Obtaining a Spanish language certification has plenty of advantages. Some schools and workplaces require Spanish language learners to hold a Spanish language certificate. Obviously, they see the benefit. But a lot of people are unsure if the exams are worth it.
Why go for it? Official certification demonstrates that you have achieved a certain level of proficiency using a standardized measurement. Going on a holiday to Spain for three months or being able to order food at a Mexican restaurant is not the same as holding a conversation in a professional setting. Even so, people tend to add “Spanish language” to their resume based on those experiences. A language certification is a way to legitimize and clarify your specific level of Spanish language knowledge.
If you’re serious about moving to a Spanish-speaking country or working for a company headquartered in Spain or Latin America, a Spanish language certification will help you stand out as a student or professional. Which kind is best for you? Let’s find out.
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Spanish language levels
A key difference between Spanish language certifications is the scoring framework they use to judge a test-taker. There are multiple different frameworks, but here are the two most common.
Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)
As the name implies, this is the standard scale to judge language proficiency in Europe. It is also widely used around the world. There are six levels:
- A1 Basic: Can use and understand familiar, everyday expressions
- A2 Basic: Can communicate simple, routine tasks and personal background
- B1 Independent: Can understand familiar topics of school, work and leisure; can deal with most situations that may arise while traveling
- B2 Independent: Can understand main ideas of complex texts on concrete and abstract topics; can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity
- C1 Proficient: Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts and recognize implicit meaning; can speak fluently and spontaneously
- C2 Proficient: Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read
American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL)
As the name implies, ACTFL proficiency levels are more common in the United States. There are five levels (beginner, intermediate, advanced, superior and distinguished) with three sublevels (low, medium, high). Here’s how each level breaks down:
- Beginner: Can communicate short, predictable messages
- Intermediate: Can create unique messages regarding familiar themes
- Advanced: Can participate in conversations about life, common interests and national or international themes
- Superior: Can communicate with precision and fluency in both formal and informal conversations about abstract themes
- Distinguished: Can use the language skillfully in a way that is articulate and educated
Now that we’ve defined the different language-level frameworks, let’s take a look at the various certification options that are available.
1. Diplomas of Spanish as a Foreign Language (DELE)
The DELE exam is administered by the Instituto Cervantes for the Ministry of Education and Professional Development in Spain.
- Framework used: CEFR
- Exam elements: Listening comprehension, reading comprehension, listening comprehension, oral expression and interaction
- Recognition: International
- Purpose: Work, study, immigration, personal achievement
- Validity: Indefinite
- Location: In-person
- When: On specific dates
2. Servicio Internacional de Evaluación de la Lengua Española (SIELE)
The SIELE exam offers Spanish language certification online. It is promoted by Instituto Cervantes, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Universidad de Salamanca (USAL) and Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA).
- Framework used: CEFR
- Exam elements: Listening comprehension, reading comprehension, listening comprehension, oral expression and interaction
- Recognition: International
- Purpose: Work, study, personal achievement
- Validity: Five years
- Location: Online
- When: On specific dates
3. Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) by Language Testing International
The OPI also offers Spanish language certification online. It’s the only official proficiency test for the ACTFL. OPI is used for employment in many Fortune 500 companies.
- Framework used: ACTFL
- Exam elements: Listening, reading, speaking and writing
- Recognition: International
- Purpose: Work, study, personal achievement
- Validity: Two years
- Location: Online
- When: Anytime
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4. Standards-based Measurement of Proficiency (STAMP) 4S by Avant
The STAMP 4S exam by Avant was developed in the United States but offers test-takers a Global Seal of Biliteracy along with college credit.
- Framework used: ACTFL
- Exam elements: Reading, writing, listening and speaking
- Recognition: US
- Purpose: Work, study, personal achievement
- Validity: Indefinite
- Location: Online
- When: 6 a.m.–5 p.m. PST
5. CELU Certificate of Spanish Language and Use
The CELU is based in Argentina and recognized by the Ministry of Education and many Argentinian public universities.
- Framework used: Proprietary (comparable to CEFR/ACTFL)
- Exam elements: Oral and written. The oral section includes the reading of short texts.
- Recognition: Argentina, Europe
- Purpose: Work, study, personal achievement
- Validity: Indefinite
- Location: In-person at participating locations
- When: June and November
6. College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)
Students may take the CLEP exam to receive college-level credit for Spanish and therefore fulfill the requirement to take Spanish classes at the university level.
- Framework used: Proprietary
- Exam elements: Listening, reading
- Recognition: US
- Purpose: Study
- Validity: Indefinite
- Location: Online or in-person
- When: Student schedules dates
7. Lingoda Language Certificate
Lingoda offers language certificates for every level of the CEFR framework. As students complete classes at certain levels, they receive a certificate. No exam is necessary.
- Framework used: CEFR
- Elements: Listening, reading, speaking
- Recognition: international
- Purpose: Study, work, personal achievement
- Validity: Indefinite
- Location: Online
- When: Anytime
Which Spanish language certification is best?
Which Spanish language certification will help you the most depends on your needs. Do you want US college credit? Use CLEP. Want the best international reputation? Choose DELE. Applying for a job at a multinational company? Consider opting for OPI. Here are some top picks based on these criteria:
- Value-for-money: SIELE
- Convenience: OPI
- Reputation: DELE
- General: Lingoda
Value-for-money goes to SIELE because it has the convenience of online testing, includes all elements at one price and is internationally recognized. But both SIELE and OPI have expiration dates, unlike DELE (which is valid forever).
Get legit with a Spanish language certification
A Spanish language certificate tells your company or school that you have proven capabilities. Taking a Spanish language certification online or in person is also a fantastic goal in terms of personal development. Choosing the best exam depends on your time, resources and needs. If you’re in Europe, focus on exams that use the CEFR framework. US-based workers and students, on the other hand, should consider ACTFL framework certificates.
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Alison Maciejewski Cortez
Alison Maciejewski Cortez is Chilean-American, born and raised in California. She studied abroad in Spain, has lived in multiple countries, and now calls Mexico home. She believes that learning how to order a beer in a new language reveals a lot about local culture. Alison speaks English, Spanish, and Thai fluently and studies Czech and Turkish. Her tech copywriting business takes her around the world and she is excited to share language tips as part of the Lingoda team. Follow her culinary and cultural experiences on X.
