A GED certificate is a step closer to an established career path for individuals who have not been able to complete high school. But for those who are unfamiliar with the English language, earning a GED certificate can be a trying task. Fortunately, the exams are now offered in alternative languages, including Spanish. Spanish immigrants and Spanish-speaking citizens can now have the opportunity of taking the exam, and earning the certificate with relative ease, compared to the lengths they would go through just to have a working knowledge of English prior to taking the exams.

The basic qualifications for eligibility which applies for English-speaking individuals also apply for Spanish immigrants and Spanish-speaking citizens, with one exception; as the GED examinations in English is composed of five test sections (language arts in reading and in writing, science, math, and social studies), those who are going to take the Spanish GED exam is required to pass a competency exam in the English language, in addition to the five sections previously mentioned. The minimum passing rate for the English-competency exam is 4.1. The applicant is not charged with extra fees for taking the English-competency exam, and it may or may not be taken simultaneously with the actual GED exams. The decision as to when to take the English-competency exam is entirely dependent on the applicant.

Preparation is necessary in order to pass the GED examination in flying colors, and there are several ways to do this. One of the more accessible ways is to take preparation classes. The applicant should initially check on the Department of Education in the locale; there should be information as to where Spanish GED preparation classes may be taken.

Online classes are also available; the Multicultural Institute’s online site offers reviews and tips on how take the GED exams effortlessly. The institute is a California-based, non-profit organization which affords programs for the promotion of broadened opportunities for health, education, and economic advancement. Visit its site, at mionline.org, for further details. Another helpful site is ket.org, of the Kentucky Educational Television; it offers writing programs and translation of lessons from English. The site will not necessarily aid the applicant in preparation for the exam, but it can aid the student in learning and improving on English. In addition to online resources, print and audio materials are also available tools for preparing for the GED. These are printed or recorded in both the English and Spanish Languages, either on opposite pages or in alternating succession. They may be obtained from a local bookstore, or orders may be placed online.

The last step in the process is taking the GED exam itself. Majority of the states afford the GED exam in English and Spanish versions, in consideration of non-native speakers. Local examination areas which offer the test in the Spanish language also provide the applicant with learning strategies for passing the GED. Individual volunteers are also present to help in filling out the application forms required for taking the GED, as well as to help Spanish immigrants and speakers through the registration process.