If you’re thinking about taking a Spanish course in Spain, you’ve probably come across these two official certifications: SIELE and DELE.
Both validate your level of Spanish, are recognised internationally, and can open doors professionally, academically, and personally, especially if you want to:
- Work in a Spanish-speaking country.
- Study a Master’s or university degree in Spain.
- Facilitate securing student accommodation.
In this guide, you’ll discover how both certifications work, their key differences, and which one best suits your needs.
SIELE: What it is and how It works
SIELE (Servicio Internacional de Evaluación de la Lengua Española) is an official certificate endorsed by the Instituto Cervantes, UNAM, the University of Salamanca, and the University of Buenos Aires.
This endorsement ensures your certificate recognises the different uses of Spanish across Spain and Latin America.
SIELE exam components
SIELE comprises four tests, based on the recommendations of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR):
- Reading comprehension
- Listening comprehension
- Written expression and interaction
- Spoken expression and interaction
Key features:
- Multilevel: you cannot fail; you always receive a certificate.
- Maximum level certified: C1.
- Maximum score: 1,000 points (250 per skill).
- Each skill is graded individually, but the certificate reflects your overall results across all four abilities.
- Conducted online, with flexible date and time options, you can register up to 48 hours before the exam.
- You can take the SIELE Global (all skills) or just the ones you need to certify or improve.
- Results are available in approximately three weeks.
Interested in this certification? Check out our SIELE preparation courses.
DELE: What it is and how it works
DELE (Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera) is an official qualification issued by the Spanish Ministry of Education and Vocational Training that certifies your level from A1 to C2.
Unlike SIELE, DELE awards a permanent qualification, making it widely recognised and highly respected.
DELE exam structure
DELE is divided into two blocks, each with two parts:
- Reading comprehension + Written expression and interaction
- Listening comprehension + Spoken expression and interaction
Key features:
- Diploma is valid indefinitely.
- You register at the level corresponding to your knowledge.
- To pass, you must score at least 30 points in each block.
- Levels C1 and C2 include content on different Spanish variants.
- Conducted in authorised centres, with fixed exam dates.
- Results are available in approximately three months.
Key differences between SIELE and DELE
Feature | SIELE | DELE |
Exam type | Multilevel | By level |
Format | Digital | In-person |
Exam dates | Flexible | Fixed |
Results | 3 weeks | Up to 3 months |
Validity | 5 years | Permanent |
Recognition | Growing (since 2016) | Established (since 1989) |
Maximum level | C1 | C2 |
How to choose the right certification
Based on your goals
Choose SIELE if…
- You need a quick certification.
- You want flexibility and a wide range of dates.
- You prefer taking the exam online.
- You aim to apply for a Master’s, a visa, or enhance your CV.
- You want to identify which skills need improvement.
Choose DELE if…
- You want a permanent qualification that opens academic and professional doors.
- You aim to certify a high level of Spanish (especially C2).
- Your goal is to study at university, take public exams, or validate your qualifications.
Based on European markets
Country | Academic recognition | Professional recognition | Notes |
UK | DELE is standard for universities | SIELE increasingly recognised in tech companies | UK values standardised exams with permanent validity |
France | DELE’s “diploma-style” format is preferred | SIELE attractive for digital format | France values stable, permanent certifications |
Germany | Clear preference for DELE | SIELE gaining ground in global companies | Indefinite certificates suit their work culture |
Italy | DELE is the benchmark | SIELE useful for Erasmus and youth mobility | Market oriented towards official certifications |
Frequently Asked Questions about SIELE and DELE
Which certificate is harder to pass?
DELE requires passing all exam parts to earn the diploma, whereas SIELE always certifies a level even if you don’t pass one skill. This makes DELE perceived as more challenging, particularly at advanced levels (C1 and C2).
Which exam has greater international prestige?
Both are valued, but DELE enjoys higher institutional and academic prestige due to its permanent official status. SIELE, though newer, is rapidly growing thanks to its digital format and is highly regarded in business and tech sectors.
Can I use SIELE or DELE to study in Spain?
Yes, both are valid for educational programmes, although Spanish universities usually prefer DELE, especially for official undergraduate and postgraduate studies. If you need a quick certification, SIELE can be a strategic option.
Tip: always check with each university for their certification preferences.
Which Spanish certification do I need to work in a European country?
It depends on the country and sector. DELE is better for regulated professions, public exams, or official procedures. SIELE is more useful in international, digital, or fast-paced recruitment environments.
Does the SIELE certificate expire?
Yes. Yes, it is valid for five years. The DELE diploma never expires.
Which exam should I take to certify the highest level of Spanish?
You should choose DELE C2, the only certification that officially recognises the highest level of Spanish language proficiency worldwide.
Which exam is best if I have limited preparation time?
SIELE is ideal as it fits your schedule and doesn’t require waiting for fixed dates. Its digital format also makes preparation easier.
Ready to get your Spanish certificate?
Getting your Spanish certificate is just the first step. To truly thrive, you need more than just passing an exam: you need solid language skills, confidence in communication, and cultural understanding to integrate Spanish into your daily life.
This is where Españolé makes the difference. Our DELE and SIELE preparation courses in Spain are designed not only to help international students and professionals pass their exams, but also to master the language, build confidence, and enjoy every stage of learning.
We guide you through the entire process, from exam preparation and registration to cultural immersion and real-life practice.
Need help choosing the right programme or don’t know where to start? Get in touch with us!
