Your Official Spanish Certification Starts Here.
Professional, strategic, and 1-to-1. We provide the tools and techniques to help you pass your DELE or SIELE exam with confidence. Intensive private sessions in Dublin from €30/hour.
Official Exam Success
We provide the strategic, 1-to-1 coaching you need to decode the marking scheme and pass with confidence.
Expert Guidance
Our tutors focus on your unique pace, providing instant feedback to refine your accent and grammar.
Total Flexibility
Book your sessions in flexible blocks. Learn in-person, online, or hybrid to suit your busy lifestyle.
Maximum Progress
Every new student starts with a free 40-minute assessment to ensure a perfect start from day one.
DELE vs. SIELE. What’s the difference?
Navigating Official Spanish Certifications
Choosing between the two main official Spanish exams depends on your timeline and goals. Here is a breakdown to help you decide:
DELE Diploma
The DELE (Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera) is the most widely recognised official qualification. It is issued by the Instituto Cervantes on behalf of the Spanish Ministry of Education and Vocational Training.
- Validation & Recognition: It is recognized globally by corporations, chambers of commerce, and public and private educational institutions. It is the mandatory requirement for obtaining Spanish nationality (A2+) and for accessing medical residency (MIR) or high-level academic posts in Spain.
- Expiration: It never expires. Once you pass, the diploma is valid for your entire life.
- Exam Format: This is a paper-based exam taken at an accredited centre. It consists of four sections: Reading Comprehension. Listening Comprehension. Written Expression and Interaction. Oral Expression and Interaction (Conducted face-to-face with an examiner).
- The DELE follows a fixed annual calendar set by the Instituto Cervantes. Exams are typically held in April, May, July, September, October, and November. Because places in Dublin are limited, we recommend starting your preparation at least 3 to 4 months in advance.
SIELE Diploma
The SIELE (Servicio Internacional de Evaluación de la Lengua Española) is the most technologically advanced certification. It is promoted by the Instituto Cervantes, the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), the University of Salamanca, and the University of Buenos Aires.
- Validation & Recognition: It is endorsed by over 75 leading universities and is ideal for students or professionals who need a fast, reliable certificate for university admissions or immediate job applications.
- Expiration: The SIELE certificate is valid for 5 years.
- Exam Format: It is a 100% digital exam taken on a computer at a certified exam centre. Unlike the DELE, the SIELE is a multilevel exam: you do not sign up for a specific level (like B2). Instead, you take one exam, and your score (0 to 1000) determines your level from A1 to C1.
- Exam Dates: The SIELE offers total flexibility. There are no fixed dates; you can book your exam on-demand almost any week of the year, depending on centre availability.
- Fast Results: You receive your electronic certificate in a maximum of 3 weeks, making it the perfect choice for urgent deadlines.
Levels Available (CEFR)
A1 - A2 (Basic)
For those seeking basic fluency or residency requirements (Spanish Citizenship often requires A2).
B1 - B2 (Independent)
The most common requirement for university entrance in Spain/Latin America or professional relocation.
C1 - C2 (Proficient/Mastery)
For high-level academic research, legal work, or those wanting to reach near-native excellence.
Unsure where to start?
Every journey at the Dublin Institute of Spanish begins with a free 40-minute level assessment. As an Accredited DELE Examiner, Mila will personally evaluate your skills and advise you on which exam and level best match your profile, ensuring you invest your time and effort effectively.
Fees & Booking Information
- 100% Personalised
- Total Flexibility
- Rapid Progress
- Expert Guidance
- Flexible Formats: Available In-person, Online, or Hybrid.
- Booking: Individual classes are booked in blocks of 5 sessions.
- Payment: Full payment for the block must be received before the first scheduled class.
- Assessment: Includes a free 40-minute level assessment for all new students.
How We Help You Succeed
Preparing for an official exam requires more than just “knowing Spanish”—it requires exam strategy. Our preparation is delivered exclusively through 1-to-1 private tuition to ensure 100% focus on your weak points.
- Free 40-Minute Level Assessment: Before you spend a cent, we meet to evaluate your current level. We identify your gaps and determine if your target level is realistic for your desired exam date.
- Examiner Insights: You will be coached by Mila, an Accredited DELE Examiner. You’ll learn exactly what the markers look for in the Oral and Writing sections, the “hidden” criteria that make the difference between a pass and a fail.
- Mock Exam Practice: We use real past papers and conduct simulated oral exams under timed conditions to eliminate exam-day nerves.
Choose class format
In-Person (Blanchardstown, D15)
Experience the “Gold Standard” of learning in a face-to-face environment. Ideal for students who benefit from direct interaction and a structured classroom setting in the heart of Dublin 15.
Perfect for: Local students and residents seeking high-impact, physical sessions.
Online (Virtual Classroom)
Premium 1-to-1 tuition from the comfort of your home. We use interactive tools to ensure the quality is identical to our in-person lessons, with the added benefit of recorded sessions and digital resources.
Perfect for: Busy professionals or students across Ireland who need a flexible schedule.
What you will learn
- Conversational Fluency: Develop the ability to speak naturally and respond with confidence in real-life social or professional situations.
- Grammatical Precision: Gain a technical and intuitive understanding of Spanish sentence structure, verb tenses, and syntax.
- Aural Comprehension: Improve your "listening ear" to understand different accents and native rhythms at natural speeds.
- Reading and Writing Excellence: Build the skills to interpret complex texts and produce sophisticated written expressions.
- Vocabulary Expansion: Master a wide range of idiomatic expressions and thematic vocabulary tailored to your level.
- Exam-Specific Strategies: For students, this includes mastering the specific techniques and high-grade tactics required for the Irish State Examinations.
- Cultural Nuance: Learn the authentic rhythm and cultural context of the language as it is spoken in Spain today.
Terms and conditions
BOOKING AND ENROLMENT
A place is only guaranteed once full payment has been received.
Due to our strictly limited class sizes (maximum 6 students per group), places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
PAYMENT METHODS
We accept the following payment methods for your convenience:
- Bank Transfer (EFT): Account details will be provided upon booking.
- Revolut: A payment request can be sent directly to your phone following our initial consultation.
CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY
We understand that life can be busy. To support our students, we offer the following:
- For Group Classes: We allow for two missed classes per term without them being counted toward your 10-week block. This ensures you get the full value of your enrolment even if something unexpected crops up.
- For Individual Classes: We require at least 48 hours’ notice for cancellations. Classes From cancelled with less than 48 hours’ notice will be charged in full, as this time has been specifically reserved for you and cannot be reassigned at short notice.
MEDICAL EXCEPTIONS
In the event that you are unable to attend at very short notice due to illness (verified by a medical certificate), a full refund or a credit note for a future term will be provided. Your well-being is our priority.
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Reviews and Testimonials
Frequently Asked Question
How much do private lessons cost?
Our premium 1-to-1 tuition starts from €30 per hour. Pricing may vary depending on the complexity of the level (e.g., specialized Leaving Cert Prep or Business Spanish) and whether you book individual sessions or a block of classes.
Can I choose between in-person and online sessions?
Yes! We offer total flexibility. You can have your lessons at our hub in Blanchardstown for a face-to-face experience or enjoy the convenience of our interactive virtual classroom from anywhere in Ireland.
Is there a minimum number of classes I must book?
While you can book individual sessions, we typically recommend a consistent weekly schedule to ensure steady progress and to guarantee your preferred time slot with Mila.
What happens if I need to cancel a lesson?
We understand that life happens. We have a 24-hour cancellation policy; as long as you notify us at least 24 hours in advance, we can reschedule your session without any extra charge.
Can I prepare for just one part of the SIELE?
Yes. One of the advantages of the SIELE is its modularity. We can focus our 1-to-1 sessions specifically on the modules you need (e.g., Speaking and Writing) to optimize your score.
How long does it take to get ready for the DELE?
This depends on your current level and the level you wish to achieve. After our initial free 40-minute assessment, we will give you a realistic timeline and a recommended number of sessions to reach your goal.
Get in touch
Have a question about our Official Exams prep classes? Whether you need help choosing the right level or want to inquire about our small-group availability, we are here to help. Simply fill out the form below and our team will get back to you as soon as possible.