Guides / DELE & SIELE writing
DELE vs SIELE: which Spanish exam should you take?
Both the DELE and SIELE certify your Spanish, but they work differently. Here's a practical comparison to help you decide, especially if writing is a focus.
Format
The DELE is paper-based and handwritten, taken on fixed dates at authorised centres. The SIELE is computer-based, offered on flexible dates, and feels faster and more modern. The writing skills you need are almost identical.
Results and validity
The DELE gives a pass/fail diploma at a chosen level (A1–C2), issued by the Instituto Cervantes and valid for life — widely recognised by institutions and governments. The SIELE reports a CEFR score per skill, comes back quickly, and is typically valid for a set period (often five years).
Which to choose
Choose the DELE if you need a permanent, widely recognised diploma at a specific level (common for citizenship or some universities). Choose the SIELE for fast, flexible testing and a CEFR profile. Always check exactly what your institution requires.
Preparing the writing for either
Because the writing tasks overlap heavily, the same practice prepares you for both: timed exam-style tasks with feedback on task fulfilment, coherence, grammar and vocabulary. Escrito trains exactly this — start free.
Practise your writing with instant feedback
Escrito scores your Spanish writing on exam-style criteria, explains every mistake and shows a corrected version.
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