Hello, #Vivers! If you need to certify the level of Spanish you've achieved at the academy, among the different options available, you can choose between the Diplomas of Spanish as a Foreign Language (known as DELE ) or the International Spanish Language Evaluation Service (known as SIELE ). In this article, we'll try to summarize the basic characteristics and differences between the two.
What is the DELE?
In summary, the DELE is an internationally recognized diploma that certifies your level of Spanish, which you have previously chosen to test for (from level A1 to level C2). If you pass the exam, you will receive a certificate for that level. The exam consists of four sections and is administered on paper at an examination center on pre-established dates set by the Cervantes Institute each year.
What is SIELE?
On the other hand, the SIELE is an international accreditation system for your Spanish level in the different language skills (reading comprehension, listening comprehension, written expression and interaction, and oral expression and interaction). It is a multi-level exam that you can take in its entirety (all skills) or just some sections if you only wish to certify partial language skills. The assessment is based on a scale of 0 to 1000 points, where the objective is not to pass or fail, but rather to assess your level in each language skill based on the score obtained (for example, you could obtain a B2 in reading comprehension, B2 in listening comprehension, B1 in written expression, and B1 in oral expression). The levels certified range from A1 to C1. Furthermore, all tests and registration are done online, and you can choose the date and time you wish to take the exam, selecting from the many sessions offered by different examination centers worldwide.
Main differences between DELE and SIELE
In the following table you can see in detail the main differences between DELE and SIELE that the teachers at our academy have indicated to us:
| DELE | SIELE | |
| Ownership | Ministry of Education and Vocational Training of Spain and the Cervantes Institute. | Cervantes Institute, National Autonomous University of Mexico, University of Salamanca, University of Buenos Aires. |
| Mutual recognition | International in regulated educational systems (for example, Brazil, France, Italy...), institutions, companies, universities. | International of SIELE higher education institutions and other international organizations of reference in education and languages. |
| Validity | indefinite. | 5 years. |
| Exam format | On paper and in writing + oral expression test before an examining board. It is carried out in exam centers accredited by the Cervantes Institute. | Exam format On paper and in writing + oral expression test before an examining board. It is carried out in exam centers accredited by the Cervantes Institute. Online, with a computer. The oral test is carried out through recordings. In SIELE accredited exam centers. |
| Number of exams and levels |
| An exam for adult audiences that includes tasks from level A1 to C1. |
| Exam tests |
|
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| Rating system | Appropriate or unsuccessful on the mastery of the level at which the candidate is examined. | Spanish knowledge result expressed on a thousand-point scale equivalent to CEFR levels. |
| Communication of the results | Between 2 or 3 months | maximum 3 weeks |
| Certificate that is issued |
| Certificate (complete exam) or Report (only some test/s) of results, depending on the contracted modality. |
| Calls for applications | To obtain your DELE diploma, the Cervantes Institute sets dates that are communicated each year. To find out this year's dates click here. | You choose the date and time that best suits you. If you want to take the exam at Luis Vives Escuela de Español, you can see the available dates by clicking here or you can contact us at spanish@luis-vives.es. |
At Luis Vives Spanish School, we offer courses to help you prepare for these exams. All of our teachers are highly qualified to prepare students for the DELE and SIELE exams, and most are examiners accredited by the Cervantes Institute, so they can help you achieve your goal. For more information, please email us at spanish@luis-vives.es , send a message to our WhatsApp (+34 660 731 581), or fill out this contact form.
