The present study explores the dimensionality of the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale for Children and Adolescents (CES-DC; Radloff, 1977, 1991) in a sample of 986 Spanish children and adolescents (55% girls) between 9 and 18 years old. Confirmatory factor analysis was performed for a first order 4-factor model based on the original structure (Depressed affect, Somatic, Positive affect, and Interpersonal difficulties) and for another alternative model of second order which includes the previous factors. We examined the psychometric properties by items, by dimensions and for the total scale. The criterion validity was also evaluated with different variables which are theoretically related to the depressive symptomatology. The results show that the tested models are adequate for Spanish children and adolescents. Furthermore, evidence of criterion validity and psychometric properties were satisfactory. The potential discriminant validity and quality of the scale to assess the children´s depressive symptoms are discussed.