DELE or SIELE?
Both exams are recognised by universities, employers and governments in the Spanish-speaking world, and both follow the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference), the six-level scale from A1 to C2. They differ in format, timing and how long the result lasts. Dates, fees and centres change each year, so always confirm them on the official websites before booking.
| DELE | SIELE | |
|---|---|---|
| Run by | Instituto Cervantes, for Spain’s Ministry of Education | Instituto Cervantes with universities in Spain, Mexico and Argentina |
| Levels | Six separate exams, A1 to C2: you choose one | One test covering all levels; your score places you |
| Result | Pass or fail | A score out of 1,000, with a level for each skill |
| Validity | Never expires | Five years |
| Format | Paper or computer, at set dates during the year | Computer-based, at many dates in exam centres |
| Modules | All four skills in one sitting | All four, or chosen skills only |
| Best for | Citizenship, teaching, a permanent CV qualification | University entry, jobs, a quick proof of level |
The four papers and how passing works
From A1 to C1, the DELE tests four skills in separate papers, grouped in pairs. You must pass each group on its own: a strong written group cannot make up for a weak spoken one. C2 combines the skills into three integrated tests.
What each level means in practice
Choose a level to see what a candidate can do, the grammar it expects, and the Evolang lessons that cover it.
Try a mock exam at your level
Each mock has one task of every paper type: reading, listening with audio, grammar marked instantly with word-by-word explanations, a writing task with a model answer, and speaking prompts.
A twelve-week preparation plan
This plan assumes you are already close to the level you are sitting. Spend about five hours a week, and keep all four skills moving every week.
- Weeks 1–3 Find your gaps Do one past paper under exam conditions. Mark it and list the grammar and question types that cost you most.
- Weeks 4–7 Fix grammar and vocabulary Work through the lessons for your weakest areas. Learn the connectors for your level and use them in every piece of writing.
- Weeks 8–10 Practise each paper One timed paper per skill each week. Record your speaking tasks and listen back.
- Weeks 11–12 Full mock exams Two complete mock exams, timed, on separate days. Rest the day before the real exam.
Phrases for the speaking test
In the DELE speaking paper you talk with an examiner, usually after a short preparation time. These phrases help you manage the conversation politely, in the usted form the examiner will use with you.
More fillers and repair phrases, for any conversation, are in speaking practice.