Spanish exams compared by issuer, result and validity
Spanish has two widely recognised standard exams, the DELE and the SIELE, and the Instituto Cervantes, Spain's public institute for the Spanish language, is involved in both. Their levels follow the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), the European scale from A1 to C2.
| Exam | Issuer | Result | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| DELE | Instituto Cervantes for Spain's Ministry of Education | one level from A1 to C2, pass or fail | no expiry |
| SIELE | Instituto Cervantes, UNAM, University of Salamanca, University of Buenos Aires | 0 to 1,000 points, levels A1 to C1 | 5 years |
| telc Spanish exams | telc | the CEFR level of the exam | no expiry date |
| CCSE | Instituto Cervantes | test of Spain's constitution and society | for citizenship only |
The DELE (Diplomas de Español como Lengua Extranjera) is the official Spanish diploma of the Spanish state. The SIELE is a computer-based test, and its four parts score 0 to 250 points each. The CCSE is not a language test, but Spain requires it for citizenship by residence.
Courses called Diploma Salamanca almost always prepare for the DELE. The University of Salamanca helps write and mark the DELE papers, while the Instituto Cervantes issues the diploma.
Which Spanish exam fits citizenship, university or work
The institution that asks for proof decides which exam counts. For common goals, the usual choices are clear. CEFR refers to the European six-level scale from A1 to C2.
| Your goal | Usual choice | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish citizenship by residence | DELE A2 or higher plus CCSE | nationals of Spanish-speaking countries skip the DELE |
| Degree at a public university in Madrid | DELE or SIELE at B2 | the programme's own rules |
| Application with a short deadline | SIELE | whether the institution accepts it |
| MIR specialist training for doctors | DELE C1 or C2 | the current call for applications |
| Teaching or translation | DELE C1 or C2 | the SIELE stops at C1 |
Nationals of Spanish-speaking countries still need the CCSE for citizenship. If you want proof for many years, choose the DELE, because the diploma never expires.
Before you book a course, ask the institution in writing for the exact exam, the level and the maximum age of the result. These three details decide your course and your exam date.
DELE or SIELE by dates, speed and risk
The DELE tests exactly one level and ends with APTO (pass) or NO APTO (fail). The SIELE places every candidate on a points scale and always awards a level, so nobody fails it. Both follow the CEFR, the European six-level scale from A1 to C2.
- ✓The DELE never expires and covers C2.
- ✓Some institutions explicitly require the DELE.
- ✓It suits long-term proof, citizenship and teaching.
- ✗The SIELE delivers its result within three weeks.
- ✗You choose the SIELE date and centre yourself.
- ✗Its result expires after five years and stops at C1.
Besides SIELE Global, which covers all four skills, there are five partial SIELE exams, S1 to S5, that combine only some skills. Instead of a certificate you then receive a report with the levels of the skills tested.
Both exams accept any educated standard of Spanish. In the DELE you only need to use your chosen variety consistently, and the listening parts include speakers from different countries from B1 upwards.
What DELE preparation trains level by level
DELE exams at A1 to C1 have four parts, reading, listening, writing and speaking, and each is worth 25 points. The parts form two groups. Group 1 covers reading and writing, group 2 listening and speaking, and you pass with at least 30 out of 50 points in each group.
| DELE level | Written parts | Speaking test | Speaking preparation |
|---|---|---|---|
| A2 | 2 h 25 min | 12 min | 12 min |
| B2 | 3 h 10 min | 20 min | 20 min |
| C1 | 3 h 40 min | 20 min | 20 min |
| C2 | 4 h 15 min | 20 min | 30 min |
The two parts within a group balance each other, but the groups do not. With 59 points in total you can still fail if one group reaches less than 30. From C1 upwards, the DELE also tests mediation, meaning passing on content from a text to a specific person, for example as a summary.
In reading and listening, wrong answers cost nothing, so never leave a question blank. The Instituto Cervantes publishes free model exams and exam guides, and a teacher accredited as a DELE examiner knows the marking criteria of the speaking test first-hand.
If you have almost reached the target level, plan 8 to 12 weeks of focused DELE training with at least two full mock exams.
DELE dates 2027 and fees for Spanish exams
The Instituto Cervantes sets the DELE dates worldwide. For 2027 it lists seven dates for the general levels, and all six levels are offered only on 22 May and 13 November. Registration for 2027 opens on 18 November 2026 and closes six to seven weeks before each exam day.
DELE B1 costs 173 euros in Spain in 2026 and C1 225 euros. The Universitat de València lists no separate fee for A1, because it does not offer that level in Spain. Outside Spain, the exam centre sets the price in local currency. If you fail, you register again and retake all parts.
Results arrive after about two months, or about three months after the May and November sessions. If you disagree with your DELE result, you can request one review within a month. It costs 60 percent of the exam fee and is refunded if NO APTO changes to APTO. SIELE results arrive within three weeks at most.
Spanish exams at a centre, preparation online
You can do all of the preparation online, but the official Spanish exams take place at a recognised exam centre.
- The DELE takes place on paper at a recognised centre, and the speaking part may be scheduled on the day before or after the written exam. The Instituto Cervantes offers no at-home DELE.
- The SIELE runs on a computer at a centre. According to siele.org, you choose the day, time and place at more than 1,000 centres in more than 85 countries.
- telc runs remote B2 tests in Spanish that you take at home under camera supervision, but these certificates do not count for visa or residence procedures.
Online classes connect you with teachers from Spain and Latin America, and the DELE listening part uses that range of accents as well. A live online class can simulate the speaking test with the official preparation time.
Be careful with offers that promise a Spanish diploma without an official exam. A course certificate confirms attendance only, and you receive the DELE only by passing it at an exam centre.
Frequently asked questions about online Spanish test preparation courses
Which Spanish exam do you need for Spanish citizenship?
Spanish citizenship by residence usually requires the DELE A2 or a higher level plus the CCSE, a test of Spain's constitution and society. Nationals of Spanish-speaking countries are exempt from the DELE but still take the CCSE. The Instituto Cervantes runs both.
Does the Spanish DELE diploma expire?
The Spanish DELE diploma never expires. The Instituto Cervantes describes the diplomas as officially valid, without an expiry date and internationally recognised. Some universities or employers may still ask for recent proof.
Can you take the Spanish DELE exam online from home?
No, you take the Spanish DELE exam at a recognised exam centre, including the speaking part. All of the preparation can happen online. For a digital alternative, the SIELE runs on a computer, also at a centre.
How many points do you need to pass the DELE B2?
To pass the DELE B2 you need at least 30 out of 50 points in each of the two exam groups. Group 1 covers reading and writing, and group 2 covers listening and speaking. A strong group does not make up for a weak one.
How long does DELE preparation take when you are close to the target level?
DELE preparation takes about 8 to 12 weeks of focused training when you are close to the target level. That time covers the task types, the speaking test with preparation time and at least two full mock exams. If a full CEFR level is missing, plan several months more.
Which Spanish exam gives a result in less than a month?
The SIELE gives a Spanish exam result within three weeks at most, and you choose the date yourself. It reports levels from A1 to C1 and is valid for five years. DELE results arrive after about two to three months.
Sources
The information is based on these sources. Check fees and dates with the provider before you register.