If you want to obtain Spanish citizenship, study, or work in a Spanish-speaking country, you may need to take a Spanish language certification test to demonstrate your level of ability.
We will look at five internationally recognized Spanish credentials in this article. Each of these credentials can demonstrate to universities, companies, and immigration offices that you possess the necessary Spanish language abilities.
But first, we'll go over the several levels specified by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) to determine your level of Spanish ability.
CEFR language proficiency levels
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) determines the linguistic competence of language learners on a scale from Beginner (A1) to Master (C2) levels in the four language skills: reading, writing, speaking and listening.
Here’s a brief explanation of what is expected from you at each level:
Basic (A1 and A2)
A1
You can understand everyday expressions, introduce yourself when arriving at a place, and interact simply as long as people talk to you clearly and at a slow speed.
A2
At this level, you can describe your daily routines in simple terms, memorize short expressions, and provide clear information about your work or personal life. It will be easier for you to understand the context of a written text, despite not understanding each word you read.
Independent (B1 and B2)
B1
You can provide clean input on matters that are familiar to you. Also, you can hold a conversation for a longer time. You will identify and use grammatical structures more complicated than in the A2 level. It is easy for you to talk about anecdotes, events, wishes, and plans.
B2
At this level, you can interact fluently with others, understand and formulate complex ideas in a shorter or almost immediate time.
Proficient (C1 and C2)
C1
You express yourself fluently and spontaneously, produce well-structured texts on various topics, and understand a wide variety of long and demanding texts.
You also become aware of grammatical errors when speaking or writing. You can correct them immediately since your level of knowledge in the language allows you to understand basic and even complex grammar concepts.
At this level, you are even qualified to teach others.
C2
You understand and summarize complex information from different sources quickly. You can express yourself accurately and consistently using a rich language structure without grammatical errors and produce texts of a scientific or literary nature. Basically, you’re now an expert!
Now, let’s take a look at five official Spanish language certifications so you can determine which one is right for you.
Spanish language certifications tests
These Spanish language certification exams use the CEFR levels to measure your skills in the language. Each of these tests provides an official certification of Spanish proficiency.
Note that only those candidates who can prove that Spanish is not their mother tongue are eligible for most of the following exams.
DELE
Suitable for: Visa and citizenship seekers, post-secondary students, and working professionals.
This official certification is granted by the Spanish Ministry of Education, Culture, and Sport. It’s issued by Instituto Cervantes, a Spanish public institution created to promote the dissemination of Hispanic cultures internationally.
Each DELE exam follows the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages grading criteria. This Spanish language certification does not have an expiration date. The DELE Spanish test is divided into six levels:
- Breakthrough (A1)
- Waystage (A2)
- Threshold (B1)
- Vantage (B2)
- Effective Operational Proficiency (C1)
- Mastery (C2)
There are certification exams adapted for levels A1, A2, and B1 for students between 11 and 16 years old. The minimum passing score for all levels is 60 points out of 100. Each examination center sets the exam dates. You will receive your results within a maximum period of three months, along with an official electronic certificate and a diploma by postal mail.
SIELE
Suitable for: Post-secondary students and working professionals.
Unlike DELE, this certificate only covers levels A1, A2, B1, B2, and C1 of the CEFR. It was first established in 2016 and designed by the most prestigious universities in Spain, Mexico, and Argentina.
SIELE exams are only valid for five years, and they are divided into the following categories:
- SIELE Global (This comprehensive exam allows the student to certify all four language skills in a single test, which is scored on a scale from 0 to 1000).
- Listening
- Writing
- Speaking
SIELE is attractive because the four language skills can be taken separately on each exam, except for SIELE Global. This single exam option can minimize your stress level in each session and prepare you for later taking the DELE exam.
Each test of the four language skills is scored on a scale of 0 to 250 points. Students interested in taking the SIELE Spanish certification exams can book their test at their convenience, and they can also take the test online.
You will receive the results in a maximum of three weeks, along with a certificate (complete exam) or results report, depending on the test you have paid for.
CELU
Suitable for: Post-secondary students and working professionals
The Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship of Argentina acknowledge this Spanish certification test.
CELU is offered twice a year, in June and November. And as of 2021, there’s no option to take the test online.
The grading scale ranges from “Good” to “Excellent,” and the examination covers the levels equivalent to B1-B2 (intermediate) and C1 (advanced) only. Unlike DELE and SIELE, the CELU test is divided into verbal and written sections. It doesn’t take grammatical structure into account.
After taking the test, students receive their results and certificate in a maximum of four months. It is acknowledged by academic and professional institutions in Argentina, Brazil, China, and Italy. If the candidate’s mother tongue is Spanish but went to school in a country where Spanish is not the official language, they can take the test.
TELC
Suitable for: Visa seekers, post-secondary students, and working professionals
This certification has a broad scope of recognition. It is issued by TELC GmbH & the Association of Language Testers in Europe (ALTE).
The TELC Spanish certificate does not expire. The dates to present the exam are set by each examination center, and their Spanish certification tests are divided as follows:
- TELC Español A1
- TELC Español A2
- TELC Español B1
- TELC Español B2
- TELC Español A1, A2, B1, and B2 Escuela (for scholars)
The grading scale ranges from 0 to 100 points, and the passing score is 60. Candidates must take these tests onsite, and they should receive their certificates six weeks from the day they take the exam.
ECL
Suitable for: Visa seekers and professionals
Like TELC, the ECL certificate is issued and endorsed by the Association of Language Testers in Europe (ALTE). And one of its similarities with the CELU examination is that it only certifies levels B1, B2, and C1.
The skills tested in the ECL Spanish language certification exam are reading, writing, and listening. Candidates are graded on a scale that ranges from 0 to 100 points; the passing score is 60.
A virtual option to present this test is not available at the moment. The students can expect results, along with their certificates, within a month from the day they took the test.
Tips to pass your Spanish language certification test with flying colors
Become familiar with the format of the test that you’re about to take. By doing this, you will feel more confident, and your stress levels will drop considerably.
We hope that this blog has helped you better understand which Spanish language certification is right for you depending on your needs.
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