Learn about Certification
On this page:
What is a Certified Health Care Interpreter?
Qualified vs. Certified — what's the difference?
Requirements for Certification
How to apply to be a Certified Health Care Interpreter in Oregon
Renewal of Certified Health Care Interpreter Status
What is a Certified Health Care Interpreter?
Certification is the highest level of credential available from the State and is achieved by oral and written examination, along with formal training and experience. Certification establishes interpreting skills and medical knowledge as well as language proficiency.
Qualified vs. Certified — what's the difference?
- Qualified interpreters have demonstrated proficiency in both English and a second language, and have met formal HCI training and work experience requirements. (More information about qualification)
- Certified interpreters have met all the requirements for qualification, and they have also passed written and oral exams to demonstrate their interpreting knowledge and skills.
- Certification is only available in a limited number of languages – currently Spanish, Mandarin, and Arabic. Additional languages (including Cantonese, Korean, Russian, and Vietnamese) may be available by the end of the 2012; see the NBCMI and CCHI websites for details.
- Qualification is the only credential available for interpreters in languages for which no certification testing yet exists.
- For languages that offer certification, qualification may serve as a step on the path to certification. The HCI Program recommends that all HCIs become certified if the credential is available in their language.
- Interpreters may choose to apply directly for either qualification or certification as long as they meet all of the requirements. (Overview of requirements for registration, qualification, or certification as a Health Care Interpreter in Oregon.)
Requirements for Certification:
Please Note: If you are already an Oregon Qualified Health Care Interpreter, you only need to present verification of the additional work experience and certification testing requirements outlined below to apply for the Oregon Certified HCI credential.
Registration. Meet all of the requirements for registration:
- At least 18 years of age.
- High school diploma or GED from an accredited school in the United States of America, or an equivalent diploma from another country.
- Fluent in English and another language.
- Review online orientation materials and agree to abide by National Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics for Health Care Interpreters.
Training. Complete at least 60 hours of formal health care interpreter training.
Per OAR 333-002, each HCI applicant for qualification or certification must provide written verification of successful completion of at least 60 hours of formal health care interpreter training at an Oregon Health Authority (OHA) approved training program.
- Training must include a minimum of:
- Fifty-two hours of integrated Medical Terminology, Anatomy and Physiology, Introductory Health Care Interpreting Concepts and Modes; and
- Eight hours of Health Care Interpreting Ethics.
- Training programs approved by OHA as meeting the Oregon health care interpreter training requirements are:
- All other HCI training will be reviewed and approved on an individual basis. Requests for review of formal training hours must include academic transcripts or other written documentation of:
- Training topic/content;
- Number of training hours in each topic; and
- Verification of the applicant's successful completion of the course/training.
Note: Interpreters must make arrangements for training directly with the training programs, not through the Oregon HCI Program. Training costs are paid directly to the training programs.
Language Proficiency. Pass a language proficiency evaluation test (speaking and listening) from an OHA approved testing center – or demonstrate having met equivalent language proficiency requirements.
Note: Documentation of passing the certification exams of either the National Board of Certified Medical Interpreters ( NBCMI) or the Certification Commission for Health Care Interpreters ( CCHI) can be used as verification of language proficiency. Interpreters who have passed either of these exams do not need to take additional language proficiency tests. (See Certification Testing section below.)
Work Experience. Have at least 80 hours of documented health care interpreting experience.
Certification Testing. Pass oral and written health care interpreter certification testing from either:
Note: Languages currently available for certification testing are: Spanish (NBCMI and CCHI), Mandarin (CCHI), and Arabic (CCHI). NBCMI anticipates adding certification in Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Russian by the end of 2012. For updates on languages available for certification, check the NBCMI and CCHI websites.
How to apply to be a Certified Health Care Interpreter in Oregon
Go to Certified Health Care Interpreter application steps
Note: Interpreters can now apply directly for certification, as long as they meet all the requirements. Applicants may submit their Registry enrollment application along with their qualification or certification application.
Renewal of Certified Health Care Interpreter Status
Oregon Certified Health Care Interpreter status is valid for 36 months from the date of issue. Written verification of 30 hours of continuing education in health care interpreting will be required at the time of application for renewal of certification.
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