When choosing a Spanish exam... ¿DELE or SIELE?
- Mariana Jacobsen
- Mar 31
- 3 min read
Many of my students ask me the same question. Faced with the need to obtain a Spanish certification, they want to know whether it is better to take the DELE or SIELE exam. The answer depends largely on the time available for studying and obtaining the certificate, as well as the level required by the institution.
DELE
The Diploma of Spanish as a Foreign Language (DELE) is an official certification granted by the Instituto Cervantes on behalf of the Spanish Ministry of Education. It is internationally recognized and has an indefinite validity, meaning it never expires.
This exam assesses the four language skills (reading comprehension, listening comprehension, written expression, and oral expression) and is structured at different levels according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR): A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2. Candidates must register for a specific level and pass all sections to obtain the diploma.
The DELE is ideal for those seeking an official certification that proves their language proficiency in the long term, especially if they plan to study or work in institutions that require a specific level of Spanish.
The DELE has a waiting period of approximately three months for the results, making it a suitable option only if there is enough time to receive the certification. Since the DELE is graded as PASS or FAIL, if a candidate fails, they will have to wait for a new exam session to try again.
Additionally, the exam is offered on specific dates throughout the year, usually four times annually. However, not all exam dates cover all levels, so it is essential to check which date includes the desired level.
The exam must be taken in person, requiring candidates to visit an authorized exam center. While major cities typically have a Cervantes Institute examination center, in smaller towns, candidates may need to travel to another city to take the test.
SIELE
The International Spanish Language Evaluation Service (SIELE) is a more flexible and modern certification, promoted by the Instituto Cervantes and other prestigious institutions in the Spanish-speaking world. Unlike the DELE, SIELE does not have predefined levels but instead assigns a score from 0 to 1000, corresponding to CEFR levels. Additionally, its validity is five years.
The SIELE exam can be taken as a global test, assessing all skills, or modularly, allowing candidates to be evaluated in only some of the language competencies. It is entirely digital, making registration and result acquisition faster and more convenient.
It is a recommended option for those who need a Spanish certification quickly and flexibly, without the pressure of choosing a specific level in advance.
Unlike the DELE, SIELE provides results in a much shorter time—approximately three weeks—which is a significant advantage for those who need certification quickly.
Another key difference is that SIELE does not certify a single level. Instead, the result reflects the student's level within the CEFR scale: A1, A2, B1, B2, or C1. However, SIELE does not certify the C2 level, so those needing to prove advanced Spanish proficiency should opt for the DELE or another exam that assesses this level.
The exam can be taken entirely online or in person at an accredited exam center, offering broad availability of dates, both in the remote format and at different locations.
Moreover, since results are delivered within a few weeks and there are multiple exam opportunities (with various test dates available at different centers), if a candidate does not achieve the desired level, they can retake the exam soon to improve their score.
Comparison Table: DELE vs. SIELE
Feature | DELE | SIELE |
Validity | Indefinite | 5 years |
Levels | A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2 (candidate chooses one) | A1-C1 (determined by obtained score) |
Mode | In-person | Online or in-person |
Result time | Approximately 3 months | Approximately 3 weeks |
Exam Time | Fixed dates (4 times per year) | Flexible, multiple dates available |
Evaluation Type | Pass/Fail | Score from 0 to 1000 |
C2 Certification | Yes | No |
Which Spanish exam is better? ¿DELE or SIELE?
The decision between DELE and SIELE will depend on your personal and academic needs. If you are looking for a permanent and widely recognized certificate, DELE is the best choice. If you need quick results and a flexible certification, SIELE is an excellent alternative.
In either case, preparing with a specialized teacher will help maximize your chances of success in the chosen exam. Good luck with your Spanish certification!
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