Overview
SIELE (Servicio Internacional de Evaluación de la Lengua Española) is an electronic exam that certifies how well someone can use Spanish. It is promoted by the Instituto Cervantes, the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), the University of Salamanca and the University of Buenos Aires. It is aimed at students and professionals worldwide and uses several varieties of Spanish. Results are linked to CEFR levels, and a candidate always receives a level, because the exam does not have a pass or fail outcome.
Who can apply
SIELE is meant for students and professionals on all five continents who want to show their Spanish for university admission or recruitment. The SIELE pages do not state a minimum age or other eligibility conditions.
Levels or stages
Instead of separate exams per level, SIELE Global is a single multilevel exam. The SIELE site describes the levels it identifies as A1, A2, B1, B2 and C1. You can choose between two kinds of exam.
SIELE Global: all four tests, giving a certificate with the score for each test, its CEFR equivalent and a global score from 0 to 1,000 (the sum of the four test scores).
Independent modalities: five combinations of tests, each giving a SIELE report with scores linked to CEFR levels: reading plus listening; reading plus written expression; listening plus oral expression; oral expression alone; written plus oral expression.
Exam pattern
| Test | Tasks | Time limit | Marking | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reading comprehension | 5 tasks, 38 questions | 60 minutes | Automatic, immediate | 250 |
| Listening comprehension | 6 tasks, 38 questions | 55 minutes | Automatic, immediate | 250 |
| Written expression and interaction | 2 tasks | 50 minutes | By SIELE linguists | 250 |
| Oral expression and interaction | 5 tasks, recorded answers | 15 minutes | By SIELE linguists | 250 |
Marking and results
Reading and listening are marked automatically; writing and speaking are marked by trained linguists. Everything is managed electronically, and results arrive within three weeks at most, in your personal area. SIELE Global includes a 15-minute break between the listening and written expression tests. The certificate is valid for five years.
Important dates
There are no fixed exam dates. You choose the day, time, place and modality when you book.
Fees
The SIELE pages used here do not state the exam fee. Check the price in the booking system for your chosen modality and centre.
How to apply
Book on the SIELE site, choosing from more than 1,000 authorised exam centres in over 85 countries. Registration, booking and communications are all online. SIELE offers a demo, an exam guide (PDF), preparation materials and a candidate course.
After the exam
SIELE is accepted by many universities and organisations. In Spain, its official recognition covers selective tests for specialised health training places in several university degrees, and certificates in the SICELE system are treated as equivalent to the DELE except in the process of obtaining Spanish nationality. It is also used to earn the Seal of Biliteracy in several US states and is recognised by education authorities in some European countries.
Preparation tips
Try the free demo exam and the exam guide on the SIELE site before you book.
Practise typing and recording answers, since the exam is fully digital.
Choose the modality that matches what your university or employer asks for, because partial combinations do not give a full SIELE Global certificate.
Can I fail SIELE?
No. SIELE does not give a pass or fail result; you always receive a level based on your scores.
How long is a SIELE certificate valid?
Five years, according to the SIELE site.
When are SIELE exams held?
There are no fixed dates. You pick the day, time, place and modality when you book.