Interpreting Certifications

Advancing your career as a professional interpreter.

So, you've taken some interpreter training programs and discover that you LOVE interpreting. Or, you're just starting out but you'd like to know more about possible career paths. Either way, the more you know about certifications the better you'll be able to choose which area of interpreting matches your qualifications, experience and interests. Visit our our FAQ page for more information on certifications. Note: for specific questions please contact the corresponding certification organization.

Medical Interpreter Certification

• Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters (CCHI)

  • CCHI is one of two national organizations to certify medical interpreters. Here are some certification preparation resources, including practice tests.

• The National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters (NBCMI)

  • NBCMI is one of two national organizations to certify medical interpreters. Here are some certification preparation resources.

Community Interpreter Certification

• Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), Washington State

  • In 1991, the DSHS in Washington state initiated an effort to certify its bilingual staff; social service and medical interpreters; and translators working for DSHS throughout its many divisions and programs.

American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter Certification

• Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID)

  • RID offers certifications and certification maintenance programs for ASL interpreters.

• Board for Evaluation of Interpreters Certification Program (BEI)

  • Although based in Texas, the BEI certification is used and recognized in several states for ASL interpreters.

Court Interpreter Certification

• National Center for State Courts (NCSC)

  • NCSC offers extensive information, legal glossaries and exam preparation for state court interpreter certifications and the Federal Court Interpreter Certification Examination (FCICE).

• Maryland Court Interpreter Program

  • The Maryland Court Interpreter Program provides training workshops, testing, and continuing education for court interpreters. Certification exams are offered in 15 languages. Read here how to become listed as a Maryland Court Interpreter.

• Pennsylvania Court Interpreter Program

  • Established in order to provide trained and qualified interpreters for the courts of Pennsylvania. Read about becoming certified, or maintaining one's interpreter status with continuing education units (CEUs).