DELE and SIELE Spanish exams: 2027 dates and how to register
DELE and SIELE are the two most widely used official Spanish certificates. This page sums up how they differ, the 2027 DELE dates and registration deadlines, DELE for schools, SIELE modalities and scores, and the official links to register.
- check_circle2027 exam dates
- check_circleDELE for schools
- check_circleOfficial sign-up links
update Last updated: . Exam facts are from the Instituto Cervantes and SIELE websites; check them there before you register.
DELE vs SIELE: what is the difference?
Both are official Spanish exams from Instituto Cervantes, and both report your level on the CEFR scale.
| DELE | SIELE | |
|---|---|---|
| Format | At an exam centre: written papers plus a speaking test with examiners | On a computer, at an accredited centre or remotely from home; the speaking part is recorded |
| Levels | A1 to C2, a separate exam per level; you choose the level when you register | One exam covering A1 to C1; your score gives your level |
| Result | Pass or fail; no certificate if you fail | A score for each part; the certificate shows the level you reached |
| Certificate validity | For life | 5 years |
| Exam dates | A few fixed dates a year; register in advance | Many dates; book a centre session or a remote exam |
| Results | About 3 months | Up to 3 weeks |
Choose DELE for a lifelong certificate
If your listening, speaking, reading and writing are fairly even and you want a certificate that never expires, take DELE at your target level.
Choose SIELE when you need proof fast
If a study or job application deadline is close, SIELE has more dates and faster results.
DELE: the Instituto Cervantes diplomas
DELE diplomas are official Spanish qualifications awarded by the Instituto Cervantes on behalf of Spain's Ministry of Education, held every year at more than 1,000 exam centres around the world.
Six levels, one exam each
Each level from A1 to C2 is a separate exam, so you choose your level when you register. It tests reading, listening, writing and speaking, and the result is pass or fail.
For schools: ages 11 to 17
DELE para escolares is the version for students aged 11 to 17, with an A1 exam and an A2/B1 exam (the 2027 calendar also lists B2/C1), held in May and November. Parents or guardians register students under 18.
The diploma never expires
A DELE diploma has no expiry date and is widely used for study and work; Spanish nationality applications also ask for DELE A2 or higher. You see your result and download the certificate from your personal area on the Instituto Cervantes site.
DELE exam dates 2027
Dates are for the written exams; your centre may hold the speaking exam a few days before or after. Registration deadlines are the Instituto Cervantes dates, and some centres close earlier.
Registration for 2027 opens on 18 November 2026. Registration for the last 2026 session (13–14 November) closed on 30 September 2026.
SIELE: one exam, your level from your score
SIELE was created by the Instituto Cervantes, UNAM (Mexico), the University of Salamanca and the University of Buenos Aires. It is taken on a computer, either at an authorised centre or remotely from home. You cannot fail: you always get a level.
| Exam | Tests | You get |
|---|---|---|
| SIELE Global | Reading, listening, writing, speaking about 180 min |
SIELE certificate, valid 5 years |
| S1 | Reading, listening about 115 min |
SIELE report |
| S2 | Reading, writing about 110 min |
SIELE report |
| S3 | Listening, speaking about 70 min |
SIELE report |
| S4 | Speaking about 15 min |
SIELE report |
| S5 | Writing, speaking about 65 min |
SIELE report |
Scored 0 to 1000
Each of the four tests is scored out of 250, and they add up to your total. Each test shows the level you reached, from A1 to C1; SIELE has no C2.
At a centre or from home
You book online and choose the date and time: at one of more than 1,000 centres in over 85 countries, or remotely from home. For the remote exam you need a closed, quiet room, a computer, a webcam, headphones with a microphone and a mobile phone.
Results within 3 weeks
Everything is handled online and results arrive within three weeks at most, which helps when a university or job deadline is close.
How to register: 4 steps
Find your level
For DELE you pick the level first, and aiming too high can mean a fail. If you are not sure, book a free trial class and the teacher will assess your level.
Pick a date, watch the deadline
DELE registration closes about 6 to 8 weeks before the written exam, so plan your preparation time. SIELE can be booked whenever a centre has places.
Register
Register for DELE with your nearest Instituto Cervantes or approved exam centre; some centres take registration through the Instituto Cervantes online shop. Book and pay for SIELE on the SIELE website. Each centre sets its own fees, so they vary by country.
Practise the exam tasks
Knowing each part's tasks and timing matters most. Our teachers can practise the writing and speaking tasks with you one to one, with mock exams.
For registration, fees and dates, check the official Instituto Cervantes site: cervantes.org · siele.org
DELE and SIELE questions
Should my child take DELE or SIELE?
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For students aged 11 to 17 we usually suggest DELE para escolares: the topics suit teenagers and the diploma never expires, like the general one. If proof of level is needed within weeks, SIELE gives results faster.
How much do the exams cost?
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Each exam centre sets its own fees, which vary by country and level; higher levels usually cost more. You see the actual price when you register with the centre or on the SIELE website.
When do results come out?
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DELE takes about 3 months; SIELE takes 3 weeks at most.
Do the certificates expire?
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A DELE diploma never expires. A SIELE Global certificate is valid for 5 years; the shorter modalities (S1 to S5) give a report instead.
Where can I take the exam?
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DELE is taken at an exam centre; choose the city nearest to you when you register. SIELE can be taken on a computer at a centre or remotely from home, if you meet the official room and equipment rules.
Can WeChatSpanish help me prepare?
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Yes. Our grammar classes follow the CEFR levels A1 to C2, and teachers can practise DELE or SIELE tasks with you one to one, especially writing and speaking, with mock exams. Start with a free trial class and the teacher will suggest the right level.
Preparing for DELE or SIELE? Start with a free trial class to find the right level to register for.
calendar_today Free trial: check your level