The Diploma of Spanish DELE and the International Spanish Language Evaluation Service (SIELE)
are both internationally recognized examination and are supported by prestigious institutions
that guarantee both high-quality standards and best practices of Spanish. The DELE certificates
are issued by the Instituto Cervantes, on behalf of the Spanish Ministry of Education, Culture
and Sports since its beginnings in 1989. Exams are offered for levels A1 through C2 according to
the CEFR, and the candidate must choose which level they would like to be tested. DELE offers
exams for school-levels, young people, and adults that speak Spanish as a second or a foreign
language. The SIELE certifies the Spanish language proficiency for young people and adults who
speak Spanish as a second or foreign language, as well as native speakers. Starting in 2016, it is
fairly new and is promoted and supported by the Cervantes Institute, the National Autonomous
University of Mexico, Universidad de Buenos Aires and the University of Salamanca, and
ensures a strong presence of multiple Spanish varieties. However, the SIELE exam only
measures up to the C1 level, which is not full-fluency.
Let’s take a look at some of the main differences between the two systems of Spanish
evaluation.
Exam formats:
The DELE exam is divided into 4 sections (Listening, Reading, Writing, and
Speaking). One has to finish each section and you get a certificate only if you pass. On the other
hand, the SIELE is a one-size-fits-all test where you try to score as many points as you can.
There is no pass or fail, just a score based on a scale of 0 to 1000. It offers a full exam or
a partial exam that certifies particular sets of language competencies. So, you can combine the
sections as per your level.
Time Validity:
The SIELE Certificate is valid for 5 years, whereas the DELE certification lasts a lifetime.
Exam Centers:
The DELE exam can already be taken all over the world at more than 900
locations, but the SIELE which is administered online will eventually outpace the DELE in terms
of locations. However, for the DELE exam, there is no flexibility to choose a date for the exam.
There is an established schedule. But, for SIELE, the examinee chooses the time, date, and place
where the exam will be taken.
Integration of Spanish Variants:
In DELE, multiple Spanish varieties are present from B1 level.
But, in SIELE regional accents and vocabulary can be found in all levels. There is a more pan-
Hispanic focus with the SIELE exam.
Type of certificate issued:
DELE issues Electronic certification of official qualifications.
Official diploma for successful candidates which is issued within 3 months. Whereas, two types
of results are there for SIELE: Results Certificate (full exam) or Report (partial exam), depending
on the type of exam taken and it just takes up to 3 weeks time.
Cost:
DELE is cheaper in the initial levels – the price depends on the country and the CEFR level
exam you are taking. SIELE, on the other hand, is more expensive than DELE in the initial levels –
the price varies depending on the country where you take the exam.
All in all, the SIELE seems to be a more flexible test but it’s success will depend on the commitment of Telefónica to provide and promote the exam worldwide.
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