Often we are asked about the international exams for Spanish. There are various International exams that one can take in India. But the 2 most common are
1. DELE: Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera, DELE, are Spanish diplomas offered by Instituto Cervantes & Universidad de Salamanca where the Diploma of Spanish is awarded by Ministry of Education Culture & Sports, Government of Spain.
2. SIELE: Servicio Internacional de Evaluación de la Lengua Extranjera, SIELE, are Spanish proficiency test offered by Instituto Cervantes, Universidad de Salamanca, Universidad de Buenos Aires & Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México.
The similarities
1. Both are international exams for Spanish
2. Both use the CEFR (Common European Frame of Reference of languages) Index. This
means both evaluate candidate’s proficiency in levels named A1, A2, B1, B2 & C1 & C2
3. Both have the same structure (Written comprehension & expression, listening
comprehension, reading comprehension & oral expression)
4. DELE & SIELE are widely accepted as a measure of Spanish language proficiency
The differences
| DELE | SIELE |
|---|---|
| DELE is offered on specific dates. There is no flexibility of day or time. | SIELE can be attempted on any day at any time offered by the center |
| DELE is completely offline. This means the candidate has to travel to the center located in Mumbai, Delhi, Jaipur, Chennai, Musoorie or Bhopal | SIELE is completely online. Though you need to visit the center of the exam, these centers are located at more cities than DELE centers. Blend In has 2 centers. For SIELE in Mumbai, center in Navi Mumbai & for SIELE in Pune, one in Pune |
| The above points also means increased cost due to traveling & stay & travelling time to reach the center in the respective cities for students of outside cities. | As told before, there are more SIELE centers in India compared to DELE & hence less traveling expenses, less lodging expenses & less travel time. For students around Pune or Navi Mumbai Blend In is the authorized center. |
| If unfortunately a candidate fails a certain level, he/she will have to appear to the next exam at least 2/3 months later. | If unfortunately a candidate fails a certain level, he/she can appear to the exam in a week time. |
| DELE exams are offered for every level independently. Although you can appear to any level if one fails in any exam ,he has to reappear for the same again or appear to exam of other level. For instance after doing the Spanish B1 course, Abhijit has to appear to DELE B1 exam or he can appear to DELE A2 but he can not appear to both. | SIELE global exam is offered for all the levels from A1 to C1. This essentially means that if anyone can appear for all the levels at one time plus if he/she scores more they get the certificate of higher CEFR level than expected & if they failed to score they get lower CEFR level than expected (Unless they fail to score minimum marks required to obtain A1) Referring Abhijit’s case after doing Spanish B1 course, Abhijit can appear to SIELE global exam, he may get a certificate of B1 or A2 or in the worst case scenario A1. |
| In DELE, you appear to one exam comprising of Listening, Speaking, Reading & Writing skills. | SIELE on the contrary offers various modules (along with SIELE global which is same as DELE). Which means combining only one or two skills at a time. For more detailed explanation read this blog https://www.blendinlanguageservices.com/siele-options-at-blend-in/ |
| DELE results may take 3 months to be declared from the date of exam | SIELE results can be obtained in 3 weeks after the exam |
| DELE score & certificate is valid for lifetime | SIELE score is only valid for 5 years |
| Compared to lower levels of DELE, the exam prices for SIELE global are higher | Compared to lower levels of DELE, the exam prices for SIELE global are higher |
How can Blend In help you?
DELE
Our Technical Head & Director, Mr. Rahul Sahasrabuddhe, is an Official Examiner for DELE. Having a hands on knowledge of the expectations of the examiners, he has curated a Training Course for students wanting to appear to DELE. Take a look
https://www.blendinlanguageservices.com/services/dele-preparation/
Under his guidance, we are also trying to come up with even more comprehensive course than the existing one. One which will not only help take up a mock exam but to prepare for the exam from scratch.
SIELE
Blend In is an authorized center for SIELE in Navi Mumbai & SIELE in Pune. You can contact us for booking an appointment & then taking up the exam. No waiting, no traveling & no stay. You can take up the exam next week. How about that!!! Call us now