Maybe you are thinking about taking the DELE exam or perhaps you are totally determined to do the exam next Fall... Or maybe you have never heard about DELE or SIELE and you are curious to know what it is all about? In any case, here's some breaking news that, as a Spanish student, you shouldn't miss!
When can I take my DELE exam? How should I register for it?
DELE is so far the official exam for those who want to assess their level in the Spanish language and get a diploma that certifies their knowledge and competence in the Spanish language. It stands for Diploma en Español como Lengua Extranjera. Something like Cambridge exams in the UK, or DELF/DALF in France. So, no matter what your level is, you can take this exam and get your diploma. The exam takes place at least three times a year in most countries in the world, including all the Spanish-speaking countries and the United States. You just have to choose which level you would like to do, from A1 to C2, and sign up for the exam at your closest examination center by filling a registration form and paying the registration taxes.
If you are planning on taking your DELE exam soon, you can do it in Fall 2015, at two different dates:
October 16 (for those who do A1, A2, B1, and B2).
November 21 and 22 (for all levels, from A1 to C2).
If you want to take your exam in October, don't forget to sign up before September 9. Take a look at the official site to find out all the information and to check what your closest examination center is.
But now, what does SIELE mean?
SIELE is a new exam that will also certify your proficiency in the Spanish language. It stands for Servicio Internacional de Evaluación de la Lengua Española and it aims to be a more international certificate, but also easier to get when it comes to the registration process and assessment procedure. The varieties spoken in Latin American countries will have a more special presence now. Also, it will provide a different evaluation system, based on your points over 1000, as in the TOEFL exam. However, it will only be "official" for two years, whereas the DELE certificate was supposed to "last forever".
So what can I do now?
But don't panic if you already signed up for DELE or if you even passed your exam! SIELE is a new exam and will start working by 2016. It will coexist with DELE, at least for a few years. This means you will be able to choose which one you prefer and take it, as simple as that. Just consider this: to take DELE, you will have to plan it with some time ahead since it is a "presencial" exam that takes place just a few times a year. SIELE can be taken more often and has a simple registration system. But, of course, your DELE certificate will never ever expire!
Anyway! DELE is a really difficult exam...Not only for the use of the language is involves, but also because, in order to be successful at it, you will have to be very accurate in your answers, take into account all the little nuances and details of the language, be an extremely fast reader and, most importantly, be very familiar with the exam "format". Our advice is to follow some courses that will help you prepare yourself to pass the exam, even if you are fluent in Spanish.
At ELINQUA, we offer you DELE preparation courses at all levels, as part of our online Spanish courses. They are one-on-one lessons, where you will improve your Spanish but also, you will get to know all the different parts of the exam and practice them all thoroughly. Don't hesitate to get one of our trial lessons to know what our online Spanish lessons are like!