SIELE: Exam preparation
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Sign up for freeWhat is the SIELE exam?
SIELE (Servicio Internacional de Evaluación de la Lengua Española) is a Certificate of proficiency in Spanish on a point-scale equivalent to the A1-C1 CEFR levels.
With this exam you can obtain the admission requirements for studying in Spanish speaking universities around the world such as Spain, México and Argentina.
SIELE is issued by Cervantes Institute, National Autonomous University of Mexico, University of Salamanca and Universidad de Buenos Aires.
Differences between SIELE and DELE?
SIELE and DELE are both language proficiency tests in Spanish but what are the main differences between them?
See the table below to find out:
| DELE | SIELE | |
|---|---|---|
| Description | Diploma of Spanish language proficiency. | Certificate of proficiency in Spanish. |
| Entity | Spanish Ministry of Education and Science. Managed by Cervantes Institute. | Cervantes Institute, National Autonomous University of Mexico, University of Salamanca and Universidad de Buenos Aires. |
| Origin | Spain | Spain, México and Argentina. |
| Validity | Indefinitely | 5 years |
| Examination | On paper, in testing centres. | On computer, in testing centres. |
| Level | A1-C2 | A1-C1 |
| Result information | Pass or fail system. | Score on a scale of 1000 points equivalent to the CERF levels. |
| Result notification | 2 months | 3 weeks |
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Why is it useful to take the SIELE exam?
These certified exams are aimed at those who do not have Spanish as their mother tongue.
It is useful if you want to enroll in a Spanish speaking course at university (without having to carry out an initial test) or to work.
Where is the SIELE recognized?
The SIELE certificate is internationally recognised by the majority of institutions and companies.
SIELE is required by universities as admission for courses held entirely in Spanish.
How much does the SIELE cost?
The price of the exam varies depending on the country and certified centre chosen.
Follow the link and select a country to find out about the price.
How is the SIELE structured?
SIELE offers two exam modalities:
- SIELE global
- Independent modalities
SIELE global
It's a single multilevel exam that follows the standard structure set by CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).
The exam is divided in 4 activities:
- Reading comprehension
- Listening comprehension
- Written expression and interaction
- Spoken expression and interaction
Independent modalities
Independent modalities are a combination of various tests.
See the table below with the 5 combinations offered:
| Test | Combination | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | S1 | Reading comprehension + Listening comprehension |
| 2 | S2 | Reading comprehension + Written expression and interaction |
| 3 | S3 | Listening comprehension + Spoken expression and interaction |
| 4 | S4 | Spoken expression and interaction |
| 5 | S5 | Written expression and interaction + Spoken expression and interaction |
NOTE: If you pass the SIELE GLOBAL you will obtain a certificate, however, if you pass Independent modalities you will obtain a report or partial exam.
How is the SIELE scored?
There is no pass or fail; The certification includes a score from 0 to 1000 (Maximum of 250 points for each activity) equivalent to the CEFR levels.
See the table below with the score and assigned level:
Reading comprehension:
| Primary | Marks |
|---|---|
| C1 | 217 - 250 |
| B2 | 178 - 216,99 |
| B1 | 118 - 177,99 |
| A2 | 66 - 117,99 |
| A1 | 33 - 65,99 |
| Below A1 | 0 - 32,99 |
Listening comprehension
| Primary | Marks |
|---|---|
| C1 | 211 - 250 |
| B2 | 164 - 210,99 |
| B1 | 112 -163,99 |
| A2 | 66 - 111,99 |
| A1 | 33 - 65,99 |
| Below A1 | 0 - 32,99 |
Written expression and interaction
| Primary | Cut off points |
|---|---|
| C1 | 215,00 - 250,00 |
| B2 | 167,00 - 214,99 |
| B1 | 104,00 - 166,99 |
| A2 | 69,00 - 103,99 |
| A1 | 34,00 - 68,99 |
| Below A1 | 0 - 33,99 |
Oral expression and interaction
| Primary | Cut off points |
|---|---|
| C1 | 215,00 - 250,00 |
| B2 | 176,00 - 214,99 |
| B1 | 125,00 - 175,99 |
| A2 | 76,00 - 124,99 |
| A1 | 40,00 - 75,99 |
| Below A1 | 0 - 39,99 |
How to register for the exam?
In order to register for the exam, you need to follow these simple steps:
- Sign up to the official SIELE site.
- Select the exam modality you desire (SIELE global or Independent modalities).
- Select the country, date and examination centre.
After you are successfully registered, you will receive a confirmation email with further information.
Where and when does the SIELE exam take place?
The exam takes place in examination centres in Spain and around the world.
Find the examination centre closest to you and the dates available.
How to prepare for the SIELE exam?
To pass the exam with good grade you need to be prepared in advance on the form of the test. Therefore, you should practice all the 4 activities.
Online you can find examples of previous exams.
In addition, it is important to take familiarity with the language by practicing speaking with a mother tongue.
How can I improve my grammar for free?
coLanguage offers 73 lessons and more than 145 exercises, which allow you to learn and understand Spanish grammar.
This way you will improve your grammar for free and pass the exam with excellent grades.
What if I fail the exam?
There is no "pass or fail"; Candidates will receive a certification or report alongside the level achieved from A1 to C1.
The exam is repeatable as many times as desired, there are no limitations.
Online tutoring
At coLanguage you'll find professional language teachers who can help you prepare for the SIELE exam.
How does it work?
- Register as a student on coLanguage and find the right teacher for you.
- Arrange your private lessons via Skype.
- Teaching geared to the level (A1-C2).
- Flexible appointment with the teachers.
- Prepare for the exam from anywhere in the world.
For more info on the SIELE exam
- https://siele.org/en/web/guest/conoce-siele
- https://cursosinternacionales.usal.es/en/what-difference-between-siele-and-dele
SIELE exam sample
SIELE Global: https://examendemo.siele.org/