MundoDELE vs DELE vs SIELE: Which Spanish Certificate Do You Need?
Not every Spanish certificate serves the same purpose.
MundoDELE, DELE and SIELE all document Spanish proficiency, but they differ in issuer, format, CEFR coverage, validity and the situations in which they are typically used.
If a university, employer or authority names a specific certificate, follow that requirement. If no specific official exam is required, a CEFR-based institutional certificate may be sufficient.
The Main Difference
MundoDELE issues an institutional Spanish Level Certificate after a CEFR-based online proficiency assessment with live speaking, writing and human academic review.
DELE is an official Spanish diploma issued by the Instituto Cervantes on behalf of Spain’s Ministry of Education. It covers CEFR levels A1 to C2 and has indefinite validity.
SIELE is an official Spanish proficiency certificate administered electronically and supported by the Instituto Cervantes, UNAM, the University of Salamanca and the University of Buenos Aires. It reports proficiency on a scale corresponding to CEFR A1 to C1 and is valid for five years.
At a Glance
MundoDELE
Institutional Certificate
CEFR A1–C2
Fully online, single 60-minute live video call with a MundoDELE examiner.
Speaking, writing, listening, grammar, vocabulary and practical language use with human academic review.
Personalised MundoDELE Spanish Level Certificate.
Normally within 2 business days.
€85.
DELE
Official Spanish Diploma
CEFR A1–C2 for adult exams.
Instituto Cervantes on behalf of Spain’s Ministry of Education.
Pass or fail for the level taken; successful candidates receive the official diploma.
Indefinite.
Scheduled exam sessions through the official DELE examination network.
An institution, authority or employer specifically requires DELE or an official Spanish diploma.
SIELE
Official Spanish Certificate
Scale with CEFR equivalences from A1 to C1.
Instituto Cervantes, UNAM, University of Salamanca and University of Buenos Aires.
Computer-based and administered through SIELE examination centres by appointment.
Numerical score with CEFR equivalences; SIELE Global is scored out of 1,000 points.
Five years.
A recognised official certificate with flexible scheduling and a scored result is required.
MundoDELE vs DELE vs SIELE
| Feature | MundoDELE | DELE | SIELE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate type | Institutional certificate | Official Spanish diploma | Official Spanish certificate |
| CEFR coverage | A1–C2 | A1–C2 | A1–C1 |
| Assessment format | Live online assessment | Official examination sessions | Computer-based examination |
| Speaking assessed | Yes, live with an examiner | Yes | Yes |
| Writing assessed | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Result format | Assessed CEFR level | Pass/fail at the selected level | Score with CEFR equivalence |
| Validity | Institutional certificate; acceptance depends on receiving organisation | Indefinite | Five years |
| Typical reason to choose | Fast documented CEFR assessment where an institutional certificate is accepted | A specific official diploma or DELE requirement | Official scored certification with flexible appointment-based testing |
Which Option Should You Choose?
Choose MundoDELE if…
You need a human-reviewed CEFR assessment and personalised certificate, and the receiving university, employer or organisation accepts an institutional language certificate.
Choose DELE if…
A university, authority, employer or administrative procedure specifically requires DELE or an official Spanish diploma with indefinite validity.
Choose SIELE if…
You need an official electronically administered Spanish certificate with a numerical score and CEFR equivalence from A1 to C1.
Always Check the Requirement First
A certificate is only useful for a formal purpose if the receiving organisation accepts it.
If a university, employer, immigration authority or other organisation explicitly names DELE, SIELE or another certificate, use the required route.
If the requirement simply asks for documented Spanish proficiency or a CEFR level, ask whether an institutional certificate such as MundoDELE is accepted before booking.
What the MundoDELE Certificate Looks Like
The MundoDELE certificate documents your full name, assessed Spanish proficiency level, corresponding CEFR level, assessment date, issuing institution and individual certificate number.
It is issued digitally and can be presented where the receiving organisation accepts this type of institutional certificate.
Choose by Purpose
University & Student Mobility
For university applications, Erasmus, exchange semesters, study abroad and internships.
Work & Professional Use
For job applications, professional development, internal mobility and international assignments.
Companies & Employees
For companies assessing employees, international teams and training needs.
Not Sure Which Certificate You Need?
Ana Inés Ruesjas Martín
Academic Coordinator & Head of Teaching
Ana can help you understand the difference between MundoDELE’s institutional assessment and official exam routes such as DELE and SIELE.
If you need a certificate for a specific university, employer or formal procedure, first check the exact requirement of the receiving organisation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the MundoDELE certificate the same as DELE?
No. MundoDELE issues an institutional certificate following its own CEFR-based proficiency assessment. DELE is an official Spanish diploma issued by the Instituto Cervantes on behalf of Spain’s Ministry of Education.
Is the MundoDELE certificate the same as SIELE?
No. SIELE is an official electronically administered Spanish certification service backed by the Instituto Cervantes, UNAM, the University of Salamanca and the University of Buenos Aires. MundoDELE is an institutional certificate issued after a MundoDELE proficiency assessment.
Which exam covers C2?
MundoDELE assesses proficiency from A1 to C2. DELE offers adult exams from A1 to C2. SIELE reports proficiency from A1 to C1.
How long are DELE and SIELE valid?
According to the Instituto Cervantes, DELE diplomas have indefinite validity. SIELE certificates and reports are valid for five years.
Which certificate should I use for university?
Use the certificate required by the university. If no specific certificate is named, ask whether an institutional CEFR-based certificate is accepted.
Which certificate should I use for work?
That depends on the employer’s requirements. MundoDELE can document assessed Spanish proficiency for professional use, while DELE or SIELE may be required where an official certification is specifically requested.
Comparison details for DELE and SIELE are based on current information published by the Instituto Cervantes.
Instituto Cervantes: DELE vs SIELE FAQ · About DELE · About SIELE
Need a Fast CEFR-Based Spanish Assessment?
MundoDELE provides a fully online, human-reviewed Spanish proficiency assessment from CEFR A1 to C2 with a personalised certificate.
€85 · 60-minute live assessment · Certificate normally within 2 business days
Return to the Online Spanish Proficiency Assessment & Certificate.