Spanish Language Certificates in Auckland, Hamilton, Palmerston North and Wellington.

Learn to speak Spanish and if your goal is to reach a certain Spanish level for a job, test, or school application, you'll likely benefit from the Spanish Institute's Spanish courses that all offer Spanish Course completion certificates. You could undermine your hard work and dedication to learning Spanish if you complete a program that doesn't provide such a Spanish language certificate. Let's explore what exactly it means to receive a certificate with your Spanish language course at the Spanish Institute and why it's useful.

What Does It Mean to Get a Spanish Language Certificate?

Basically, certificates for Spanish language courses are a way of showing that you successfully completed a Spanish language program or course and attained a particular set of Spanish language skills. 

If a Spanish certificate isn’t the same as a diploma or doing a Siele Spanish exam, why bother?

Even though a Spanish certificate doesn’t carry as much weight as a degree in Spanish, it does serve for numerous purposes, like adding it to your resume. Most people use these certificates to back up their claim of language proficiency or fluency. For example, you can declare on your resume that you speak Spanish at an intermediate level, but without some type of proof (like a certificate!), employers and schools may be skeptical. 

Applying to Schools

Whether you’re applying to colleges for the first time or interested in going back to school, highlighting your foreign language skills will strengthen your application. While language studies aren’t a prerequisite for all degree plans, most admissions officers look favorably upon dedicated foreign language studies. If you didn’t take Spanish in high school and would like to spice up your college application, a certificate from your Spanish course can do the job nicely. 

Applying for Jobs

Similarly, having foreign language skills can open up many doors in the workplace. You can earn a higher salary, work abroad, tackle new tasks like interpreting or translating, and communicate with customers and clients from around the world. Instead of merely noting your Spanish level on your resume, give added proof that you are capable in Spanish by referencing or including the certificates from your Spanish language courses. 

Preparing for Spanish Exams

The absolute best way to prove your Spanish skill level is with language exams like Siele, which the Spanish Institute is an official Siele Examination Center. Taking Spanish language courses with certificates will give you a better idea of your level. For example, if you only study Spanish with Duolingo, you may think you’re at an intermediate level, but there’s no solid proof as the courses are not aligned or use a syllabus like the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Apps often give you a higher placement than your actual level, which is why certificates and standardization are so necessary like the Spanish Institute offers it's students. 

Once you’ve taken a Spanish course and earned an official certificate, you can be more certain about your skill level and which Siele Spanish exam to take and CEFR level to aim for. The most common Spanish exam, the Siele, is broken into skill levels. If you choose to take a test that is beyond your skill level, your results may lead you to feel disappointment and frustration. You can choose the correct exam by getting a Spanish certificate and learning your current skill level. 

Personal Accomplishments

While most people who want a Spanish certificate need it for one of the reasons above, there is no harm in getting a certificate to track your accomplishments! If learning Spanish has been a long-term goal of yours, it could be a fantastic idea to get certificates after each level to track how far you’ve come and all you’ve learned. 

CEFR Levels and Certificates

Most certificates that include the CEFR levels go from A1 to B2 or C1, depending on the course. However, it is vital to keep in mind that you may be at different levels in different language areas. The CEFR charts explain that language proficiency for each level has four main areas: listening, reading, speaking, and writing. 

Language Certificates and Exams

As mentioned, the best type of language certificate comes from an exam. A course is a great way to study, but it doesn’t guarantee you’ll reach a certain Spanish level. The most comprehensive way to test your Spanish level and give proof of your skills is by taking one of the following exams: 

• 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
• Diplomas of Spanish as a Foreign Language (DELE)

Start Working Towards Your Spanish Certificate

Getting a Spanish language certificate is a fantastic goal. No matter which Spanish course you choose to get your certificate, surround yourself with the language, and learn as much as possible!