SIELE Preparation: Online 1-on-1 Classes with a Native Spanish Exam Teacher
Get ready for the SIELE with a teacher who knows how Spanish exams are marked. Live online lessons, practice on screen and a mock exam before the day.
Levels A2 to C1 · Online on Google Meet · From €28 per lesson
What is the SIELE exam?
The SIELE is an international Spanish exam promoted by the Instituto Cervantes and three universities. Unlike the DELE, it is taken on a computer and gives you a score, not a pass or fail.
- Format: computer-based, a digital exam.
- Skills: reading, listening, writing and speaking.
- Result: a numerical score and a level on the CEFR scale.
- Modalities: the complete SIELE Global exam, or independent modalities that combine some of the tests.
Not sure whether to take the SIELE or the DELE?
Briefly:
- DELE: you choose the level in advance and the result is pass or fail. The diploma doesn’t expire.
- SIELE: the system places you on a scale based on your performance. The certificate is valid for five years.
Which one you need usually depends on the institution that requests it.
Is the SIELE right for you?
The SIELE can suit you if:
- You want a quicker and more flexible way to certify your level.
- You prefer a computer-based exam.
- The institution you apply to accepts it. Check first.
Not sure? Tell me what you need the certificate for and I’ll help you choose.
SIELE exam structure and scoring: the four tests you will practise
The exam has four tests, one per skill. Here are the official figures from siele.org.
| Test | What you do | Duration | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading comprehension | 5 tasks, 38 questions | 60 min | 0 to 250 |
| Listening comprehension | 6 tasks, 38 questions | 55 min | 0 to 250 |
| Written expression and interaction | 2 tasks | 50 min | 0 to 250 |
| Oral expression and interaction | 5 tasks, answered orally and recorded | 15 min | 0 to 250 |
SIELE scoring and CEFR levels (A1 to C1)
Each test gets a score, and the total places you on a level of the CEFR. There is no “pass mark”: your result shows your level.
The SIELE assesses levels from A1 to C1. It doesn’t certify C2. If you aim for C2, the DELE is the option. See DELE C2 preparation.
Official SIELE score bands by test
| Level | Reading | Listening | Written | Spoken |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C1 | 217 to 250 | 211 to 250 | 215 to 250 | 215 to 250 |
| B2 | 178 to 216.99 | 164 to 210.99 | 167 to 214.99 | 176 to 214.99 |
| B1 | 118 to 177.99 | 112 to 163.99 | 104 to 166.99 | 125 to 175.99 |
| A2 | 66 to 117.99 | 66 to 111.99 | 69 to 103.99 | 76 to 124.99 |
| A1 | 33 to 65.99 | 33 to 65.99 | 34 to 68.99 | 40 to 75.99 |
Source: siele.org. Each test is scored out of 250.
How long are SIELE results valid?
A SIELE certificate is valid for five years. This is one of the main differences with the DELE, which doesn’t expire.
What our SIELE preparation includes
1-on-1 live classes on Google Meet
One hour, just you and me, in Spanish. We pick days and times that fit you.
Practice for a computer-based exam
The SIELE is done on screen, and that changes how you work:
- You type your written answers instead of writing by hand.
- You record your speaking answers with a microphone and time limits.
- You manage your time with an on-screen format.
We practise in conditions as close as possible to the real exam. Prepare a computer, headphones and a quiet room.
Task-by-task strategy and time management
In each class we work on one or more task types. I explain what the task needs, how to divide your time and what language to use. We repeat until it feels natural.
Writing and speaking feedback with CEFR criteria
I correct your written texts and your recorded answers using the criteria of the European framework. You get clear priorities: what limits your level and what to do about it.
A group course can’t give you that. Your score depends a lot on writing and speaking.
Practice sections and a full mock exam
Before the exam, we do a timed mock. I mark it and we review it together. You can also try the official demo on the SIELE website. See our practice exam page.
Coming soon I'm writing a SIELE book and recording a video course. Leave your email and I'll tell you when they are ready. The SIELE book →
How to prepare for the SIELE: tips for each test
Reading comprehension
- Plan your time: don’t spend too long on a single text.
- Read the questions first and look for the evidence in the text.
- Practise reading on a screen, which is tiring over time.
Listening comprehension
- Use any preparation time to read the questions.
- Listen to different accents and speeds.
- Focus on the main idea, then on details.
Written expression and interaction: all task types
- Check the type of text and the audience, and choose the right register.
- Organise your answer with a clear structure.
- Revise: leave a minute to check the most common errors.
Oral expression and interaction: recorded, timed answers
- Practise answering aloud to a recorder, with a timer.
- Speak naturally and keep going if you make a mistake.
- Use connectors to organise your ideas in a short time.
How to reach your target SIELE score: B1, B2 or C1
Which SIELE score do you need?
Start from the requirement. A university, a company or a visa process asks for a level, and sometimes a minimum score.
In the trial lesson we compare your current level with your target, so you know how far you are.
An example preparation plan
- First weeks: level check, work on weak points and a first look at each test.
- Middle weeks: practice by test, with corrections of writing and speaking.
- Final weeks: timed practice on screen, mock exam and review of mistakes.
Why prepare for the SIELE with Cristina
I’m Cristina, a native Spanish teacher from Spain.
- DELE examiner certified by the Instituto Cervantes.
- Master’s degree in teaching Spanish as a foreign language (Universidad de La Rioja).
- Completed an Instituto Cervantes course on the SIELE exam.
- More than five years teaching individual and group classes.
I know how Spanish exams are marked and what separates one level from the next. And my classes are a safe space where mistakes are part of the process.
SIELE preparation: trial lesson and packs of 10 or 20
| What you get | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Trial lesson with level diagnosis | 30 minutes, 1-on-1 | €10 |
| Single lesson | 1 hour, 1-on-1 | €28 |
| Pack of 10 | 10 hours, 1-on-1 | €250 (€25 per lesson) |
| Pack of 20 | 20 hours, 1-on-1 | €460 (€23 per lesson) |
Trial lesson with a level diagnosis
The trial lesson is a 30-minute video call and costs €10. I check your level, we talk about your goal (DELE or SIELE), try a sample task and I propose a plan. You get an indicative estimate of your level; it is not an official grade. There is no commitment to continue.
Save with a pack of 10 or 20 lessons
Improving your score takes regular work over several weeks. Packs lower the price per lesson and give structure to the process. See the pricing page.
What’s not included: the exam registration fee
The preparation doesn’t include the exam. You register and pay for it separately on the official SIELE booking page, where you choose your date and test centre.
What students say about our SIELE preparation
Joep prepared for the SIELE. The other reviews come from students who prepared for the DELE with me.
25 reviews
Incredible teacher who helped me reach my goals for the SIELE exam!! I would recommend her!
Her classes are very dynamic, clear and well structured. She stands out both in oral conversation classes, helping you gain fluency and confidence when speaking, and in DELE exam preparation, thanks to her organised methodology and her deep knowledge of the exam format.
She shares her own materials that make it very clear how to approach any task: common expressions, connectors, typical mistakes to watch out for. Thanks to the classes with her, I feel confident that I will face the DELE C1 exam without stress.
SIELE exam dates and booking
The SIELE does not follow a fixed national calendar. When you book on the official SIELE booking page, you select the date and the test centre, and the available dates depend on the centre. Results are delivered electronically, in less than three weeks according to siele.org. The booking steps were checked on October 26, 2026 on siele.org.
Frequently asked questions about SIELE preparation
What is the SIELE exam?
The SIELE is an international Spanish exam promoted by the Instituto Cervantes and universities. It’s taken on a computer, tests four skills and gives you a score and a CEFR level rather than pass or fail.
What is the difference between the SIELE and the DELE?
With the DELE you choose a level in advance and the result is pass or fail, and the diploma doesn’t expire. With the SIELE you get a score that places you on a scale, it’s computer-based, and the certificate is valid for five years. Which one you need usually depends on the institution that asks for it.
Which one should I take, SIELE or DELE?
Check what the institution that requests the certificate accepts, then decide. If you’re unsure, tell me what you need it for and I’ll help you choose. If you need a C2, the DELE is the option, because the SIELE doesn’t certify C2.
Is the SIELE harder than the DELE?
Neither is easier; they are different. The SIELE is computer-based and gives a score, while the DELE has a fixed level and pass or fail. Which suits you better depends on your skills and what you need.
How do you prepare students for a computer-based exam?
We practise in conditions as close as possible to the real exam: typing your written answers, recording your speaking with a microphone and time limits, and managing your time on screen. Prepare a computer, headphones and a quiet room. We work task by task, and I give feedback on writing and speaking.
Are you a SIELE examiner?
No. I’m a DELE examiner certified by the Instituto Cervantes, and I completed an Instituto Cervantes course about the SIELE exam. I also hold a Master’s in teaching Spanish as a foreign language. I know how Spanish exams are assessed and what separates one level from the next.
What score do I need for B2 on the SIELE?
The total score runs from 0 to 1000 (250 per test). Each test has its own cut-off scores for each level. For example, in the official scale you reach B2 in Reading with 178 points or more, and in Spoken Expression with 176 points or more. See the full table in the scoring section above. The institution that asks for your certificate may also have its own minimum, so check it first and tell me, so we can set a realistic target.
How long does it take to prepare for the SIELE?
It depends on your starting level, your target score and your date, so I won’t give you a magic number. After the trial lesson I’ll compare your level with your target and give you a realistic plan.
Can you guarantee a SIELE score?
No. What I can promise is a clear method, honest feedback and practice with every task before the day. Your score also depends on your work and on exam day.
How much does your SIELE preparation cost?
A single lesson costs €28, and packs of 10 or 20 lower the price per lesson. The trial lesson with a level diagnosis lasts 30 minutes and costs €10. The exam fee is not included. See the pricing page for details.
Book your SIELE preparation class
Tell me your level, your target and your date, and we’ll plan your route. See also the DELE preparation course.
Book a trial lesson Lessons and packs