DELE or SIELE — which Spanish certificate do you need?
Both are official Spanish certificates issued by, or through, the Instituto Cervantes — but they're built for different purposes, with a very different result once you pass.
This page explains the two main certificate options. Lerniyo doesn't issue either of these — our own exam is built in their style to prepare you, but a residency, citizenship, university, or job application that asks for one of these requires sitting the official exam through the Instituto Cervantes or an authorized center. Requirements vary by institution and change over time, so always confirm with whoever is asking for the certificate.
The two options
DELE (Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera)
A pass/fail diploma, run by the Instituto Cervantes. Once you pass, it's valid for life — there's no renewal or expiry.
A1 to C2, one exam per level
Spanish citizenship (A2 specifically), university admission, some jobs
SIELE (Servicio Internacional de Evaluación de la Lengua Española)
A single test that gives you a score from 0 to 1000, mapped to a CEFR level from A1 to C1 — not pass/fail, and not tied to one specific level.
A1 to C1, scored on one scale
University admission, job applications, or anywhere a recent, dated score is preferred over a permanent diploma
Which one should you take?
If you're applying for Spanish citizenship, you specifically need the DELE A2 diploma — SIELE doesn't cover that requirement. For most other goals (university, work, general proof of level), check exactly what the institution asks for: some prefer DELE's permanent diploma, others accept or prefer SIELE's dated score. When in doubt, DELE's permanent diploma tends to be the safer default since it never expires.
Common questions
Does Lerniyo issue a DELE or SIELE certificate?
No. Lerniyo's own certificate confirms you completed our curriculum. It's built in the style of these exams to prepare you, but you still need to register for and sit the official exam through the Instituto Cervantes or an authorized center.
Which one is cheapest?
Prices vary by country and exam center — there's no single answer. Check the specific exam center near you.
Can I prepare for either of them with Lerniyo?
Yes. The CEFR levels (A1 to C1/C2) are the same across both, so the Spanish you learn with Lerniyo prepares you for whichever one you end up booking.
Does SIELE expire?
Yes — a SIELE score is valid for 5 years. DELE, once passed, is valid for life.