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If you are studying Spanish through ¹ú²úÂ×Àí’s Modern and Classical Language Studies department, you have most likely come across various Spanish language certifications, including the DELE and ACTFL. 

These certifications assess your proficiency levels in different ways, so it’s important to know the differences beforehand, so you can select the correct test based on your future aspirations. Below, we have compared the two, including what they entail, measure, and how to prepare for success in each.

What Is the DELE?

The (Diplomas de Español como Lengua Extranjera) is an official certification of proficiency levels in the Spanish language that is issued by the Instituto Cervantes on behalf of the Ministry of Education of Spain. The DELE is an earned certificate that can prove Spanish proficiency to universities, employers, and the government. This is the most commonly accepted certification for showing proficiency in the Spanish language. 

The DELE is organized through a fixed level system which applicants must register directly for:

• The A1 and A2 are the first set of levels that indicate basic communication skills.
• These are followed by B1 and B2, which are tied to independent fluency, everyday conversation, and for work/businesses.
• The highest levels are C1 and C2, which validate only the most advanced proficiencies.

Each of these 6 levels examine the skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking, and the results will either indicate a pass or fail. What differentiates this certification is how the diploma has no expiration date. Although, it is important to note, employers and organizations may request the latest certification as proof of current abilities. 

Learn ¹ú²úÂ×Àí the ACTFL

Students can also receive a certificate from the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (). This certificate is earned through an examination that measures levels of proficiency on an ACTFL proficiency scale. 

The assessments indicate where you land between 5 levels: novice, intermediate, advanced, superior, and distinguished. Each level also has sublevels of low, mid, and high. The ACTFL proficiency levels represent language acquisition and are highly regarded for universities, programs, and federal agencies. 

ACTFL assessments that measure your Spanish proficiency scale:

• Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI, OPIc) – The OPI is a phone call interview with a certified ACTFL tester. The OPIc is administered online through a computer, in which a tester conducts the interview and asks questions online. Both methods of the oral proficiency interview provide testers with their results on the ACTFL proficiency scale.
• Writing Proficiency Test (WPT) – The WPT is a timed and proctored writing assessment in which the tester will respond to several different prompts on a variety of topics. They are then rated on the same ACTFL proficiency scale. 

The ACTFL certification is only effective for two years and significantly reflects both your ability to communicate and how you can further use those proficiency skills.

A Comparison: DELE vs. ACTFL

Choosing between these certifications depends on your future goals, and here are some applicable career choices:

• K–12 or college education – Most U.S. states require the ACTFL OPI/OPIc and WPT scores when applying for a teaching license in foreign languages. The state board of education closely examines the ACTFL proficiency levels to determine if an individual is eligible to be placed into a specific teaching role. Obtaining and passing the ACTFL certification is vital and usually needed for careers in Spanish education.
• Translation/interpretation fields – There are a variety of fields searching for Spanish translations or interpreters and many organizations will accept the DELE as a standard form of verification. The DELE is internationally tied to the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference), which the majority of U.S. employers will value. The advanced or superior levels of the ACTFL also greatly influence these careers. 
• Government employment – The federal government uses the Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) scale for hiring their employees, but a large number of citizens have been accepted into other roles using the ACTFL proficiency scale. If you are considering Spanish careers in the CIA, law enforcement, or U.S. State Department, the ACTFL is an appropriate choice. 
• Global business – DELE is usually preferred for applicants who plan to branch out to other countries or even graduates who aim to study abroad. This is because most employers outside of America are more familiar with the DELE certification rather than the ACTFL.

One of the biggest differentiators between the two certifications is that the DELE is simply pass or fail while the ACTFL is more descriptive and structured in proficiency levels. The DELE is also a lifetime certification while the ACTFL is effective for only two years, but is more up to date. It is vital to know which certification results would benefit you best. 

How ¹ú²úÂ×Àí MCLS Prepares You

The Department of Modern and Classical Language Studies (MCLS) at ¹ú²úÂ×Àí requires assessments and proficiency exams for all language students. Language majors complete some form of outcomes assessment before they graduate to ensure they are prepared for their careers.

Spanish students at ¹ú²úÂ×Àí can be required to complete the OPIc, the WPT, or both based on the specifications of their courses. These assessments will be taken through Language Testing International (LTI), the only organization that conducts ACTFL examinations. Assessments are proctored through an online platform and may be taken from any location.

Our faculty advise students to begin this process at a minimum of one term before their graduation date, sooner rather than later, to provide as much benefit as possible. For more information about registration, eligibility, and more, you can view ¹ú²úÂ×Àí’s Outcomes Assessments and ACTFL Proficiency Exams page.

Preparation Tips

Both the DELE and the ACTFL test students’ in-depth knowledge of a language. It is very important to know how to prepare for each so you can successfully gain your certification.

DELE Preparation:

• Choose an appropriate level that matches your personal abilities
• Review and complete sample exams through the before registering for the level you choose
• Register well in advance – it can take 6–8 weeks to receive DELE test results
• Research the intended proficiency level needed for your personal goals to know which level you must pass

ACTFL Preparation:

• Record practices speaking aloud to catch mistakes made
• Study the
• Know your grammar – the written portion (WPT) permits no spell checking assistance or other translation tools
• Immerse yourself daily in the language and practice speaking spontaneously as much as possible

Your Next Step: Taking the DELE, ACTFL, or Both

The DELE and ACTFL are separate assessment certifications that each can measure a student’s language proficiency. While the ACTFL is a reliable measurement of levels and scaling of proficiency, the DELE is widely used internationally and in Spanish speaking countries. Additional information about qualifications and procedures to take the ACTFL or DELE can be found at ¹ú²úÂ×Àí Outcomes Assessments page.  

If you need more help choosing between the two certifications, reach out to the MCLS Department today!