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Spanish Certification Exams explained

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Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. – Izaak Walton

Spanish is one of the most widely-spoken languages in the word, with an estimated 400 million people speaking it as their native language. As a result, it is an extremely popular second language for people to try to learn and many Spanish language students seek official certificates as evidence of their ability.

There are several official Spanish Certificate tests available, DELE (Diploma of Spanish as a foreign language) and SIELE (Servicio Internacional de Evaluación de la lengua española) and others:

Spanish language certificates are issued by a wide number of different bodies, in accordance with a variety of different guidelines and frameworks. Some of the most common Spanish certificates are listed below:

Diplomas of Spanish as a Foreign Language ( DELE )

International service of assessment of Spanish Language (SIELE)

Standards-Based Assessment & Measurement of Proficiency ( STAMP )

Certificate of Use of Language in Spanish ( CELU )

Oral Proficiency Interview in Spanish ( OPI )

European Consortium for the Certificate of Attainment in Modern Languages (ECL)

The European Language Certificates (TELC)

Each of the certificates mean different things and have different scales of measurement. For example, the Oral Proficiency Interview in Spanish assesses the learner’s functional speaking ability through the use of conversation, yet pays no attention to reading and writing ability. As a result, some certificates are more useful than others.

SIELE certifies the proficiency of Spanish command electronically with four tests: Reading and listening comprehension, Written expression and interaction and Spoken expression and interaction. The exam address the levels established by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Is promoted by the Instituto Cervantes, the Universidad Autónoma de México, the Universidad de Salamanca and the Universidad de Buenos Aires, guaranting the standards for quality of the tests and the use of diverse linguistic varieties in the Hispanic world.

Although there are many official certificates , The Cervantes Institute issues Spanish certificates in full accordance with the levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Here,  we look at the reasons for this and explain some of the key benefits to obtaining certificates as you learn.

BlanBla Spanish offers Spanish certificates preparation based on guidelines set out by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Created by the Council of Europe, this framework has set the standar for language assessments in Europe.

Courses in accordance to the CEFR can measure capability according to this framework. This is great advantage and it can be applied to any language. Framework is divided into three levels, and each one is divided into two sub-sections.

Based on estimates, level A1 will be reached after 75 hours, while level C2 takes around 1,000 learning hours. The CEFR focuses on the following learning activities, speaking, listening, reading and writing.

Spanish CEFR levels:

Level A1 – This is the beginner’s level. Topics in this course covers common greetings. After completing this level, you’ll be able to understand basic phrases and terms used in day-to-day situations.

Level A2 – This course covers basic knowledge of the Spanish language. Topics like personal information, employment and local geography… After completing Level A2, you will be able to articulate yourself in basic Spanish.

Level B1 – This level is pre-intermediate. A course will cover regular life encounters like at work or school. After this course, you will be able to communicate effectively in varied situations like travelling, share opinions and explanations for them.

Level B2 – Known as the intermediate level, this course includes complex texts. You will be able to speak the language with fluency and writing detailed texts.

Level C1 – Upper intermediate level. Topics are varied in this level: professional, academic and social contexts. You will be able to write detailed texts.

Level C2 – Advanced Spanish. Main acchivement is the reconstruction of arguments. When level C2 is finished, students can understand complex info and express ideas fluently.

*Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (by the Council of Europe)

Why Do You Need a Spanish Certificate?

If you decide to seek employment or apply to an academic institution in Spain, Mexico, Cuba, Argentina, or any other Spanish-speaking country, you may need to supply proof of your abilites in the language. CEFR level certificate can provide such proof.

If you want to apply for a job in a Spanish-speaking country the employer wants to know your ability in the Spanish language. This means that if you have a C1 or C2 certificate, for example, you can hold fuent conversations in Spanish, can write in the language and can also understand it when it is spoken to you.

The framework indicates what stage you are at with your learning and as a result, obtaining certificates is one of the best ways you can boost your application to a Spanish-speaking university or job.

If you need to get prepared and for more info, book in the next Webclass for free. Book a first information session here.

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