DELE: official exams

In the world of languages, Spanish occupies a privileged place due to its wide diffusion and cultural and commercial relevance. If you live in Spain or plan to do so, you have probably heard about the DELE exam. But what exactly is the DELE and why might it be important to you? Below, we explain everything you need to know about this exam.

What is the DELE?
The DELE (Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera) is an official diploma that certifies the level of competence and command of the Spanish language. It is awarded by the Instituto Cervantes on behalf of the Spanish Ministry of Education and Vocational Training. The most remarkable thing about the DELE is that it is internationally recognized and its validity is indefinite.

Main features of the DELE exam

Proficiency levels: The exam is structured in six levels, following the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), from level A1 for beginners to level C2 for advanced learners.
Comprehensive evaluation: It evaluates all areas of language knowledge: reading comprehension, listening comprehension, written expression and oral expression.
Flexibility: You can choose the level you wish to take, according to your language proficiency.
Authorized centers: The exam is given in an exam center, such as Bcnlip, on dates established by the Instituto Cervantes.

Situaciones en las que Podrías Necesitar el DELE en España

Estudios académicos: Si planeas estudiar en una universidad española y tu lengua materna no es el español, es probable que te soliciten un diploma DELE para demostrar tu competencia lingüística.
Trabajo profesional: Algunas empresas, especialmente aquellas que operan en un contexto internacional, pueden requerir una certificación DELE como prueba de tu habilidad para comunicarte eficazmente en español.
Trámites de nacionalidad: Para ciertos trámites legales, como la solicitud de la nacionalidad española, se requiere un diploma DELE que acredite un nivel mínimo de competencia en el idioma.
Desarrollo personal y profesional: Obtener el DELE puede ser un gran impulso para tu CV, demostrando tu compromiso y capacidad para aprender y dominar un segundo idioma.

DELE 2024 calendar

Date	Sign-up deadline date	Levels
Febuary 16	January 10	A2, A2-NA
April 12	February 21	A1, A2, A2-NA, B1, B2, C1
May 17 and 18	April 3	A1, A2, A2-NA, B1, B2, C1, C2
July 12	May 15	A2, A2-NA, B1, B2, C1
September 13	July 17	A2, A2-NA
October 18	September 4	A2, A2-NA, B1, B2
November 22 and 23	October 9	A1, A2, A2-NA, B1, B2, C1, C2

DELE vs SIELE: differences

↓ Differences: DELE and SIELE exams

Concepts	DELE	SIELE
Description	Diploma of Spanish proficiency at CEFR level (A1-C2)	Certificate of knowledge of Spanish on a scale of points equivalent to CEFR levels A1-C1.
Ownership	Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport of Spain. Instituto Cervantes since 2002
Certification management start	1989	2016
Origin	Spain	Spain, Mexico and Argentina
Validity	Indefinite	5 years
International recognition	Regulated educational systems, institutions, companies, universities. In Spain: nationality, MIR, FIR, etc.	SICELE higher education institutions
Considered an official exam	Yes	Yes
Responsible for administrative and commercial management	Instituto Cervantes	Telefónica Educación Digital
Method of administering	In examination centers, on paper, in international calls	In test centers, on computer, in appointment system
Integration of Spanish varieties	Yes, especially from B1	Yes, mandatory from conception
Compliance with international certification standards	Yes	Yes
Number of exams and levels	Six for adults (A1-C2), two for schoolchildren (A1-A2/B1)	One exam for adults (A1-C1)
Examination Tests	Reading comprehension, listening comprehension, written and spoken expression and interaction	Reading comprehension, listening comprehension, written and spoken expression and interaction
Information on the result	Pass or fail by level	Result on a 1000-point scale with equivalence to CEFR levels.
Type of certificate issued	Electronic certification of grades and official diploma for pass grades	Certificate (full examination) or Report (partial tests)
Deadline for communication of results	Maximum two months	Maximum three weeks
Suitability for Spanish nationality application	Yes	No

Source: Universidad de Salamanca

Watch our video: more on DELE vs SIELE differences

Whether for professional, academic or personal reasons, obtaining a DELE diploma can open numerous doors for you in Spain and the Spanish-speaking world. In addition to being an official recognition of your Spanish language ability, it gives you a significant advantage in an increasingly globalized and multilingual world. If Spanish is not your native language and you are living or planning to live in Spain, seriously consider preparing for and taking the DELE exam – your future self will thank you!

INFO CORNER