The DELE and the SIELE both certify your Spanish, but they're not for the same things. The DELE is a diploma by level (A1 to C2), with an APTO (pass) or NO APTO (fail) result; it never expires and it's the only one accepted for Spanish citizenship. The SIELE is a single computer-based exam that gives you a score out of 1000 (with an equivalence from A1 to C1); it's valid for five years and results arrive within three weeks at most. If you need it for citizenship or want a diploma for life, go for the DELE; if you need to certify your level quickly and on a flexible date, the SIELE may suit you better.

Here are the differences that really matter when you're deciding, based on the official information from the Instituto Cervantes and the SIELE.

What is the DELE?

The DELE (Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera, Diploma of Spanish as a Foreign Language) is the official Spanish diploma awarded by the Instituto Cervantes on behalf of Spain's Ministry of Education. It has existed since 1989.

  • There are six general exams, one per level: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2. You choose which level to take.
  • There are also three school exams, designed for students aged 11 to 17: A1, A2/B1 and, since 2026, B2/C1.
  • The result is APTO or NO APTO at the level you take. From A1 to C1 you need 30 out of 50 points in each group of tests (reading and writing; listening and speaking), and the groups don't compensate each other. At C2, you need 60% in each of its three tests.
  • The diploma is valid indefinitely: it never expires.
  • It's taken on paper, at exam centres (more than a thousand worldwide), on fixed dates published by the Instituto Cervantes. The speaking test is face to face, with an interviewer.
  • Results come out in about two months (about three for the May and November sessions).

If you want a calmer overview, you'll find the basics in What is the DELE?

What is the SIELE?

The SIELE (Servicio Internacional de Evaluación de la Lengua Española, International Spanish Language Assessment Service) has existed since 2016 and is backed by the Instituto Cervantes, the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), the University of Salamanca and the University of Buenos Aires.

  • You don't choose a level. The SIELE Global is a single multi-level exam with tasks from A1 to C1: you take the exam and your score places you at a level. There's no SIELE C2.
  • It gives you a score from 0 to 1000 (up to 250 points in each of its four tests), with each test's equivalent CEFR level.
  • Besides the Global, there are five independent modalities that combine some of the tests: reading + listening; reading + writing; listening + speaking; speaking only; and writing + speaking.
  • The certificate is valid for five years.
  • It's taken on a computer at an exam centre, and you choose the day and time from the slots each centre publishes throughout the year. The speaking test is on a computer too: you answer out loud and your answer is recorded to be graded later.
  • Results arrive within three weeks at most.

DELE or SIELE: how do they differ, point by point?

  • What it certifies: the DELE, a specific level from A1 to C2; the SIELE, a score with an equivalence from A1 to C1.
  • Result: the DELE, APTO or NO APTO; the SIELE, a score out of 1000.
  • Validity: the DELE, indefinite; the SIELE, five years.
  • Format: the DELE, on paper with a face-to-face speaking test; the SIELE, on a computer, speaking included.
  • Dates: the DELE, fixed sessions; the SIELE, appointments throughout the year.
  • Length: the DELE, depends on the level; the SIELE Global, about three hours (reading 60 minutes, listening 55, writing 50 and speaking 15).
  • Results: the DELE, about two months (three in May and November); the SIELE, three weeks at most.
  • Who it's for: the DELE, schoolchildren, young people and adults; the SIELE, young people and adults.
  • Recognition in Spain: both are accepted for the MIR and FIR (medical and pharmacy specialist training); only the DELE is accepted for citizenship.

Which differences matter most when you choose?

1. Do you need it to last forever?

The DELE is for life; the SIELE lasts five years. If you want a qualification that will serve you forever, the DELE wins. If you only need to prove your level for something specific (an admission, a job offer), five years may be more than enough.

2. Paper and a fixed date, or a computer and a flexible date?

With the DELE you sit the exam in a session with a fixed date, and the speaking test may be on the same day as the written tests or on another nearby day, depending on your centre. With the SIELE you book an appointment and everything is done on a computer. If speaking in front of someone makes you freeze, that can be an advantage; if reading long texts on screen or typing tires you, try the exam demo on the SIELE website first.

3. Pass/fail or a score?

The DELE is binary: if you get the APTO, you have the diploma for that level; if not, there's no diploma, and at the next session you retake all the tests. The SIELE always gives you a score, but be careful: if it's very low, it can fall below A1 and not match any level. If you're torn between two levels, the SIELE saves you from choosing; with the DELE, it's best to sit the level you really have.

4. What do you need it for?

That's the key question. Before you register for either, check exactly what the institution, employer or procedure asks for.

Which one suits me, depending on my goal?

  • Spanish citizenship: the DELE A2 or higher, together with the CCSE. The SIELE isn't accepted for this. I explain it in DELE A2 for Spanish citizenship.
  • MIR or FIR in Spain: according to the Instituto Cervantes' official comparison, both are accepted. Check the level required in that year's call.
  • University: it depends on the institution. Many Spanish universities ask for B1 or B2, and each one decides which certificates it accepts: ask the admissions office before you register.
  • A procedure with a tight deadline (a scholarship, a job offer): the SIELE, thanks to the flexible dates and results within three weeks at most.
  • A qualification for life: the DELE.
  • C2 level: only the DELE.
  • Minors: the DELE for schools, designed for students aged 11 to 17.

Frequently asked questions about the DELE and the SIELE

Which is easier, the DELE or the SIELE?

Neither is easier in the abstract: both assess the same four skills (reading, listening, writing and speaking). What changes is the format. Choose based on your goal, not on difficulty: if you need it for citizenship, it has to be the DELE, even if the SIELE seems more comfortable.

How much does each exam cost?

The DELE depends on the level and the country. In Spain, in 2026: A1, €112; A2, €138; B1, €173; B2, €204; C1, €225; C2, €240. The SIELE price depends on the country and the modality, and you'll see it when you book your appointment on siele.org.

Is the SIELE accepted for Spanish citizenship?

No. Citizenship requires the DELE A2 or higher, plus the CCSE. I cover it in CCSE and DELE A2: the two Spanish nationality exams.

How long do results take?

DELE results take about two months (about three for the May and November sessions). If you pass, your digital diploma arrives in the same email as your grade certificate: there's no extra wait. SIELE results take three weeks at most. More details in DELE results: when they come out.

When are the exams held?

The DELE has fixed sessions, and not every level is offered at every session. You'll find the calendar by level in DELE exam dates 2027. The SIELE has no sessions as such: each centre publishes its appointments throughout the year.

Can minors take them?

The DELE has school exams for students aged 11 to 17 (A1, A2/B1 and B2/C1), and the general exams are aimed at people aged 16 and over. The SIELE is aimed at young people and adults; if you're under 18, check the conditions with the centre before booking.

How many levels does each one have?

The DELE has six general exams (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2) and three school exams. The SIELE is a single exam that goes up to C1.

How do I prepare for each one?

For the DELE you have the free sample exams from the Instituto Cervantes, books and specific courses. For the SIELE, its website has the exam guide, a demo and a preparation course.

The video: DELE or SIELE, with César

We made this comparison on video with César, from the Spanish Language Coach channel. Thank you, César, for the collaboration!

In short

  • For Spanish citizenship, the DELE A2 or higher. The SIELE isn't accepted.
  • For the MIR and FIR, both are accepted.
  • The DELE never expires; the SIELE is valid for five years.
  • The DELE gives you APTO or NO APTO at one level; the SIELE, a score out of 1000 with an equivalence from A1 to C1.
  • The DELE is on paper and on fixed dates; the SIELE, on a computer and by appointment.
  • Results: about two months for the DELE (three in May and November); three weeks at most for the SIELE.
  • If you're aiming for C2, there's only the DELE.

If the DELE is your path, my online courses by level give you strategies for each test, commented examples, a community, a Q&A chat and group calls. If you're not sure about your level, start with the free level test, and if you'd like resources and reminders before each session, join the newsletter 💌.

¡A por el DELE! 🇪🇸