If you're eligible for both Portuguese and Spanish citizenship, you might be wondering: which exam should I take?
The honest answer: it depends on your strengths. But the scoring rules are completely different, and that difference matters more than the language itself.
Let me break down exactly how CIPLE and DELE differ - and which one you're more likely to pass on your first attempt.
The Quick Answer: CIPLE Is Easier to Pass (But Harder to Prepare For)
CIPLE A2 has a lower overall pass threshold (55% vs 60%), but DELE has clearer section weighting. If you're strong in reading and writing but weak in listening, CIPLE might be your better bet. If you're balanced across all four skills, DELE might be faster.
But the real difference is in the section scoring rules - and that's where most candidates get trapped.
CIPLE A2 Scoring Rules Explained
**Pass threshold:** 55% overall (Suficiente)
**Section minimums:** At least 25% in each of Reading & Writing, Listening, and Speaking
**What this means:** You can fail one section and still pass overall - as long as your total is 55% and you hit the 25% minimum in the other sections.
Example: You score 70% in Reading & Writing, 20% in Listening, and 40% in Speaking. Total: (70 + 20 + 40) / 3 = 43.3% overall. You fail. Why? Because you scored only 20% in Listening, which is below the 25% minimum.
**The CIPLE trap:** Many candidates focus heavily on Reading & Writing (the longest section) and neglect listening. They score well overall but fail because listening dragged them below 25%.
DELE A2 Scoring Rules Explained
**Pass threshold:** 60% overall (Aprobado). **Section structure:** Four skills worth 25 points each (100 points total). **Section minimums:** You must score at least 30/50 in EACH of two pairs: Reading + Writing (combined 50 points) and Listening + Speaking (combined 50 points).
**What this means:** You cannot compensate for weakness in one skill pair with strength in the other. Example: You score 45/50 in Reading + Writing, but only 25/50 in Listening + Speaking. Total: 70/100. You fail - because the Listening + Speaking pair is below 30/50.
**The DELE trap:** Many candidates are strong in Reading but weak in Speaking. They score well overall but fail because Speaking drags the Listening + Speaking pair below 30/50.
Section-by-Section: Where Each Exam Is Harder
Listening — CIPLE is significantly harder
CIPLE: European Portuguese pronunciation is distinctly different from Brazilian — vowels are reduced, unstressed syllables are swallowed. Even native Brazilian speakers need specific ear training.
DELE: Spanish has more consistent pronunciation across regions. The listening section is more accessible for candidates with general Spanish exposure.
Writing — CIPLE is substantially harder
CIPLE: Writing tasks require formal bureaucratic register. Candidates write letters to the Câmara Municipal, formal requests (requerimentos), official complaints. Generic Portuguese won't score well here.
DELE: Tasks are more conversational — short messages, informal emails, simple descriptions. General A2 Spanish is sufficient.
Reading and Speaking — Roughly comparable
CIPLE reading texts are dense with bureaucratic vocabulary; DELE covers broader topics. Speaking is conversational at A2 in both exams — CIPLE has European pronunciation expectations; otherwise similar.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Factor | CIPLE A2 | DELE A2 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall pass score | 55% | 60% |
| Section structure | 3 sections (R&W, L, S) | 4 skills (R, W, L, S) |
| Section minimums | 25% each | 30/50 per pair |
| Easiest to pass if... | Strong in reading & writing | Balanced across all skills |
| Hardest to pass if... | Weak in listening | Weak in speaking |
| Exam duration | ~2 hours total | ~2.5 hours total |
| Exam fee | €72-85 | €72-85 |
Which One Should You Take?
Take CIPLE A2 if:
Take DELE A2 if:
**Bottom line:** Neither is inherently harder - it depends on your skill distribution. Take a full mock exam in both to see which one you score higher on.
FAQ
**Can I take CIPLE and DELE in the same month?** Technically yes, but not recommended. Better to pass one, then prepare for the other.
**Which exam has more test centers?** DELE has more worldwide (Instituto Cervantes). CIPLE is primarily in Portugal.
**Can I switch from CIPLE to DELE if I fail?** Yes, but you will need 6-8 weeks to prepare for the different format.
Related Resources
CIPLE A2 Preparation Guide | DELE A2 Preparation Guide | All Four European Citizenship Exams Compared | DELF A2 vs CELI A2: Scoring Rules Explained
Sources: CAPLE - Camões Institute for Portuguese Language Certification Instituto Cervantes - Official DELE Exam Authority