You underperform on the parts you don't drill
Most candidates over-rely on reading and listening. Writing and speaking — graded on structure, accuracy and register — are where points quietly disappear.
DELE preparation · Lima & online
Pass the DELE — at the level you're actually aiming for.
Private DELE preparation for every level of the official Instituto Cervantes exam. Diagnostic, focused work on weaker sections, timed mock exams and a clear-eyed read on whether you're ready.
Why prep matters
The DELE is demanding — and the fee is non-refundable.
Strong everyday Spanish doesn't automatically translate to a passing score. Each section has its own rhythm, timing, and rubric — and time pressure does most of the failing.
You run out of time
The clock is the silent examiner. Without timed practice on the real format, even strong students leave entire prompts half-answered.
You pick the wrong level
Aiming a level too high is the most common reason capable students fail. We benchmark honestly so you walk in to win, not to find out.
What is the DELE
The official Spanish proficiency exam from Instituto Cervantes.
Recognized worldwide by employers, universities and immigration authorities. Six levels (A1 to C2), each with four sections and its own pass criteria.
Reading
Comprehension across formats: articles, ads, signs, literary excerpts. Speed and inference matter as much as vocabulary.
Listening
Real Spanish at real speed — interviews, conversations, monologues. We train your ear with accents from across the Spanish-speaking world.
Writing
Structured tasks judged on cohesion, register and accuracy. The fastest part of the exam to improve with the right feedback loop.
Speaking
Examiner-led conversation, prepared monologue and reactive tasks. Rehearsed under exam timing until it's muscle memory.
Methodology
Five things every successful candidate does.
No two prep plans are identical — but the underlying structure is. We build yours in this order.
01
Diagnostic placement
A live conversation and a short written task. We confirm whether your target level is realistic — and which sections need the most time.
02
Focused work on weak sections
Most of the time you save comes from the bottom 20%. We spend disproportionate attention there until the gap closes.
03
Timed practice exams
Real DELE format, real clock. We do at least two full mocks before exam day so the timing is unsurprising.
04
Exam-day strategy
Which prompts to answer first, when to skip, how to read the rubric. Tactics that don't cost you Spanish — they buy you points.
05
Materials & feedback loop
All readings, audio, songs, series, films, model answers, vocabulary lists and graded writing tasks are provided. You always know what to study next.
The same plan that has gotten students through B2 has gotten students through C2 — at a different pace.
25 years teaching adults — diplomats, doctors, researchers, executives. DELE candidates from embassies, NGOs and universities. Every plan is written around your target level, your calendar and the sections where you're most likely to lose points.
Read the full storyThree steps
From "I'm thinking about the DELE" to "I'm registered."
Most candidates start prep 4–6 months before their target exam date. If you have less, we'll be honest about what's achievable.
Test your Spanish
Take the 5-minute placement test — or message me on WhatsApp. We confirm your starting level honestly, not optimistically.
Personalized prep plan
Together we decide your target level and exam date, then I write a plan that fits your weeks. Materials and a study calendar included.
Exam-ready
Weekly 1-to-1 sessions, graded writing, timed listening, and at least two full mock exams. You walk in calm and prepared.
How long it takes
Realistic timelines per level.
Numbers below assume 2 lessons per week plus homework, starting from one level below your target. We confirm your realistic timeline after the diagnostic.
| Level | What's expected | Months | Lessons |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | Survival Spanish — introductions, daily basics. | 3–4 | 24–32 |
| A2 | Everyday topics — shopping, travel, simple work. | 4–5 | 32–40 |
| B1 | Independent user — opinions, plans, narratives. | 5–7 | 40–56 |
| B2 | Work & study fluency — argument, abstraction. | 6–8 | 48–64 |
| C1 | Professional command — register, nuance, idiom. | 8–11 | 64–88 |
| C2 | Near-native — literary, technical, dialectal range. | 9–12 | 72–96 |
DELE prep packages
Invest in your preparation.
Purpose-built packages for DELE candidates. All materials, timed mock exams, written feedback and study calendar included.
10 lessons · 1 hour each
$295
$29.50 per lesson
Ideal for A1–B1 candidates or a focused final sprint before your exam date.
10 lessons · 1.5 hours each
$395
$39.50 per lesson
More time per session for deeper mock practice and writing feedback.
15 lessons · 1 hour each
$445
$29.67 per lesson
Full prep cycle for B2 or above. Covers all four skills with time for multiple mocks.
15 lessons · 1.5 hours each
$595
$39.67 per lesson
Most thorough preparation. Recommended for C1 and C2 candidates.
Online or in person in Lima. Questions? Get in touch.
DELE FAQ
Questions candidates actually ask.
If yours isn't here, send it on WhatsApp. I usually reply within a few hours.
When and where do I register for the DELE?
Registration is handled directly through Instituto Cervantes. Exam sessions take place several times a year worldwide — typically February, April, May, July, September and November. We align your prep plan to your chosen sitting.
How long should I prepare?
Everyone is different. Realistically, the minimum is around 3 months for A1 — and for C2, candidates often need 12 months or more. It depends on the frequency and duration of your classes, as well as your level of commitment between sessions.
Online or in person — does it matter?
Not pedagogically. Online prep is fully equivalent — same materials, same mock exams, same speaking practice. In Lima, I can also meet at your home or office.
How many mock exams do we do?
At least two full timed mocks, usually three for B2 and above. We grade them together and adjust the plan based on the results.
How do I choose my target level?
That's the first conversation. Most candidates aim either at the level required by their employer, visa or university, or at the highest level they can realistically pass on their target date. I'll be honest about both.
What if I'm not ready?
You won't be surprised by that on exam day. If the mocks show you're not on track, we either rework the timeline, drop a level, or aim at the next sitting — your choice, with full data.
More on DELE prep
From the Blog.
Field-tested notes from years of preparing candidates.
Plan your DELE prep this week.
Send a WhatsApp message with your target level and exam date — I'll write back with a recommended plan and starting point.