The 'Diplomas de Español como Lengua Extranjera (DELE)', issued by the Instituto Cervantes on behalf of the Spanish Ministry for Education, Social Sciences and Sports, are official qualifications accrediting levels of competence and command of the Spanish language. Diploma de Español (Nivel inicial / Beginner level): This qualification attests to sufficient linguistic ability for understanding and responding appropriately in most normal day-to-day situations and for expressing desires and needs in a basic way. Diploma de Español (Nivel intermedio / Intermediate level): This qualification validates sufficient linguistic ability to get by in average day-to-day situations in normal communication circumstances, which do not require specialized use of the language. Diploma de Español (Nivel superior / Proficiency level): This qualification accredits the necessary linguistic competence to integrate in situations requiring an advanced use of the language and knowledge of the cultural customs embedded within it. The University of Salamanca collaborates with the Instituto Cervantes in the development of the examinations and in the marking of the examination papers.