Top 5 Recognized Spanish language certification to show your proficiency level 

Spanish Language Certification & Exams  

There are several internationally recognized Spanish language certifications that can help you demonstrate your proficiency. Here are some of the main ones:

1.) Diplomas of Spanish as a Foreign Language (DELE) –

It is an internationally recognized certification. It shows your language proficiency in the Spanish language. You can take their test in six levels: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 & C2. They will evaluate four of your basic skill levels such as reading, comprehension, written expression and oral expression. This is one of the best Spanish certification test.  

A score of 60% is required in order to pass the test and you will receive a certification upon completion of your level. DELE certification does not expire and is valid for all periods of time. The accreditation for this is issued by Instituto Cervantes. It helps to show the Spanish language ability at various levels.  

This certification also aligns with the CEFR framework. You should take this exam if you’re looking to get Spanish citizenship, get a work permit or looking for a post-secondary level qualification.  

2.) Certificate of Use of Language in Spanish (CELU) –

This is also an internationally recognized certification as well. Universities in Argentina, Brazil, Italy and China accept CELU certifications. Online Spanish courses for adults can help you prepare for the exam. Listening, writing, reading, and speaking are the skill levels you will need to demonstrate to pass the CELU exams. CELU can help you determine your Spanish proficiency levels. 

The exam is for 3 hours and the oral part lasts for about 20 minutes. People that wish to study in a Spanish speaking country and would like to show their Spanish fluency should take the CELU exams. The CELU accreditation does not expire and is valid for any period of time. 

 Examiners grade CELU test takers by using a “good” to “excellent” grading scale during review of your test. Professionals can also take this exam if they wish to get a certification that displays that they have acquired advanced or intermediate skills that allow them to work in a Spanish speaking company.  

3.) The European Language Certificates (TELC) –

TELC certifications are designed by Association of Language Testers, Europe – ALTE. India, Malayasia and a total of 25 countries is where the test can be taken. It evaluates reading, comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, writing, and speaking. If you wish to migrate to a Spanish speaking country, you can take the TELC exams to prove your fluency.  

These exams will basically examine five different skills. The exam level you register for will determine the duration of the exam as well. Reading part gives you 90 minutes, listening gives you 20 minutes and you have approximately 30 minutes for the writing part. You will be graded out of a score of 300. TELC exams can help you obtain a Spanish language certification. 

4.) Servicio Internacional de Evaluación de la Lengua Española (SIELE) –

This is a certification which covers five of the six levels of CEFR. The only one you cannot get is the C2 level as it is not available. Many good universities in Argentina, Spain, and Mexico have created it and it is internationally recognized.  The test will assess reading, listening, writing and speaking comprehension through four different exams.  

Post secondary level students should look to take the SIELE. 1,000 is the total number of points that you can get, and the examiners grade you on each of these four exams on a scale of zero to 250. People that score between zero and 32.99 have A1 level skills, ones between 118 and 177.99 have B2 level skills and between 217 and 250 score have C2 level skills. With SIELE, you can help understand your proficiency in Spanish. 

5.) European Consortium for the Certificate of Modern Languages – (ECL) 

It certifies only three levels namely B1, B2, and C1. The exams will test four Spanish skill such as oral expression, listening comprehension, written expression, and reading comprehension. There are two types of exams: written and oral. You must score at least 60% to pass the exams.  

There is no online version of the test. People wanting to demonstrate their Spanish language skills or those wanting a work visa in a Spanish speaking country should take these exams. It will help get you a Spanish language certification.  

Levels of Spanish Language  

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is a standardized scale for assessing and categorizing language proficiency levels. According to this framework, there are six levels of Spanish:     

A1 & A2 (Beginner) 

Spanish A1 & A2 are the levels for people just starting to learn Spanish. Students with A1 & A2 levels can introduce themselves and others as well as provide personal information about themselves and their daily activities. By completing levels A1 & A2, you can get a Spanish speaking certification. 

B1 & B2 (Intermediate) 

Spanish B1 & B2 are intermediate levels. At this stage, Spanish learners can understand the main ideas of standard situations they may encounter at work, school, leisure, and other daily life situations. Because they have a solid foundation, they can also deal with most situations that arise when traveling to a Spanish-speaking country.  These levels help to understand and determine our level of Spanish proficiency.  

C1 & C2 (Advanced) 

C1 & C2 are the last levels of Spanish proficiency. A C1 & C2 level of Spanish is essentially a native level. As a result, speakers are able to understand everything they hear or read, and they can communicate with fluency and precision while understanding different shades of meaning.  

Conclusion  (Spanish Language Certification)

Getting a Spanish language certification is a fantastic goal. No matter which online program you choose to get your certificate, surround yourself with the language, and learn as much as possible. 

A certificate in Spanish language can open up various career opportunities across multiple sectors. Common roles include translator, interpreter, language teacher, and relations specialist. These positions involve using Spanish language skills to communicate effectively, translate documents, teach Spanish, or work in multinational organizations.