The differences between the DELE and the SIELE
Posted on 8 July, 2019 in English
The differences between the DELE and the SIELE
The DELE (Diplomas Español como Lengua Extranjera) and the SIELE (Servicio Internacional de Evaluación de la lengua Española) are both officially recognised Diplomas of the Spanish language. You can find out more about the DELE here.
What is the SIELE?
The SIELE was introduced in 2016 by the Instituto Cervantes, the University of Buenos Aires, the National Autonomous University of Mexico and the University of Salamanca. It certifies the Spanish language competences in the areas of reading comprehension, listening comprehension, written expression and interaction and spoken expression and interaction. The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages is used as reference and the test certifies your level from A1 — C1.
How is it conducted?
The SIELE is an online exam that can be taken in certified centres around the globe. You can reach a score from 0 to 1000 points and each of the four areas accounts for 250 points. Here you can see how many points you need to reach the individual levels. Between each section you will have a break of 15 minutes. After three weeks you will receive your results and can download them online.
There are six different types of the SIELE:
– A Global exam that test all four sections (reading, listening, speaking and writing)
– S1: Reading Comprehension + Listening Comprehension
– S2: Reading Comprehension + Written Expression and Interaction
– S3: Listening Comprehension + Spoken Expression and Interaction
– S4: Spoken Expression and Interaction
– S5: Written Expression and Interaction + Spoken Expression and Interaction
Price and Inscription
The price depends on what kind of SIELE you are planning to take and where you are going to take it. Everything about the test is online. Therefore, you inscribe yourself online on the website of SIELE and choose a centre.
How to prepare for the SIELE?
The best way to prepare for the exam is through taking a Spanish Course to fully emerge in the language for a while. Here you can find the type of Spanish courses that we offer at Academia CILE in Malaga.
Differences between the DELE and the SIELE
Aspect | DELE | SIELE |
Language Levels | A1 – C2 | A1 – C1 |
Type of Test | Written exams. There is one exam per level. | Online exams. One exam that contains question from A1 – C1 |
Validation | Indefinitely | 5 Years |
Inclusion of Spanish Variations | From B1 | During the whole test |
How is the result shown | Pass or Fail | A scale of points from 0 to 1000 |
Internationally Recognied | Various governments, universities, institutions and companies recognize the DELE as official Diploma. | Various institutions of higher education recognize the SIELE. |
Publishment of results | After 3 months | After 3 weeks |
Both exams comply to the international standard of certification and are conducted by the Instituto Cervantes. In addition, the SIELE is also promoted by the University of Buenos Aires, the National Autonomous University of Mexico and the University of Salamanca.
