The Diplomas de Español como Lengua Extranjera (Diploma of Spanish as a Foreign Language), or DELE, are official diplomas issued by the Spanish Instituto Cervantes on behalf of the Spanish Ministry of Education and Science to participants who have passed a standardized test indicating their Spanish language proficiency. Every year, more than 60,000 examinations are taken by candidates in more than 800 examination centers from over than 100 countries. In many countries, the DELE Diplomas have been adopted by schools and universities as a complement to their own evaluation systems, such that it is used as an entry requirement for non-native Spanish speakers.
US students, for example, can use their DELE exams as proof of the knowledge they have gained and the level of Spanish they have attained. This can be helpful for students who went to Spain to learn Spanish and want to earn credit for independent study abroad in Spain or who want to place out of lower level Spanish courses and into upper level Spanish course.
Foreign students who learn Spanish and take the DELE exam frequently use their DELE exam certificates as proof of their level of Spanish to employers. For many foreign students, possession of a DELE exam enhances their resume and employment possibilities. US students can do the same.
As the importance of the Spanish language grows in the US for the healthcare, social services, business and tourism sectors, students who have learned Spanish will enjoy enhanced employment opportunities.
Because the DELE exam certificates are recognized by the Spanish Ministry of Education and Science, possession of a DELE certificate is an official, recognized certificate with which you can prove your level of Spanish to present and future employers.