The exam
What the SIELE exam is
The SIELE certifies your level of Spanish electronically and across levels. It is backed by the Instituto Cervantes, UNAM, the University of Salamanca and the University of Buenos Aires. It is a single exam for all levels: you get a score (0–1000) and its CEFR equivalence (A1–C1).
Uses
What the SIELE is for
Universities and work
Many universities and employers accept it, and results arrive in under three weeks.
Knowing your level
Since it certifies the level you have, it's perfect if you don't know which DELE level to sit.
Comparison
DELE or SIELE?
| DELE | SIELE | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Diploma by level (A1–C2) | Points certificate (0–1000) |
| Validity | Permanent | 5 years |
| Results | ~3 months | < 3 weeks |
| Format | Paper + live oral | On computer, recorded oral |
| Citizenship | Yes (A2+) | Not valid |
DELE if you need citizenship or a permanent diploma. SIELE if you need to certify fast or want flexible dates.
Consider the DELE: start with DELE exam preparation. Citizenship requires the DELE A2.
Format
SIELE structure and modalities
SIELE Global
Assesses the four skills in a single exam (~3 h), out of 1000 points.
Modalities S1–S5
Combinations of skills, faster and cheaper, when you only need to certify part.
Each paper includes at least three varieties of Spanish.
Marking
How the SIELE is scored
You don't pass or fail: it certifies the level you have. Bands: 250–329 A1, 330–509 A2, 510–699 B1, 700–879 B2, 880–1000 C1. It does not certify C2.
Exam day
What SIELE exam day is like
It is entirely digital: you take it on a computer at the centre and the speaking is recorded (no live interview). That changes how you prepare the speaking paper.
Price and dates
SIELE price and dates in 2026
SIELE Global between €155 and €185; modalities from about €55. Far more flexible than the DELE: there are exams almost every week. More at siele.org.
June 2026.
Method
How we prepare you for the SIELE
Our lessons are taught by an official examiner accredited by the Instituto Cervantes. We apply the official assessment criteria, give you specific strategies for the computer-based exam and the recorded speaking, and run mocks with real feedback. Prefer a one-off session? We also prepare the SIELE as mentoring.