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 Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between interpretation and translation? Interpretating is the act of converting one spoken language to another spoken language. Translation is converting one written language to another.
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I'm bilingual. Is that sufficient to be a health care interpreter? While being bilingual is certainly a prerequisite, being a competent medical interpreter requires a range of knowledge relating to the practice of medicine in both English and another language as well as skill in the process of interpreting. Often, fully bilingual individuals find they have difficulty transitioning back and forth between the two languages.
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How does medical interpretation differ from other types of interpretation such as court interpretation? Medical interpretation requires specialized knowledge of anatomy, physiology, terminology, procedures, and practice related to the health profession compared to other types of interpreting. Additionally, Standards of Practice and Codes of Ethics differ substantially from other types of interpreting.
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Which languages will the State certify and qualify? The languages which the State will certify, per state law, are: Cantonese, Korean, Mandarin, Russian, Spanish, and Vietnamese. The State reserves the right encompass additional languages for certification at a later time.
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Which languages are most in demand in Oregon? Spanish is the most demanded language other than English in health care settings in Oregon. Other languages such as Russian and Vietnamese are also very commonly requested. However, other less common language may also be in high demand due to a scarcity of interpreters in these languages.
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Does healthcare interpreter certification and qualification cover translation also? No it does not.
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I'm certified in another state. Do I still have to get certified here in Oregon? At present there are no reciprocity agreements with other states thus being certified by another state does not grant you certification in Oregon.
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What is the difference between registration, qualification, and certification? Registration enrolls you in the central database of health care interpreters. This is searchable by potential employers seeking language services. The State makes no claims as to the competence of registered interpreters.
Qualification indicates that the individual has demonstrated an acceptable level of competency in both English and a second language by examination. There are also additional requirements such as formal training and experience.
Certification is the highest level of accreditation available from the State and is achieved by examination along with formal training and experience. Certification testing will test not only language proficiency but interpreting skills and medical knowledge as well.
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When will registration, qualification, and certification be available? Registry is available from this page. Enroll in the registry now. Qualification is available now. See a comprehensive list of approved testing centers.
Certification in Spanish is now available through The National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters. Availability of certification in other languages has not yet been determined.
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What are the costs associated with each? Fees as they are currently structured are:
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What about national medical interpreter certifications? The National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters currently offers a national medical interpreter certification that is approved by the Oregon Health Authority. If an applicant has taken and passed this certification test prior to March 1, 2011, they are not required to retest to gain certification in Oregon. An application fee is still required to obtain certification in Oregon.
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What is the difference between ORS 409.615-625 and OAR 333-002? Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) 409.615-625 was enacted by the Oregon legislature and requires the Department of Human Services to establish, subject to available funding, a program for the certification of health care interpreters for persons with limited English proficiency (LEP). It also established the 25-member Council on Health Care Interpreters which drafted Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) 333-002, which lays out the rules by which the ORS will be implemented.
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Are registration, qualification, and certification mandatory? At this time they are voluntary.
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What if I speak a language that is not being qualified or certified by the State? If you speak a language that is not scheduled to be qualified or certified by the State, you may still work as an interpreter and you may still register but there will be no state credential offered at this time. It will be the responsibility of the employer to verify your competency. That being said, it is still a good idea to get registered as this will enroll you in the central registry of health care interpreters.
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Where can I find training programs that satisfy health care interpreting training programs? Some programs may be found on the links section of this site. Please note that at this time the State does not endorse or recommend any one training program over another. Links are provided for informational purposes only.
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