Certification and Qualification

The goal of the Health Care Interpreting Program is to create a valid, statewide certification for interpreters that serves patients, interpreters, providers, and healthcare organizations. By law and administrative rule, the state must implement certification in three steps:

1. Registration
2. Qualification
3. Certification

The first step, registration, is already complete. Interpreters may now apply to be listed in the central database of health care interpreters; interested employers can view a listing of registered interpreters in their area including contact information.

The second step, qualification, will confer the title Qualified Health Care Interpreter by means of a language proficiency test in English and another language (Korean, Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Russian, or Spanish). Qualification is currently available from the Health Care Interpreting Program. The Qualification skill evaluation test is available from several Oregon Health Authority approved language proficiency testing centers. See a comprehensive list of approved testing centers. Qualification is a stepping stone for interpreters seeking certification, allowing them time to prepare for certification. Certification in Spanish is currently available from The National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters. Availability of certification in other languages is yet to be determined. The requirements for qualification include:

1. Registered as an interpreter
2. Fluent in English and another of the six languages to be qualified.
3. A formal health care interpreter training course of at least 60 hours
4. At least 40 hours of documented interpreting experience
5. Passing a language proficiency evaluation in English and another language

The third and final step will be certification as a health care interpreter. Certified Health Care Interpreter will be the highest level of accreditation offered by the state and will have both a written and a practical component relating directly the skills involved in health care interpreting. Certification still being developed by the state and availability is yet to be determined. The requirements for certification include:

1. Be an Oregon Qualified HCI
2. Fluent in English and another of the six languages to be qualified
3. A formal health care interpreter training course of at least 60 hours
4. At least 80 hours of documented interpreting experience
5. Pass an approved national certification test

Please note that requirements have changed since the amended Oregon Administrative Rules 333-002 became effective on March 1, 2011.

We want to hear from you! If you have questions or comments about the process please do not hesitate to contact us.