SIELE

WHAT IS SPE-HIU?

SIELE is the Servicio Internacional de Evaluación de la Lengua Española which certifies electronically the command of the Spanish language proficiency for students and professionals.

The SPE-HIU exam is an alternative Spanish proficiency assessment offered by the Hispanic Institute of Utah. It is designed to measure Spanish-language skills and proficiency levels in accordance with internationally recognized standards.

The exam draws on the assessment framework used by SIELE, which was developed and promoted by prestigious institutions such as the Instituto Cervantes, the National Autonomous University of Mexico, the University of Salamanca, and the University of Buenos Aires. These institutions are recognized for maintaining high standards of quality, best practices in language assessment, and the inclusion of different linguistic varieties from across the Spanish-speaking world.

The Hispanic Institute of Utah follows these standards and uses the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) as its foundation, assessing candidates from A1 through C1 levels.

SIELE previously offered a remote testing option. However, since this format is not currently available, the SPE-HIU exam provides an accessible online alternative while maintaining a similar assessment structure and approach.

SPE-HIU currently offers the S4 module, which assesses:

Speaking
Listening comprehension

This module is conducted through a live Zoom interview, allowing candidates’ ability to communicate in Spanish in real time to be evaluated in a practical and interactive setting.

TEST SPE - HIU

The SPE-HIU exam is a 100% online Spanish certification designed to assess your language proficiency in a practical and accessible way.

This is an online multilevel assessment that provides candidates with an SPE-HIU results report, indicating the level achieved in listening comprehension and speaking, along with its corresponding level under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

The results reflect the candidate’s level of performance on a scale from A1 to C1, based on their ability to communicate effectively in Spanish in real-life contexts.

READING COMPREHESION

LISTENING COMPREHESION

WRITTEN EXPRESSION AND INTERACTION

SPOKEN EXPRESSION AND INTERACTION

INDEPENDENT MODALITIES

These are 5 other exam modalities based on a combination of the various tests.

This assessment option allows you to obtain an SPE-HIU Results Report, with scores aligned with the levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), from A1 to C1.

S1

READING COMPREHESION

LISTENING COMPREHESION

S2

READING COMPREHESION

WRITTEN EXPRESSION AND INTERACTION

S3

LISTENING COMPREHESION

SPOKEN EXPRESSION AND INTERACTION

S4

SPOKEN EXPRESSION AND INTERACTION

S5

WRITTEN EXPRESSION AND INTERACTION

SPOKEN EXPRESSION AND INTERACTION

THE SPE-HIU TESTS

SPE-HIU EXAMS CONSIST OF UP TO FOUR SPECIFIC ASSESSMENTS COVERING THE CORE AREAS OF SPANISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY.

Depending on the type of exam you choose, your assessment may include all four components (SPE-HIU GLOBAL) or a combination of selected components (independent modules).

Reading Comprehension

Test

5 tasks with a total of 38 questions.

Questions based on written texts and comprehension

Maximum time

60 minutes

Immediately and automatically scored

Score:

250 pts.

Vídeo

Listening Comprehension

Test

6 tasks with a total
of 38 questions.

Questions are in recorded or spoken form.

Maximum time

55 minutes

Immediately and automatically scored

Score:

250 ptos.

Vídeo

Written Expression and Interaction

Test

2 tasks

Questions involve
expressing content in writing.

Maximum time

50 minutes

Manual scoring by SIELE expert linguists.

Score:

250 pts.

Vídeo

Spoken Expression and Interaction

Test

5 tasks

Questions based on a
text or a speech or recording and answered orally through a recording system.

Maximum time

15 minutes

Manual scoring by SIELE expert linguists.

Score:

250 ptos.

Vídeo

CERTIFY YOUR SPANISH PROFICIENCY

A large number of companies, institutions, employers, and educational systems require independent certification of Spanish language proficiency in order to objectively validate a candidate’s level of linguistic competence.

Depending on the institution or the purpose of the certification, the required proficiency level may vary. However, B1 and B2 are among the most commonly requested levels.

Below are the assessment levels and their corresponding levels within the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

SPE-HIU Qualification Certificate

Preparation course

Objectives

Assess the candidate’s real-world communicative competence in Spanish, particularly in spoken contexts.
Measure listening comprehension by evaluating the ability to understand Spanish in everyday and professional situations.
Assess spoken expression and interaction, including fluency, coherence, pronunciation, and appropriate use of language.
Determine the candidate’s Spanish proficiency level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), from A1 to C1.
Provide objective and independent certification for academic, professional, or personal purposes.
Offer an accessible online alternative, allowing international candidates to certify their Spanish proficiency without the need to travel.

Contents

The SPE-HIU exam assesses the candidate’s oral Spanish-language skills through an online interview based on real-life communication situations.

The exam includes:

Listening comprehension:
Assessment of the candidate’s ability to understand spoken Spanish in different contexts, including everyday conversations and questions from the examiner.
Speaking and oral interaction:
Assessment of the ability to communicate clearly and effectively in Spanish while maintaining a fluent conversation.
Personal responses:
Development of responses to questions about personal topics, experiences, and opinions.
Development of ideas:
Ability to explain, support, and expand ideas in a coherent manner.
Description of situations or images:
Assessment of the ability to describe, interpret, and comment on visual information or presented scenarios.
Conversation simulation:
Dynamic interaction with the examiner, allowing the assessment of spontaneity, vocabulary use, and the ability to adapt to different contexts.

Availability

The SPE-HIU (S4) exam is available in a 100% online format, allowing candidates from anywhere in the world to complete the assessment without the need to travel.

Sessions are scheduled flexibly, based on the availability of both the candidate and the examiner, through a live interview conducted via Zoom.

Once registration is confirmed, the exam date and time are coordinated with the candidate.

Results are typically delivered within approximately one week after the assessment.

Our Package

S4 Certification

Cost: USD 80

Includes

Online assessment of speaking and oral interaction and listening comprehension.
Live Zoom interview with a trained examiner.
Assessment aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Determination of Spanish proficiency level (A1 to C1).
Official SPE-HIU Results Report.
Results delivered in approximately one week.
Accessible from any country, with no need to attend an in-person testing center.