The SIELE (Servicio Internacional de Evaluación de la Lengua Española) is a modular, digital Spanish proficiency test recognised across Latin America and Spain. Unlike DELE, SIELE is entirely computer-based and scores are valid for five years. There is no single 'pass' — you receive a score from 0 to 1000, which maps to CEFR levels A1 to C1.
This page breaks down the SIELE exam pattern: how many sections, time per section, types of questions, the marking scheme, and what score you need for each CEFR level.
SIELE Exam Structure — Four Sections
SIELE consists of four independent tests. You can take all four in one sitting (SIELE Global) or register for individual tests (SIELE Individual). The total duration for SIELE Global is 3 hours.
| Section | Name | Time | Questions / Tasks | |---------|------|------|-------------------| | 1 | Reading Comprehension (Comprensión de lectura) | 60 min | 5 tasks, ~38 questions | | 2 | Listening Comprehension (Comprensión auditiva) | 55 min | 6 tasks, ~38 questions | | 3 | Written Expression and Interaction (Expresión e interacción escritas) | 50 min | 2 tasks | | 4 | Spoken Expression and Interaction (Expresión e interacción orales) | 15-20 min | 3 tasks |
Section 1: Reading Comprehension (60 minutes)
- 5 tasks with increasing difficulty.
- Task types: matching, multiple choice, true/false, sentence completion, text ordering.
- Texts range from short notices to long articles (up to 600 words).
- You cannot skip tasks — they appear in order.
Section 2: Listening Comprehension (55 minutes)
- 6 tasks, each with an audio clip (played once).
- Audio types: announcements, conversations, interviews, lectures.
- Questions are multiple choice or matching.
- You control playback — but cannot re-listen once the task is submitted.
Section 3: Written Expression and Interaction (50 minutes)
- Task 1: Write a short text (100-150 words) — e.g., an email, a blog comment, or a complaint.
- Task 2: Write a longer text (250-300 words) — e.g., an opinion essay or a formal letter.
- You type directly into the platform. No spell-check is provided.
Section 4: Spoken Expression and Interaction (15-20 minutes)
- Task 1: Read a short text aloud (preparation time given).
- Task 2: Respond to a recorded prompt — e.g., describe a photo or talk about a topic.
- Task 3: Simulated conversation with a pre-recorded interlocutor.
- Your responses are recorded and sent to human evaluators.
Take a free SIELE demo mock to find out where you stand: Try the demo →
SIELE Marking Scheme
SIELE uses a single numeric score from 0 to 1000. Each section contributes equally — 250 points max per section.
- Reading: 0–250 → scaled to CEFR
- Listening: 0–250 → scaled to CEFR
- Writing: 0–250 → scaled to CEFR
- Speaking: 0–250 → scaled to CEFR
Your total score is the sum of all four section scores. There is no minimum passing score — you always receive a certificate showing your score and CEFR level per skill.
CEFR Level Mapping (Total Score)
| Total Score | CEFR Level | |-------------|------------| | 0–180 | A1 | | 181–320 | A2 | | 321–560 | B1 | | 561–800 | B2 | | 801–1000 | C1 |
Note: These ranges are approximate and may shift slightly. Always verify the latest official conversion table on the SIELE portal.
Pass Criteria — There Is No "Fail"
SIELE does not have a binary pass/fail. You receive a score for each skill and a total score. The certificate lists your level per skill (e.g., Reading B2, Listening B1).
If you take SIELE Global, you get a single certificate with all four skill levels. If you take individual tests, each comes with its own certificate.
What score do most universities require?
- For undergraduate programs taught in Spanish: typically B2 overall (561–800).
- For postgraduate or professional registration: often C1 (801–1000).
- Some institutions accept a B2 in Reading and Listening only — check specific requirements.
See SIELE mock-test packs and pricing: View plans →
Key Differences Between SIELE and DELE
| Aspect | SIELE | DELE | |--------|-------|------| | Duration | 3 hours (Global) | ~3.5–4.5 hours | | Validity | 5 years | Lifetime | | Format | Fully digital | Paper + oral | | Pass/Fail | No — score-based | Yes — pass/fail | | Levels | A1–C1 (one exam) | Separate exam per level | | Cost | ~INR 7,000–10,000 (Global) — verify on official portal | ~INR 8,000–12,000 per level |
Preparation Tips for SIELE
- Practice with timed mock tests — the digital format requires speed.
- Focus on listening: audio plays only once.
- For writing, practice typing in Spanish (accents, punctuation).
- For speaking, record yourself and listen to pronunciation.
- Use official SIELE sample papers available on the SIELE website.