Before starting, I wanted to tell you that Escuela PCE has something for you.
- ✅ Spanish classes. Prepare from anywhere and take classes to gradually improve your Spanish. We start in March, May, and September. And if you also want to prepare for university entrance exams…it's your best choice.
- ✅ Level test. In just 5 minutes you will find out your estimated level of Spanish.
What is the DELE exam?
The DELE (Diploma of Spanish as a Foreign Language) is an official exam that certifies a foreigner's level of Spanish. It is internationally recognized and is one of the most sought-after qualifications for studying, working, or living in Spanish-speaking countries.
This diploma is awarded by the Instituto Cervantes on behalf of the Spanish Ministry of Education.
Main features of the DELE
- Certify a specific level (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 or C2)
- It is done on paper (in most centers)
- It assesses: reading comprehension, listening comprehension, written expression, and oral expression.
- The result is SUITABLE / UNSUITABLE
- It does not expire: its validity is permanent.
- DELE official website
What is the DELE exam used for?
- Access to Spanish universities
- Application for Spanish nationality
- Degree validation processes
- Improvement of international professional profile
What is the SIELE exam?
The SIELE (International Spanish Language Evaluation Service) is a more modern and flexible exam that evaluates Spanish proficiency digitally. Unlike the DELE, the SIELE does not certify a fixed level, but assigns a score based on the candidate's performance.
Main features of SIELE
- 100% online exam
- It can be done on any date subject to availability.
- Evaluate skills in a modular or complete way
- Results in less than 3 weeks
- Expires after 5 years
- SIELE official website
What is SIELE used for?
- Fast university admission processes
- International companies
- Fast certification of Spanish level
- People who need urgent results
Main differences between DELE and SIELE
| DELE | SIELE | |
|---|---|---|
| Type of certification | Closed level (A1–C2) | Punctuation in Spanish |
| Terms of validity | Permanent | 5 years |
| Format | In-person (paper) | Digital |
| Results | 2–3 months | Up to 3 weeks |
| Exam date | Fixed dates | Flexible |
| Mutual recognition | Very high | High |
| Ideal for | Nationality, formal education | Speed, companies |
Which is better: DELE or SIELE?
There's no single best exam. It all depends on your goal. Below is our recommendation for Escuela PCE depending on the situation:
DELE or SIELE to study
- DELE: ideal for Spanish universities and official procedures
- SIELE: accepted by many universities
- Recommendation Escuela PCEPress DELE if you have time and SIELE if you need to get it quickly
DELE or SIELE to work
- SIELE is usually sufficient for private companies
- DELE brings more academic prestige
- Recommendation Escuela PCEUse SIELE if you need speed, although DELE is more prestigious.
DELE or SIELE for emigration or nationality
- DELE A2 or higher is mandatory in many official processes
- SIELE is not usually accepted
- Recommendation Escuela PCE: DELE
DELE or SIELE if you need the title quickly
- SIELE: Results in weeks
- DELE: months of waiting
- Recommendation Escuela PCE: SIELE
Frequently asked questions about DELE and SIELE
- Does the SIELE exam expire? Yes. The SIELE certificate is valid for 5 years from the date of the exam.
- Is the DELE exam more difficult than the SIELE exam? Not necessarily. The DELE is more demanding because it assesses a specific level, while the SIELE measures overall performance.
- Which Spanish exam do universities accept most? It depends on the university, but the DELE usually has greater official recognition.
- Which Spanish exam is more internationally recognized, DELE or SIELE? The DELE has broader international recognition in official institutions, universities, and public administrations. The SIELE is highly valued in academic and business environments, but its acceptance depends on each institution.
- Can I take the DELE and SIELE exams in the same year? Yes. There is no incompatibility between the two exams. In fact, some people take the SIELE first to quickly certify their level and then the DELE later to obtain a permanent qualification.
- What happens if I fail part of the DELE exam? In the DELE exam, if you don't achieve the minimum score in one or more tests, the final result will be FAIL, even if you passed other skills. In the SIELE exam, all tests contribute to the final grade.
- Does the SIELE test count towards Spanish nationality? Generally, no. For Spanish nationality, a DELE A2 or higher is required, while the SIELE is not usually accepted in these types of official procedures.
- Which Spanish exam do the academies recommend? It depends on the student's goal.
- Which exam is best if I don't know my exact level of Spanish? The SIELE is usually more suitable, as it doesn't require choosing a prior level. The DELE requires registering directly for a specific level (B1, B2, etc.).
- Which is more expensive, the DELE or the SIELE? The price depends on the country and the level, but in general, the DELE tends to be more expensive at higher levels. The SIELE has a more uniform price. The most important thing isn't the price, but what you need the certificate for.
- Can I repeat the DELE or SIELE if I don't get the expected result? Yes. Both exams can be repeated as many times as desired. There is no limit to the number of attempts and no penalty for repeating.
- Which Spanish exam is best for international companies? Many international companies accept the SIELE because it offers quick results and a detailed score. However, some organizations prefer the DELE because of its official and permanent status.
- What if I need the certificate urgently? If you need the certificate in a few weeks, the SIELE is the best option, as the results are usually available much sooner than those of the DELE.
