{"id":4091,"date":"2022-01-31T09:00:31","date_gmt":"2022-01-31T09:00:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.languagetrainers.com.au\/blog\/?p=4091"},"modified":"2026-06-15T16:22:22","modified_gmt":"2026-06-15T16:22:22","slug":"spanish-language-exams-dele-best-choice","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.languagetrainers.com.au\/blog\/spanish-language-exams-dele-best-choice\/","title":{"rendered":"Spanish Language Exams: Why DELE Is the Best Choice!"},"content":{"rendered":"

As language geeks, we totally get it when people learn languages (even little-known dialects!) not out of external motivation, but just because they love learning. <\/span>However, let\u2019s face it. Sometimes life can get too hard, the little time we have is too precious, and even the geekiest of language lovers needs a clear objective in sight that will renew their willingness to learn. <\/span>For this reason, today we want to encourage all the Spanish learners reading our blog to certify their achievements by taking official Spanish language exams. <\/span><\/p>\n

By getting Spanish language testing certification, you won\u2019t only enhance your professional opportunities<\/span>\u2014<\/span>you will set yourself a learning purpose that might just be the thing you need to find fresh motivation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2192Sign Up Now: Free Trial Spanish Lesson With a Native Speaker Teacher!\u2190<\/a><\/p>\n

DELE vs. SIELE Exams<\/span><\/h2>\n

When it comes to Spanish language exams, there are two prestigious tests that every student who wants to certify their language level should know. These are DELE (<\/span>Diploma de Espa\u00f1ol Como Lengua Extranjera<\/span><\/i>) and SIELE (<\/span>Servicio Internacional de Evaluaci\u00f3n de la Lengua Espa\u00f1ola<\/span><\/i>).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

DELE Spanish diplomas, which are granted by Spain\u2019s Ministry of Education, are official titles that serve as proof of competence and mastery of the Spanish language. DELE is so revered by universities and employers worldwide that, without it, you cannot work or study at most international organisations or colleges where Spanish is the official means of communication.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Above all, this exam gives you a qualification that proves you are in full command of your Spanish skills in all aspects of life, certifying candidates\u2019 Spanish proficiency up to level C2.<\/span><\/p>\n

SIELE, on the other hand, is conducted by the Instituto Cervantes, the National Autonomous University of Mexico, the University of Salamanca, and the University of Buenos Aires. It is a flexible, fail-proof, and easily administered Spanish language exam that assesses where you may sit on a multilevel scale and scores points from 0 to 1000 depending on your current level. While this test has a few advantages over DELE, like being available throughout the whole year, it is still not as well known or prestigious as DELE. Besides, while SIELE is valid for five years, DELE never expires.<\/span><\/p>\n

All in all, it would seem that DELE is the best choice for those who\u2019re looking for prestigious language exams that will enable them to offer proof of their mastery of Spanish in all contexts.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Photo created by freepik – www.freepik.com<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

DELE: In-Depth<\/span><\/h2>\n

Whether you\u2019re looking for <\/span>Spanish exams for beginners or tests that will allow you to certify near native-like mastery of the language, DELE is the answer.<\/span><\/p>\n

DELE exams range from level A1 to C2 following the guidelines of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), and it is up to the candidate to decide which level they will apply to.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Each test consists of four printed papers and it can be taken in official DELE examination centres on annually scheduled calls previously announced by Instituto Cervantes.<\/span><\/p>\n

As we said before, the great thing about DELE is that it allows you to get a Spanish language testing certification at every level, which means you don\u2019t have to wait until you are at the end of your learning process to get a Spanish diploma.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The structure of the DELE Spanish exam is as follows:<\/span><\/p>\n

A1 \u2013 B2\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
DELE A1-B2<\/b><\/span><\/td>\nMaximum score on a 100 points scale<\/b><\/span><\/td>\nMinimum passing score<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Reading comprehension<\/span><\/td>\n25 points<\/span><\/td>\n30 points<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Written expression and interaction<\/span><\/td>\n25 points<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Listening comprehension<\/span><\/td>\n25 points<\/span><\/td>\n30 points<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Oral expression and interaction<\/td>\n25 points<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

DELE C1:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
DELE C1<\/b><\/span><\/td>\nMaximum score on a 100 points scale<\/b><\/span><\/td>\nMinimum passing score<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Reading comprehension and use of Spanish<\/span><\/td>\n25 points<\/span><\/td>\n30 points<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Integrated skills: listening comprehension and written expression\/interaction\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n25 points<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Listening comprehension and use of Spanish<\/span><\/td>\n25 points<\/span><\/td>\n30 points<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Integrated skills: reading comprehension and oral expression\/interaction\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n25 points<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

DELE C2:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
DELE C2<\/b><\/span><\/td>\nMaximum score on a 100 points scale<\/b><\/span><\/td>\nMinimum passing score<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Integrated skills: use of Spanish + listening and reading comprehension<\/span><\/p>\n

Integrated skills: use of Spanish + reading and listening comprehension<\/span><\/td>\n

33,33 points<\/span><\/td>\n20 points<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Integrated skills: listening and reading comprehension + written expression\/interaction<\/span><\/td>\n33,33 points<\/span><\/td>\n20 points<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Integrated skills: reading comprehension + oral expression\/interaction\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n33,34 points<\/span><\/td>\n20 points<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

As you can see, the higher the level at which a candidate is certifying their level of Spanish, the more they are expected to be able to integrate the different linguistic skills that make a proficient Spanish user.<\/span><\/p>\n

Below, we will delve into the different Spanish language exam levels at which you can get certification and what abilities they test.<\/span><\/p>\n

Spanish Diploma Level A1 (Breakthrough)<\/span><\/h2>\n

The Diploma in Spanish level A1 certifies that candidates possess enough linguistic knowledge to:<\/span><\/p>\n