Quick Answer
Pick by what you lack. Need a teacher and a timetable: a classroom course at an Instituto Cervantes centre or accredited school. Need drill volume on a budget: a general exam-prep platform. Need speaking feedback: a tutor. Can study alone and want DELE-format mocks with section scores: a self-paced platform such as Prep2Go (our product). Whatever you choose, check that it scores you by Grupo (30/50 each), not just a total.
Disclosure first: Prep2Go is our product. This page compares common DELE A2 prep routes from public information and from what each format can and cannot do — it is not an independent lab test.
Here's what most comparison articles skip: if you can follow a plan alone, a self-paced platform with DELE-format mocks can beat a generic classroom for less money. Pay for live tutoring only when you need speaking feedback or accountability.
Compared on five criteria: DELE-specific format, mock access, schedule flexibility, price, and whether pass data is published. Pros and cons for each; prices change, so check the provider before you pay.
Comparison Criteria: What Actually Matters
Here's what we looked at:
Exam-specific content: Does the course teach to the DELE A2 format, or is it generic Spanish lessons with "DELE" slapped on the marketing? Real exam prep means: timed sections, the 30/50-per-pair rule (Grupo 1: Reading + Writing / Grupo 2: Listening + Speaking), section-by-section practice, and mocks that mirror real exam difficulty.
Mock test quality: Do mocks follow DELE format (four skills, pair scoring, 30/50 per Grupo)? How many full runs are included? Is feedback section-level or total only?
Flexibility: Can you study at 6am or 11pm? Is it self-paced, or do you need to attend scheduled classes? This matters enormously if you have a job or family.
Price-to-value: Cost per hour of instruction, divided by quality. A €50 course with 30 hours of exam-focused content beats a €400 course with 60 hours of generic Spanish.
Pass difficulty transparency: Does the provider publish student pass rates? If they don't, assume they're not impressive.
Prep2Go (our product) — for self-directed learners
What it is: Exam-focused platform with timed mocks, section scores, and a learning path tied to your exam date. All four DELE skills with instant feedback on drills.
Format: Self-paced. Study 30-45 minutes per day whenever you want. No live classes, no fixed schedule. Free tier on the web (no card).
Pros
- Daily study plan adapts to your exam date — tells you exactly what to study each day, no guessing
- automated feedback on writing and speaking — get feedback in seconds, not days
- Section-by-section readiness score — prevents the Grupo trap (you see "Listening: 22%" and know to focus there before booking exam)
- Timed DELE-format mocks with section scores — bought as mock packs, so you pay per report, not per month
- Pro is a one-time purchase — no monthly subscription
Cons
- No live tutor — automated feedback is fast, but it is not a human examiner
- Requires self-discipline (if you need someone forcing you to study, this won't work)
Who it suits: people who can study 30 minutes a day on their own and want to see a weak Grupo before booking the exam. If you need a teacher or fixed classes, one of the options below fits better.
Instituto Cervantes centre courses — for classroom learners
What it is: DELE preparation courses run by Instituto Cervantes centres (outside Spain) and by accredited schools. Length and timetable vary by centre; many run in person two or three times a week.
Price: varies widely by centre and course length — check your nearest centre or accredited school. Format: usually scheduled classes over several weeks.
Pros
- Run within the exam body's network — teachers usually know the DELE format well
- Live teacher feedback — ask questions, get immediate answers, practice speaking with classmates
- Structured classroom environment — if you need external accountability, this provides it
Cons
- Usually the most expensive route per hour
- Fixed schedule — must attend specific days/times, no flexibility for travel or work conflicts
- Not purely exam-focused — courses often mix general Spanish with exam practice
- Fixed pacing — the course length may not match your exam date
Who it suits: learners who want a teacher, classmates and a fixed timetable, and who have the budget and a centre nearby.
GlobalExam — multi-exam practice platform
What it is: Generic exam prep platform that covers DELE, DELF, TOEFL, IELTS and many other language tests. DELE is one of many products. Sold as a subscription — check current pricing.
Pros
- Lower monthly cost than classroom courses
- Lots of practice exercises — hundreds of reading, listening, writing tasks
- Multi-exam coverage — if you're also preparing for DELF or another test, one subscription covers all
Cons
- Covers many exams — check how closely its Spanish content follows the current DELE A2 format
- Check whether writing and speaking get scored feedback or only model answers
- Check whether results are reported by Grupo (30/50 each)
Who it suits: candidates who want lots of practice items at a monthly price, ideally alongside DELE-format mocks.
Private tutors (italki, Preply, Verbling) — for speaking practice
What it is: One-on-one video lessons with native Spanish speakers or certified teachers. Prices vary by tutor; certified teachers usually cost more than community tutors.
Pros
- Personalized feedback — tutor adapts to your specific weak points
- Strong for speaking practice — monologue, photo description, role-play and conversation tasks
- Flexible scheduling — book sessions when convenient, trial lessons available
Cons
- Costs add up — many hours of lessons get expensive
- Quality varies wildly — not all tutors understand DELE format (even those claiming "DELE specialist")
- No structured curriculum — you're responsible for directing what to practice
Who it suits: anyone whose Speaking is the weak skill — a few focused hours before the exam work better than making tutoring the whole plan.
Lingoda Sprint — live group classes
What it is: Group classes (3-5 students) taught live via video. "Sprint" format means you commit to classes 3-5x per week for 2-3 months. €300-500 for 30-50 classes. "Super Sprint" refunds 50% if you attend 90%+ of classes.
Pros
- Refund incentive — gamifies attendance, good if you need external motivation
- Live teachers + small groups — more speaking time than large classroom courses
Cons
- Higher cost than self-paced platforms
- Rigid schedule — you attend classes at fixed times
- Generic curriculum — classes aren't always DELE-specific, especially at A2 level
- Strict attendance rules — missing classes can cost you the refund
Who it suits: people who want live classes and a firm attendance commitment, and who don't need content tied closely to the DELE format.
Comparison Table: All 5 Options
| Option | Price | Flexibility | Exam focus | Mock tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prep2Go (ours) | One-time Pro; mock packs | 24/7, self-paced | DELE-specific | Timed, with section scores (packs) |
| Instituto Cervantes centre course | Varies by centre | Fixed schedule | Exam prep plus general Spanish | Varies |
| GlobalExam | Subscription | Self-paced | Multi-exam | Check current offer |
| Private tutors | Per hour | Book anytime | Depends on tutor | Usually none |
| Lingoda Sprint | Class package | Fixed schedule | General Spanish classes | Usually none |
Which Course Should You Choose?
If you're self-directed: a self-paced platform with DELE-format mocks. Prep2Go is ours — it reports section scores by Grupo so you know what to fix.
If you must have classroom structure: Instituto Cervantes. It's expensive and slow, but you're paying for live feedback and the official brand. Check the centre's price and course length against your exam date.
If you're on a tight budget: GlobalExam. A monthly practice platform gets you volume, even if it's not perfectly exam-matched. Supplement with free YouTube resources.
If you've already studied but need speaking help: Start with Talkio for daily AI speaking, then book 5-8 hours on italki if you still need human correction. Focus on the oral tasks you find hardest.
If you need someone forcing you to study: Instituto Cervantes or find a study partner (free). Group classes with an attendance target can also help, if the schedule fits.
The Combination Strategy (What I'd Do)
A lean 8-week plan:
- Weeks 1–6: daily self-study — vocabulary, timed reading and listening, short writing tasks.
- Week 7: Take a full timed mock via the mock pack on Prep2Go. Identify weak section.
- Week 8: Book 3–4 hours with a tutor ONLY for the weak section. If it's speaking, practice conversations. If it's writing, get human feedback on emails.
Usually cheaper than a full classroom course, and you spend tutor hours only where the mock shows a gap.
Skip the Expensive Options
It's easy to equate a higher price with better exam prep. The truth: exam prep is about volume of practice, understanding format, and tracking your weak sections. You don't need live classes for that.
Prep2Go (ours) offers timed DELE mocks with section scores. Browse the mock preview, then decide if the path fits your date — Try Prep2Go free (free tier, no card) →
How to Choose Your DELE A2 Course: Quick Checklist
Official Source
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a course to pass DELE A2?
Not necessarily. Self-study with structured materials works for disciplined learners. A course helps if you need accountability, speaking practice, or exam strategy.
What is the best online course for DELE A2?
It depends on what you lack: structure (classroom), speaking (tutor) or DELE-format mocks with section scores (self-paced platforms such as Prep2Go, our product). See the comparison above.
How long should a DELE A2 prep course be?
8–12 weeks is typical. Shorter courses work if you're already at A1 level. Longer courses suit complete beginners.
Read Next
- How Long Does It Take to Prepare for DELE A2? — match your timeline to the right course intensity
- DELE A2 Passing Score Explained: Section-by-Section Breakdown — 30/50 per Grupo, out of 100 (what your course must teach)
- DELE A2 Speaking Test: What Happens During the Oral Exam — the section most courses underserve
- The DELE A2 Vocabulary Guide: Which Words Do You Really Need? — focus on the words that actually appear on the exam
- DELE A2 vs SIELE: Which Exam for Spanish Citizenship? — make sure you're preparing for the right exam
