Become an Interpreter

How to become a Certified Medical Interpreter in Washington State

Are you interested in becoming a certified medical interpreter? We’ve put together a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the certification process and take your career to the next level. These instructions are for interpreters seeking a certification in Spanish but the process is similar for other languages.

Step 1: Understand Certification Requirements

To become fully certified, interpreters must pass both a written exam and an oral exam through one of the following national certifying bodies:

- NBCMI (National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters)
- CCHI (Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters)

Both organizations require completion of a 40-hour Medical Interpreter training course before registering for the written exam.

For more information about Washington State’s DSHS certification programs, visit the official DSHS website. DSHS Test Information

Step 2: Choose Your 40-Hour Medical Interpreter Course

We’ve identified a course that’s accepted by both NBCMI and CCHI and is also cost-effective at $390. Here’s the link to register:
Medical Interpreter Online Course

Step 3: Complete a Language Proficiency Test (OPIc – Discounted for CCHI Applicants)

This step applies only if you graduated high school in an English‑speaking country.

To qualify for either certification, interpreters must complete a language speaking test accepted by NBCMI or CCHI. The most inexpensive test we found is with Language Testing International (LTI). CCHI applicants receive a special discounted rate on the ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview–Computer (OPIc).

Discounted Price (as of February 2026): $67

How to Access the Discount

1. 1. Visit https://www.languagetesting.com and select your language.
  2. Click Get Certified, then choose the option for individuals certifying their speaking skills.
  3. When prompted to select an organization, type and select:
    Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters (CCHI)
  4. Continue through the brief questions and review the CCHI welcome message showing the discounted price.
  5. Select the OPIc (20–40 minutes, online, avatar‑based).
  6. Choose Web-Based Proctoring – Prometric, enter your time zone, then create an account to pay and schedule.

You must achieve Advanced‑Mid or higher on the ACTFL scale (or ILR Level 2). After completing the exam, upload your certificate (PDF) to your CCHI application

Step 4: Register for and Pass the Written Certification Test

Once you’ve completed your 40-hour course and your language test, you can register for the written exam with NBCMI or CCHI. The combined cost for registration and testing is approximately $231.

After you pass the written exam:

- The certifying organization will provide instructions and a required timeframe for scheduling your oral exam.
- You may now register on the DSHS website to receive your DSHS Medical Interpreter–Recognized certificate, which allows you to begin working while preparing for your oral exam.
- Important: You must complete your DSHS registration before scheduling your oral exam

Step 5: Register on the DSHS Website

After passing the written exam, visit the DSHS website to:

- Create your interpreter profile
- Upload your written-exam documentation
- Receive your DSHS Medical Interpreter–Recognized certificate

This certificate allows you to begin working in Washington State while you continue toward full national certification.

Step 6: Take and Pass the Oral Exam

Follow the instructions provided by NBCMI or CCHI to schedule your oral exam within the required timeframe. Passing the oral exam completes your national certification and upgrades your status to fully certified.

Take the Next Step!
Embarking on the journey to become a certified medical interpreter is an investment in your future. Follow the steps above and take advantage of the resources provided to achieve your goals.