For a number of reasons, speakers of Spanish as a second language often opt to certify their level. There are many different ways to do this. It could be through a school or university course, or it could be through taking a Spanish proficiency test.
Aside from enhancing your CV, it is highly likely that, if you want to move abroad to live and work in a Spanish speaking country, then you will be asked for a Spanish language certificate. This shows to any prospective employer that you have the relevant language skills to carry out the duties that your job requires.
A language certificate will ensure that you have a good grasp of the grammar, as well as potentially stating that you have a particular level of fluency.
Alongside languages such as Portuguese, French, and Italian, Spanish is one of the easiest languages to learn for English speakers. Therefore, if you are planning to move to Spain, Mexico, Argentina, why not take a proficiency test as part of your language learning?
Spanish is a language that is spoken by an estimated 440 million native speakers worldwide, and subsequently you will find that there are a number of proficiency tests that you can do in the Spanish language. The only question is; which one is best for you?
During your language instruction, you will hear a lot about the DELE exam, which is administered by the Spanish government. This has a number of different merits, but it is an exam that focuses on the language and culture of Spain.
If you want to do a proficiency test from Latin America, Argentina's CELU test is your best bet.
What is the CELU Spanish Test?
As we have just mentioned, taking a DELE test is the curriculum that Spanish speakers tend to go for when they want to take a language proficiency test. However, it is not the only option available.
The Certificate of Spanish Language and Use (CELU) is another Spanish proficiency test for any learner of Spanish as a foreign language. It is aimed at anyone who is not a native Spanish speaker, and who wants to use their language skills for work or study. If you are considering a semester abroad in Buenos Aires, this could be the one for you!
It is an exam which is officially acknowledged by both the Argentinian Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. If you are learning Spanish and want to take this exam, you will need to 16 or older, which at least three years of high school education under your belt.
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Having a conversational level is fine for visiting any one of the 20 different Spanish speaking countries on holiday, but in order to live in one of these countries, you will need to learn Spanish with more vigor. Passing the CELU exam shows this to a potential employer or university.
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Here is a chart from Wikipedia to explain how the test is divided up:
| Section | Skills | Time Allowed | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written |
| 3 hours |
|
| Oral |
| 15 to 20 minutes |
|
Reading and writing plays an important part in the CELU exam because candidates will have to deal with texts from a variety of genres. What's more, a number of different radio recordings make up the listening section, and a 15-minute interview with two native speakers comprises the speaking part.
All parts of the exam take place on the same day, and the final certification (intermediate or advanced) will reflect each individual candidate's performance, as well as being signed and sealed by the Argentinian Ministry of Education.
You can take the CELU exam in either June or November, at participating universities in South America and Europe.
A DELE Alternative: Why Take the CELU?
Studying Spanish in a classroom with an instructor can sometimes seem like a pointless task. You study Spanish grammar and develop your knowledge of verb conjugation, but it can sometimes feel like you aren't really progressing, or worse still, that you aren't working towards anything.
The CELU test allows you to better understand your level, confirm that you are progressing in the Spanish language, and point out the areas on which you will have to redouble your efforts to communicate and express yourself more fluidly.
The CELU test represents a strong and marked distinction on your CV. Indeed, the CELU test is one of the most distinguished tests because you often have to go to Argentina to take it if you miss the two dates where the exam takes places elsewhere in the world.
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The test is all the more important on a CV because it is completely reliable and given by a Spanish-speaking country. This allows employers to quickly see how good you are actually are at speaking Spanish.
In a company working with a Hispanic entity, this certification will look serious and could seriously up your chances on getting the job!
On the other hand, having a good score on the CELU test will give you professional credibility since you are adding new skills to your bow.
It is worth noting that the CELU is a generic Spanish certificate. If you want to focus on an exam that is more applicable in education or business, then consider taking the SIELE Spanish proficiency test.
What Competences Are Tested?
Don't ever think that all Spanish proficiency tests are the same. If you want to take the DELE, make sure you know what the DELE consists of. If you want to take the CELU, familiarise yourself with what the CELU entails. Don't assume that because the DELE works in a certain way, that the CELU will be exactly the same.
The CELU test measures your abilities on two essential components of the Spanish language: oral and written skills. These are the cornerstones of learning to speak any language, and therefore Spanish courses will aim to help you develop in these areas. You could also hire a Spanish teacher who can give you Spanish lessons to improve these skills.
You will be tested on the following:
- Your oral comprehension will be tested thanks to sound recordings that will present situations with a generally simple vocabulary. You will be judged on your ability to follow and understand a conversation or dialogue between people. In this part of the test, it will be important to pay attention to variables such as the Spanish words used and the pronunciation. Indeed, the Argentine accent is one to get used to. You could do this by developing your conversational Spanish with an native Spanish speaker from Argentina.
- Written comprehension is also evaluated. The degree of difficulty is often higher and the vocabulary even more technical, because you are allowed a document to help you. Contrary to what you might think, this part requires as much concentration as the oral part. Time management is also a major concern here. It will also be a question of challenging your Spanish language vocabulary and syntax skills. Knowing synonyms, antonyms, proverbs, and adjectives will allow you to get a high score.
Once you have obtained your score, the tested components will allow you to evaluate in which field you are most comfortable and in which field you will have to train and progress by taking tutoring lessons or online courses.
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Where Can You Take the CELU?
Going to Argentina means getting a plane ticket and hotel room, so you will have to calculate some extra costs when it comes to taking the CELU test. However, once there, the country is pretty inexpensive. The test itself can be done in many cities including San Luis and Buenos Aires.
You can take the exam twice a year; in June or November, and applications open around three months before each of these dates. You will have one month to sign up from when the application window opens.
You can also take the test at cooperating universities in other parts of the world, but you should check the website for more information.
Practicing For Your Spanish Language Test
There are many tests online in order to evaluate your Spanish language level. It is possible to train for the CELU test by using some of these tests. The internet is full of free resources, so don't hesitate to type into Google what you are looking for!
To train for the CELU test, it is possible to take Spanish classes or a Spanish course with different organisations in major towns and cities all over the world. Taking language courses with these organisations can help you to become more fluent, and you could even take an intensive course just before the exam so that you are at peak sharpness for exam day.
If you go down this route, you will have the opportunity to receive Spanish classes from a native or bilingual teacher.
This is a great asset because you will benefit from a real pedagogical approach. You will also have access to a large number of CELU test records to familiarize yourself with the test itself. Mock exams are also available online.
The real positive point of this approach is that it is guaranteed to raise your chances. Indeed, when you register with a linguistic school, you should set out to up your skills in the Spanish language.
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If you are most adept with self-training, reading newspapers can be very effective, and so can literature (on whatever topics you choose)
Let's sum things up:
- In addition to making you progress and improve your Spanish language skills, taking the CELU test is a great asset for your CV, especially if you work or want to work in a Hispanic environment, or if you want work in South America.
- Before starting the process, we advise you to test your skills to see if the test will bring you something you really need. Indeed, if you are a complete beginner, it may not be so useful.
- The CELU test is, as we have seen, extremely comprehensive, covering the full spectrum of skills required to master a foreign language.
Study Tips to Ace Your Spanish Proficiency Test
Studying for an exam is a tedious process, especially if it's a language exam. However, it should be a walk in the park with adequate exam preparation. Spanish is a widely spoken language in different parts of the world. People study this language to access some essential opportunities to further their careers
After learning Spanish, the next step is to take a proficiency test. This test would show your preparation and knowledge of Spanish. To pass this exam, you need to know how to study for a test. Making this possible requires study tips and techniques known to improve performance during exams. Below are some tips you should find useful while taking your proficiency test.
- Prepare early
The first tip is to prepare early for the examination. Exam preparation is not a day's journey. It would be best to prepare several weeks or months before your examination. To prepare adequately, you can hire an online tutor for better understanding. You should also become familiar with the kinds of questions mostly set for the exam.
- Study
Studying is an essential process for every exam. If you don’t study for an exam, you might find it challenging to recall things you’ve been taught in class. One of the most important study tips is studying before an exam. Also, it would help if you studied early. Early studying helps you become familiar and more confident in your understanding of the subject matter.
- Hire a tutor
You should hire a tutor for your exam preparation. Exams are tough as they are. If you don’t have sufficient assistance from an experienced educator, you might miss some vital points. Hiring a teacher for expert tutoring would assist you in building the right background.
Should You Get Exam Help Online?
You might ask yourself, should you get exam help online? Getting exam help is crucial for exam preparation. Without sufficient help from a skilled instructor, studying may become tedious. These tutors have helped other students study and pass their exams. This makes it easier for them to guide you on the right path to finding great tips on how to study.
When you get exam help online, you will gain deeper insight into different aspects of the Spanish language. While Spanish is a beautiful language to study, it has an elaborate vocabulary, which can be quite broad if you are new to the language. Tutors will break down these concepts and help you pass your proficiency exam. There are some reasons you need to get exam help:
- You gain a deeper understanding
If you are not getting exam help, you might not fully grasp how to answer questions or know the kinds of questions you should expect. This makes it necessary to hire a Spanish tutor who uses experienced in preparing students for related exams, assisting the process.
- You are better prepared
Students who don’t get exam help online might feel inadequately prepared for exams. With a tutor, you will have all resources and help needed to excel in your proficiency examination. Preparation is crucial when dealing with exams, so you must dedicate enough time to read and review helpful materials. While tutoring, your teacher may also share tips on how to study to strengthen your preparation.
- You can ask questions
Another reason you need to get exam help online is the access to answers. When you have a tutor, you can ask an important question that may assist you in scoring better on your test. Also, it would be best if you read adequately to find areas where you may have issues.
Benefits of Hiring an Online Tutor for Your Proficiency Test
Students about to write language tests and exams need to prepare adequately for them. One of the best ways to prepare for an exam is to get a qualified tutor. You also have to decide if you would prefer a physical tutor or an online tutor for the test.
While physical classes are widely used globally, online tutoring is slowly gaining popularity. If you are yet to decide if you want an online or an in-person class, this article will help you understand some benefits of online classes. Below are some essential perks that come with hiring an online tutor for your Spanish test.
Learning is dynamic
When you hire an online tutor, you enjoy dynamism. Many people with busy lifestyles find it challenging to combine their old commitments with online lectures. Thankfully, online classes have solved a huge part of that problem with a dynamic medium of study. You can study from anywhere and at any time.
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Location is not a barrier
If you need native tutors, you can easily access them when you register for an online class. Many platforms have online tutors for every part of the world, making it easier for students to access the best language teachers. Also, it’s quite convenient even when you are relocating or traveling because you can learn from the comfort of your home.
You save time
Time is of the essence. Instead of wasting time driving to physical venues, you can have your class where you are. This makes it easier to have time to read your notes and also study well. Also, it would help if you learned how to study for a test when receiving your note. This way, you improve your exam results.
How to Start Your Exam Preparation
Exams are one of the scariest phrases that students face. During tests and exams, some students become anxious and might even fall. Thankfully, you don't have to be scared when you have the best tips for studying. Additionally, these study tips would improve your confidence, enabling you to perform better in your exams.
While everyone has different ways they prepare for exams; the most important thing is that they study. Without studying, you are not preparing adequately for your proficiency test. Here are some essential tips you need to prepare adequately:
Set goals
The first thing you should do is to set realistic goals. If you have an area you want to read about, you should create a goal. This helps you understand crucial areas, which are fundamental to better understanding. Setting goals is one of the most important study tips if you look to ace your examination. In each study session, ensure you have a certain goal you need to meet. This structures and organizes your study.
Find resources, textbooks, or exam help
Good resources are crucial for a better understanding of the Spanish language. Numerous resources on the internet would accelerate your goals. When you peruse these resources regularly, your knowledge becomes more profound. Also, your tutor might recommend good textbooks for your study. Ensure you read your books and memos.
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Create your notes
Creating your own note is especially helpful for students who find it challenging to read directly from textbooks. Each student has specific needs, which is why you should incorporate study tips that work for you. Creating your note is a good approach if you are a visual learner. However, if you are an auditory learner, you may benefit more from listening in class.
How to Study for a Test
At different points in life, students face different tests and exams. Since you are preparing for your Spanish proficiency exam, you need tips on studying. These tips would make learning more accessible, especially if you have other commitments. Using these guidelines, you can pass your Spanish test excellently.
The major thing that causes failure is a lack of adequate preparation. If you don't prepare well for an exam, you may not score good marks. This makes it necessary to study early. The earlier you start studying, the more you can cover up vital parts of the syllabus.
In addition, you need to practice questions. When you become familiar with the style, acing the exam becomes easier. All exams have different aspects they test students on. You need to find these vital points to use them to your advantage. Using them will build your foundation as a language learner.
One of the major study tips available is getting a tutor. Your tutor makes everything easier. There are Spanish tutors available to impart knowledge to students. Similarly, you may need to research thoroughly, checking credentials to ensure the person you are hiring is qualified for the role. If you hire an unqualified tutor, it may negatively affect your preparation.
Finding a tutor is usually a tiring process. It involves lots of research and a thorough screening to find the right candidate. However, things are quite straightforward with Superprof. Superprof is the world’s best platform for Spanish lessons. If you want to ace your exams, you need an online tutor ready to assist you through the process.
Tutors on Superprof are qualified and experienced. Getting an experienced teacher would make your learning process easier. Take advantage of the wealth of educators available on the site to hire the best tutor for your academic and your language needs.
Whether you want to continue or improve your language skills, or simply become more employable, we highly recommend you take the CELU test!
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