María had been working as a home health aide in Texas for years, building strong relationships with her clients and their families. She was ready to take the next step in her career by becoming a certified nursing assistant (CNA). There was just one problem: in her area, the certification exam was only available in English. Even though María’s English was conversational, she worried that unfamiliar vocabulary and the pressure of a timed test could keep her from showing what she truly knew.
When she learned that the CNA exam was offered in Spanish in many states, everything changed. Studying and testing in her strongest language gave her the confidence to focus on the skills she had already mastered rather than wrestling with translations. She passed on her first try, earned a better-paying position, and continued providing high-quality care—now with a professional credential to back her expertise.
Her story is not unique. Across the United States, Spanish-speaking candidates are finding that taking exams in their native language can be the difference between a missed opportunity and a life-changing qualification.
Why Spanish-Language Exams Matter More Than Ever
For decades, many professional and certification exams in the U.S. were available only in English. This created a challenge for candidates whose first language was Spanish, even if they were fully capable in their field.
The challenge isn’t about intelligence or skill—it’s about fairness. Taking a test in a second language often means dividing mental energy between understanding the question and formulating the answer. That extra step can lower performance, not because of a lack of knowledge, but because of the added cognitive load.
Spanish-language exams help level the playing field by:
- Reducing barriers for skilled workers who are not yet fully fluent in English.
- Boosting confidence by letting candidates focus on their expertise rather than translation.
- Improving equity so that qualifications reflect ability, not language limitations.
As the Hispanic population grows—now making up about 19% of the U.S. workforce—the demand for inclusive testing options is only increasing.
A Changing Landscape in Professional Testing
In recent years, more licensing boards, certifying bodies, and employers have recognized the importance of offering exams in multiple languages. Spanish is the most common addition, given its status as the second most spoken language in the U.S.
That said, availability isn’t the same everywhere. Some exams are offered in Spanish nationwide; others limit it to certain states or specific formats (such as pen-and-paper). Policies can change over time, so candidates should always check directly with the official exam provider before registering.
The overall trend, however, is clear: more institutions are opening the door to language accessibility, which benefits not just candidates, but the industries that rely on them.
Examples from Our Portfolio: 11 Exams Now Offered in Spanish
From the exams iPREP follows and provides preparation for, here are 11 that currently have Spanish-language versions. This is not a complete list of all U.S. exams with Spanish options—only those we track. Availability may vary by location, testing body, and date, so always confirm with the official provider before you sign up.
Healthcare & Caregiving
- CNA Practice Test – Certification for nursing assistants in patient care roles.
- MBLEx Practice Test – Licensing exam for massage therapy professionals.
Beauty, Cosmetology & Aesthetics
- Cosmetology Practice Test – Licensure covering hair, skin, and nails.
- Esthetics State Board Practice Exam – Licensing in skincare and aesthetic treatments.
Public Service & Licensing
- NYS Notary Practice Exam – Required for notary public commissioning in New York State.
- CBSPD CSPDT Certification Practice – Certification for central sterile processing professionals.
Technical & Trade
- Electrical Journeyman Practice Test – Licensure for electricians, covering safety codes and practical skills.
- DLAB Practice Test – Defense Language Aptitude Battery for military and certain government positions.
Professional & General Employment Prep
- TestGorilla Practice Test – Pre-employment skills assessments used by employers.
- CDA Practice Test – Child Development Associate credential for early childhood educators.
- MMAT Practice Test – McQuaig Mental Agility Test for cognitive ability in hiring processes.
What This Means for Spanish-Speaking Candidates
These exams represent more than a language choice. They offer the chance to:
- Advance professionally without language acting as a barrier.
- Fully demonstrate knowledge in high-stakes settings.
- Earn credentials that can lead to higher pay, job stability, and growth.
This is especially impactful in industries like healthcare, skilled trades, and public service, where bilingual professionals can serve communities more effectively and fill critical roles.
Preparing for a Spanish-Language Exam
Even when the Spanish version is available, preparation is key:
- Confirm your exam’s language options well before test day.
- Use quality online practice in Spanish so you get comfortable with the terminology and format.
- Simulate exam conditions in Spanish to build familiarity and reduce anxiety.
Looking Ahead
The move toward more Spanish-language exam options is part of a broader shift toward fairness and inclusion in professional certification. For U.S. Hispanics, it’s not just a matter of passing a test—it’s about opening doors that lead to better opportunities, stronger communities, and a more equitable workforce.
As more testing bodies adopt multilingual offerings, the next generation of candidates will face fewer barriers to showing what they know and achieving their career goals.
