How Long Is the Spanish DELE A1 Exam?

Direct Answer – Total Duration of the Spanish DELE A1 Exam

The Spanish DELE A1 exam lasts approximately 2 hours and 10 to 15 minutes in total, including the speaking section.

Here is the precise breakdown:

• Reading and Writing: 90 minutes
• Listening: 20 minutes
• Speaking: 10 to 12 minutes
• Speaking preparation time: 10 minutes

If you add everything together, the full experience at the exam center usually takes a little over 2 hours.

However, it is important to understand that:

• Reading and Writing are completed in one continuous 90-minute block.
• Listening is a separate 20-minute section.
• Speaking may be scheduled on the same day or separately depending on the test center.

So when someone asks, “How long is the Spanish DELE A1 exam?”, the most accurate answer is:

Around 2 hours and 10–15 minutes total, including the oral exam.

In the next sections, we will break down each part individually so you know exactly how the time is distributed and how to manage it properly.

Reading and Writing – Combined Duration

Reading and Writing Are Completed Together

In the Spanish DELE A1 exam, the Reading and Writing sections are combined into one continuous block lasting 90 minutes.

This means:

• You do not get separate time allocations for Reading and Writing.
• You must manage the full 90 minutes yourself.

This combined format often surprises beginners.

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How Long Is the Reading Section?

The Reading section contains 25 questions.

Although there is no officially fixed split between Reading and Writing within the 90 minutes, most candidates naturally spend:

• Around 45 to 60 minutes on Reading.

Your speed will depend on comprehension and confidence.

If you want a precise breakdown of how many questions appear in Reading, review
How Many Questions Are in the Spanish DELE A1 Exam?

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How Long Is the Writing Section?

The Writing section includes 2 tasks.

Most candidates typically allocate:

• Around 30 to 40 minutes for both writing tasks combined.

Again, this distribution is not imposed. It is strategic.

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Why Time Management Matters Here

Because Reading and Writing share the same 90-minute block:

• Spending too much time on Reading can reduce writing quality.
• Rushing Reading to “save time” can reduce accuracy.

The key is balance.

A structured preparation approach that includes timed simulations helps build confidence in managing this block effectively.

Listening Section – Exact Duration

How Long Is the Listening Section?

The Listening section of the Spanish DELE A1 exam lasts 20 minutes.

Unlike Reading and Writing, this section has a fixed duration controlled by the audio recordings.

You do not manage the pacing manually. The structure of the recordings determines the flow.

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How Listening Timing Works

The Listening section includes:

• 4 listening tasks
• 25 total questions

Each audio recording is played twice.

The time includes:

• Instructions
• First playback
• Short pause
• Second playback
• Time to mark answers

Because the audio controls the rhythm, candidates cannot speed up or slow down the section.

If you want to review how the 25 listening questions are distributed, refer to
How Many Questions Are in the Spanish DELE A1 Exam?

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Does Listening Feel Longer Than 20 Minutes?

For many beginners, Listening feels intense rather than long.

The section is short, but concentration must remain high throughout. Missing focus for even a few seconds can affect accuracy.

This is why listening practice under timed conditions is important. Familiarity with the 20-minute structure reduces stress significantly.

Speaking Section – Duration and Structure

How Long Is the Speaking Section?

The Speaking section of the Spanish DELE A1 exam lasts approximately 10 to 12 minutes per candidate.

In addition, you are given around 10 minutes of preparation time before the oral exam begins.

So the total time related to the speaking component is roughly:

• 10 minutes preparation
• 10 to 12 minutes speaking

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What Happens During the Preparation Time?

Before entering the oral exam room, you receive:

• The speaking tasks
• Brief instructions
• Time to organize your ideas

You are allowed to make notes during this preparation period. However, you cannot read full written answers during the exam.

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Is the Speaking Exam on the Same Day?

In most exam centers, the Speaking test is conducted on the same day as the written sections.

However, depending on the center and scheduling logistics:

• It may take place later the same day
• It may be scheduled on a nearby date

The duration itself does not change.

If you want a complete structural overview of how the oral tasks are organized, review
What Is the Spanish DELE A1 Exam Format?

Total Time Breakdown Summary

To remove any remaining confusion, here is the full timing structure of the Spanish DELE A1 exam:

Written Examination

• Reading and Writing combined: 90 minutes
• Listening: 20 minutes

Total written exam time: 110 minutes

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Oral Examination

• Preparation time: 10 minutes
• Speaking test: 10 to 12 minutes

Total oral component time: approximately 20 to 22 minutes

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Full Exam Duration at a Glance

If completed on the same day, you can expect:

• Around 2 hours and 10–15 minutes of total exam activity

This includes:

• 110 minutes written
• 20–22 minutes oral (including preparation)

The actual time spent at the exam center may be slightly longer due to administrative procedures, identity checks, and transitions between sections.

There are no hidden sections and no additional timing components beyond these.

Does the Duration Ever Change?

Is the DELE A1 Exam Duration Fixed?

Yes. The duration of the Spanish DELE A1 exam is standardized and does not change between sessions or countries.

No matter where you take the exam:

• The written section remains 110 minutes.
• The speaking section remains 10–12 minutes plus preparation time.

The structure is controlled and aligned globally under Instituto Cervantes guidelines.

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Are There Any Variations Between Test Centers?

The only variation you may experience is logistical, not structural.

For example:

• The speaking exam may be scheduled on a different day.
• There may be waiting time between sections.

However, the actual testing time itself does not change.

You will not encounter:

• Extra minutes
• Shortened sections
• Additional tasks

The timing remains fixed and predictable.

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Has the Timing Changed Over the Years?

While minor format adjustments may occur across many years in official exams, the core duration of DELE A1 has remained stable.

The exam is intentionally designed to be concise and manageable at beginner level.

Is DELE A1 a Long Exam?

Is DELE A1 Considered Long?

No. The Spanish DELE A1 exam is not considered long compared to most international language certification exams.

With a total duration of just over 2 hours, it is relatively short.

For comparison:

• Higher DELE levels last significantly longer.
• Many English proficiency exams exceed 3 to 4 hours.

At A1 level, the exam is intentionally designed to be manageable for beginners.

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Does It Feel Long During the Exam?

For most candidates:

• The Reading and Writing block feels the longest because it lasts 90 minutes.
• The Listening section feels intense but short.
• The Speaking section passes quickly because it lasts around 10–12 minutes.

Fatigue is generally low because:

• The content difficulty is basic.
• Tasks are short and focused.
• The total duration is moderate.

If you are worried about endurance or pacing, structured preparation makes a difference. Review
How to Prepare for Spanish DELE A1 as a Complete Beginner

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Is DELE A1 Shorter Than A2?

Yes. The DELE A2 exam is longer and includes more advanced tasks. A1 remains the most compact and accessible level in the DELE system.

Understanding that the exam is relatively short helps reduce anxiety. The challenge is not duration. It is concentration and clarity.

How to Manage Time Effectively During the Exam

Knowing that the Spanish DELE A1 exam lasts a little over 2 hours is helpful. Knowing how to use that time is even more important.

Here is how to approach each section strategically.

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Managing the 90-Minute Reading and Writing Block

Because Reading and Writing are combined into one 90-minute session, time discipline matters.

A practical approach is:

• Spend around 50–55 minutes on Reading.
• Reserve 35–40 minutes for Writing.

If a reading question takes too long, move on and return later. Overanalyzing short beginner texts is a common mistake.

If you want to understand how the 25 reading questions are structured, review
How Many Questions Are in the Spanish DELE A1 Exam?

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Managing the 20-Minute Listening Section

Listening timing is controlled by the audio.

Your strategy should focus on:

• Reading questions carefully before the audio begins.
• Using the first playback to capture the main idea.
• Using the second playback to confirm details.

Avoid changing answers impulsively unless you clearly heard new information.

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Managing the Speaking Section

The speaking component is short but structured.

Use your 10-minute preparation time wisely:

• Outline short, clear responses.
• Avoid writing full scripts.
• Think in simple, correct sentences.

Clarity scores higher than complexity at A1 level.

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Structured Practice Improves Time Control

Time management becomes easier when practice mirrors the real exam structure.

For a system that integrates grammar mastery with realistic task progression, explore
The Complete Spanish DELE A1 Package by My Language Classes

When preparation reflects the real timing of the exam, performance becomes more controlled and predictable.

Key Takeaway

The Spanish DELE A1 exam lasts approximately 2 hours and 10–15 minutes in total, including the oral component.

Here is the exact breakdown:

• Reading and Writing: 90 minutes
• Listening: 20 minutes
• Speaking preparation: 10 minutes
• Speaking test: 10–12 minutes

The written portion takes 110 minutes, and the oral portion adds roughly 20–22 minutes.

The duration is fixed, standardized worldwide, and does not change between sessions.

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Conclusion

The Spanish DELE A1 exam is structured to be concise and manageable for beginners.

It is not a full-day exam. It is not excessively long. The total active testing time is just over two hours, making it one of the shorter international language certification exams.

Understanding the exact duration helps you:

• Plan your day properly
• Build realistic timed practice sessions
• Reduce anxiety about unknown variables

When you know precisely how long each section lasts, preparation becomes more strategic and focused.

Clarity about timing leads to better pacing. Better pacing leads to stronger performance on exam day.