Taking a Spanish Language Proficiency Test with NiceTutor

Taking a Spanish Language Proficiency Test with NiceTutor

Learning Spanish can start as a hobby for holiday conversations or become a necessity if you're planning to work in one of the 20 Spanish-speaking countries. With an estimated 440 million speakers globally, Spanish fluency is a valuable professional asset.

To communicate effectively in Spain, Argentina, Mexico, or Colombia, you might consider taking a Spanish course at a language school, online, or at university. But to certify your language level for your resume, there are several diplomas and language tests available. Having Spanish proficiency on paper is often a requirement for employers, especially if you aim to work in countries like Costa Rica, Panama, or Chile.

This article summarizes the various Spanish certifications, their implications, and costs.

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DELE (Diplomas de Español como Lengua Extranjera)

DELE levels

A DELE test validates your Spanish level as defined by the Spanish government. It offers six levels:

• A1: Beginner
• A2: Basic
• B1: Intermediate
• B2: Advanced Intermediate
• C1: Advanced
• C2: Fluent Each level aligns with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Reasons to Take the DELE

• International recognition
• Validate your Spanish class progress
• Boost confidence and awareness of your language development

Where to Take the DELE

• Hispanic countries or Spain
• DELE test centers worldwide, often found at Instituto de Cervantes locations

Cost of the DELE

The price varies by level and test center. Expect to pay between £100-170 (€78-170; $105-180 USD; $147-269 AUD), depending on your level and location.

Structure of the DELE Test

Each DELE level is different, assessing five skills:

• Written comprehension
• Listening comprehension
• Written expression
• Oral expression and pronunciation
• Spanish grammar and vocabulary The exam is pass/fail, with a requirement of at least 30 out of 50 points in each group, and 60 out of 100 in total to pass.

CELU Spanish Certificate for Second-Language Speakers

The Certificate of Use of Language in Spanish (CELU) assesses proficiency in Argentinian Spanish. It's for non-native speakers aiming to work or study in Spanish-speaking countries. Candidates must be at least 16 and show a minimum of three years of high school education.

SIELE Language Proficiency Test

The Servicio Internacional de Evaluación de la Lengua Española (SIELE) assesses professional and student Spanish proficiency for business and education. Managed by the Instituto de Cervantes, it's developed with various universities, offering a balanced approach to Spanish variants. The test assesses all four language skills and is based on the CEFR, from A1 to C1.

University of Central Florida's Spanish FLPE

The Foreign Language Proficiency Exam (FLPE) at UCF evaluates listening and reading comprehension, vocabulary, and grammatical accuracy in Spanish. It's a 2.5-hour exam assessing the first two semesters of language skills.

Choosing the Right Test

Decide which diploma suits your needs, considering the CECRL levels from A1 to C2. B2 is often required for work in Hispanic countries.

This overview should help you choose the best certification for your Spanish language goals. Dive in and select the path that aligns with your aspirations!

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