
- Introduce yourself.
- Describe yourself.
- Elaborate basic sentences in Spanish.
- Ask for directions in the city.
- Distinguish words and phrases in a conversation.
- Read children’s books.
Spanish Level A2 (Advanced Beginner)
The goals for this level are, fundamentally, to strengthen the knowledge of the A1 level, while improving the vocabulary and pronunciation of the Spanish alphabet in order to make it much more accurate.
In this level you will be able to accomplish the following activities:
- Listen to podcasts in Spanish.
- Correctly use the different verb tenses in spoken and written form.
- Understand a restaurant menu.
- Understand basic indications, such as timetables and public transportation stops.
Spanish Level B1 (Intermediate)
The B1 level of Spanish is an important improvement and will help you to put into practice your knowledge of the language in real and casual conversations.
You will also be able to:
- Have conversations with native students.
- Read simple books in Spanish.
- Discuss and express opinions and points of view.
- Talk about the weather.
- Listen and understand complete sentences.
Spanish Level B2 (High Intermediate)
B2 accredits advanced knowledge of Spanish, being one of the most requested levels of Spanish to get a job or pursue higher education.
Students with a B2 level of Spanish are prepared to:
- Communicate easily with Spanish speakers at the gym, at the supermarket or at the doctor’s surgery.
- Defend their point of view in conversations or discussions.
- Formulate monologues.
- Talk about feelings.
- Watch series, movies and read books in the original language.
C1 and C2 Levels (Advanced / Bilingual)
Levels C1 and C2 of Spanish involve an operational and efficient proficiency in the language, both spoken and written.
People with a C1 and C2 qualification can make a flexible and efficient use of Spanish for social, academic and business purposes, as well as writing texts with different levels of complexity.
In fact, people who pass the C2 level are considered bilingual and understand pretty much everything they hear or read in Spanish. In addition, students with a C2 who enroll in the Spanish educational system by validating their studies in another country are exempt from taking further Spanish proficiency tests.
Most popular Spanish language exams
The main official Spanish language exams accepted internationally include:
- DELE (Diplomas de Español como Lengua Extranjera). Recognised worldwide, the DELE certifies your Spanish proficiency officially and permanently, making it ideal for academic studies, professional work, and legal requirements in Spanish-speaking countries.
- SIELE (Servicio Internacional de Evaluación de la Lengua Española). Fully digital and flexible, the SIELE provides fast results and a certificate valid for five years, perfect for those seeking a modern, efficient assessment of their Spanish skills.
- ELE Teacher Training Certification. Designed for aspiring Spanish teachers, this certification validates your pedagogical and methodological skills, opening opportunities in language schools and international educational centres.
Tips to prepare for your Spanish language exam
To increase your chances of success, follow these practical tips:
- Study regularly. Daily practice reinforces vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension, ensuring steady progress instead of last-minute cramming.
- Get informed about exam dates, formats, and scoring criteria. Familiarising yourself with the exam structure helps you focus on the skills that matter most and avoid surprises.
- Take an intensive Spanish course in Spain. Full immersion accelerates learning, improves listening and speaking skills, and exposes you to real-life conversations.
- Join conversation groups to boost confidence in speaking. Practising with peers or native speakers builds fluency and natural pronunciation.
- Use mock tests. Simulating exam conditions helps you manage time, identify weak areas, and reduce test-day stress.
Common questions about Spanish levels
What are the official Spanish levels according to the CEFR?
The official Spanish levels are A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2, following the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Each level defines what you can understand, speak, read and write in Spanish.
How long does it take to complete each Spanish level?
The time needed to complete each Spanish level varies depending on your study intensity, previous exposure to Spanish, and personal learning pace.
On average, beginners at A1 and A2 levels can expect to reach proficiency in around 4–6 weeks, while C1 may require 12–14 weeks and C2 can vary significantly depending on your objectives, study methods, and immersion opportunities.
You can check the full content students cover at each level here.
Can I skip levels if I learn faster?
Of course. Advancement depends on your performance, not on the number of weeks you stay in a level. If you progress quickly and your teacher approves it, you can move up as soon as you are ready.
Which Spanish level do I need to study or work in Spain?
For most university degrees, students must demonstrate at least a B2 level. For professional settings, the required level varies, but B2 is commonly expected for roles involving client communication or writing.
What happens if I’m between two levels?
If your placement results show mixed skills (e.g., strong reading but beginner speaking), our teachers will guide you to the group where you can progress fastest. You may also combine your course with conversation classes or private lessons.
Can I study for DELE or SIELE in Spain?
Of course! At Españolé, we offer specialized DELE and SIELE preparation programs that combine language classes, cultural experiences and personalized exam preparation, with a 98% pass rate among students.
If you’re aiming for a B1 or higher Spanish certificate or planning to study abroad in Spain, we’ll help you find the right course for your goals.
I had no idea what my Spanish level was, but Españolé placed me in the right group from day one. After a few weeks, I was already confident in speaking basic Spanish! — Liam from UK
Why Españolé and Valencia are the perfect choice to improve your Spanish level
Now that you know how to study to achieve your Spanish language certification, it’s time for the most exciting part: choosing your Spanish school in Spain.
And we’re here to make that decision easy. Here’s why Españolé and Valencia are the perfect fit for your study journey.
Valencia: affordable, welcoming, and full of life
Valencia is one of the most affordable and student-friendly cities in Spain. With Mediterranean beaches, incredible food, over 300 days of sunshine a year, and a laid-back vibe, it’s no wonder so many international students fall in love with it.
It’s more budget-friendly than Madrid or Barcelona, but just as rich in culture, opportunity, and educational quality. Discover more about Valencia as your study destination.
The Españolé experience: built around you
At Españolé, everything, from our methodology and support services, is designed to help you achieve your Spanish language certification and make the most of your stay in Spain:
- Live and learn in the historical centre of Valencia. Our school blends historical character with modern facilities: bright classrooms, sunny terraces, and communal spaces where learning feels natural and engaging.
- Native teachers, real-life Spanish. Our instructors are native speakers with deep academic experience. Lessons are dynamic and interactive, focused on real-world Spanish you can use right away.
- Culture and connection beyond the classroom. We organize daily cultural activities: city tours, cooking classes, language exchanges, museum visits, and beach outings that immerse you in local life and practice Spanish naturally every day.
- Personal academic and certification guidance. Whether you’re applying for a student visa, preparing your DELE or SIELE exam, or planning a career in teaching Spanish (ELE), our admissions and academic teams are here to guide you. We’ll help you navigate from visa paperwork to exam registration, ensuring a smooth and supported journey toward your certification.
- Flexible Spanish + University Pathway Programs. Whether you’re prepping for a student visa, DELE exam, or university entry (PAU or PCE), our pathway programs offer tailored training in both academic Spanish and test strategy, with small classes and individual mentoring.
- Trusted accreditation and high student satisfaction. Españolé is accredited by the Instituto Cervantes and is a proud member of International House and IALC, guaranteeing the highest quality standards. Our students consistently report rapid progress, strong cultural connections, and greater confidence to continue their academic journey.
Ready to get certified in Spanish?
Getting your Spanish language certification is just the beginning. To truly thrive, whether you’re studying, working, or teaching in Spain, you’ll need more than a test result. You need the language skills, confidence, and cultural understanding to make your Spanish part of your everyday life.
That’s where Españolé makes a difference. Our Spanish courses for official certifications help international students and professionals master the language, prepare for the DELE or SIELE exams, and feel fully supported every step of the way.
From exam preparation and registration to immersive cultural learning, we’ve got your back. Not sure which Spanish level do you have? — Get in touch with us!
