To improve their academic and professional resume, many people decide to learn a second language. Or even a third! And Spanish is one of them. With more than 125,000 students a year, Spain has become a country in great demand to learn this language… And no wonder! More than 24 million people speak it, making it the second most spoken language in the world.
In this context, you can take a DELE exam preparation course or SIELE exam. Both are designed to certify language proficiency, but they are not the same. They differ in their objectives, format and advantages according to your needs.
Do you want to know which one best suits your goals? Stay and we’ll tell you all about it!
What are the DELE and SIELE exams?
Both exams are official tests that certify your level of Spanish as a foreign language. They are endorsed by the Instituto Cervantes and are valid internationally.
DELE (Diplomas in Spanish as a Foreign Language)
Since its creation in 1989, more than 1.3 million students have already taken this exam in more than 100 countries. Aimed at non-native speakers, this official qualification assesses proficiency in Spanish in everyday situations.
DELE diplomas are issued by the Spanish Ministry of Education and administered by the Instituto Cervantes.
SIELE (Servicio Internacional de Evaluación de la Lengua Española) (International Spanish Language Evaluation Service)
According to the Cervantes Institute, more than 450,000 people have opted for SIELE in recent years. In this case, it is a digital and more flexible assessment. This exam arrived just 10 years ago, but it has become one of the preferred options for both students and professionals.
Institutions behind each exam
DELE: Instituto Cervantes and the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training of Spain.
SIELE: Instituto Cervantes, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Universidad de Salamanca and Universidad de Buenos Aires.
Main differences between DELE and SIELE
Although both exams certify your level of Spanish, there are several differences between the two qualifications:
Examination format
DELE: in-person, written and oral exam. You need to go to an accredited center on a specific date.
SIELE: 100% digital exam. You can take it in an authorized center or from home (with online proctoring).
Type of certification
- DELE: you obtain an official and permanent diploma for the level you have chosen (A1 to C2).
- SIELE: you obtain an electronic certificate with a global score (0-1000 points) and an equivalent level (from A1 to C1 or higher).
Validity period
DELE: permanent validity.
SIELE: valid for 5 years.
Flexibility and scheduling
DELE: limited calls during the year (about 7-8 dates).
SIELE: available all year round, with the possibility of taking the exam within 48 hours.
Levels and competencies assessed
Although they are aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), the two degrees differ in how their assessment is structured.
DELE: choose your level (A1-C2)
In the case of the DELE, you must choose which level you want to be certified. If after taking the exam you do not reach the established objectives, the exam will be failed and you will not have passed.
SIELE: gives you a level from A1 to C1/C2.
In the case of SIELE you do not need to choose a level. According to the results of the exam, measuring four skills: reading comprehension, listening comprehension, written expression and oral expression, you will be assigned a level.
Which test is best for you?
Now, which of them best suits your goals? Here are 5 cases of students to check which one is more similar to your situation:
If you need a permanent certificate
If you want a diploma that does not expire and that will always be on your CV, then you must take the DELE exam.
Whether you need a student visa or Spanish nationality
If this is your case, then you should also choose DELE, especially DELE A2, which is mandatory to apply for Spanish nationality or to meet certain immigration requirements.
If you want a faster and fully digital process
In less than a week you can register, take the SIELE exam and receive your certificate. Ideal if you are in a hurry to certify your language.
If you are not sure of your level
As you do not need to select a level, you can take the SIELE exam and receive an evaluation adjusted to your actual knowledge. Afterwards, you can take the DELE to make it a permanent qualification.
If you need it for legal or official purposes
If you are going to take competitive examinations in the near future or you are going to take the exam to obtain the Spanish nationality, then you have to take the DELE, since it is the most recognized in the field of governmental procedures.
Prepare for the DELE exam with Proyecto Español
Have you already made your decision? Whether you decide to take DELE Spanish courses at Proyecto Español or improve your language skills, our teachers are accredited by the Instituto Cervantes and have experience helping students from all over the world to pass both exams.
In addition, we offer you real simulations, personalized correction of essays and individual tutoring.
It’s a good time to learn Spanish, are you up for it?
