Top 11 Medical Interpreter Certifications

Certifications are important for medical interpreters in the job market because they demonstrate a high level of competency and professionalism. Employers seek out certified interpreters as assurance that their staff is well-trained and experienced in providing accurate, culturally competent interpretation services. Certification also ensures that interpreters are knowledgeable about medical terminology, patient confidentiality, and ethical standards. Additionally, certification may be required to work in certain settings or with specific organizations. For these reasons, having a certification can give an interpreter a competitive edge over non-certified candidates.

The purpose of this article is to review the most beneficial certifications for Medical Interpreters and explain how they can improve one's career prospects.

What are Medical Interpreter Certifications?

Medical interpreter certification is an accreditation process that recognizes medical interpreters who have demonstrated their knowledge and competency in interpreting medical conversations between healthcare providers and Limited English Proficiency (LEP) patients. Certified medical interpreters are trained to accurately interpret the spoken language of both the patient and provider, as well as to accurately convey any information related to a person’s health condition, treatments, and other medical matters.

Certification for medical interpreters provides assurance that interpreters have been tested and found competent in their skills. This helps ensure that LEP patients receive quality care with accurate communication between the provider and patient. Certification also helps to protect both healthcare providers and LEP patients from misunderstandings or miscommunications due to language barriers.

Certification can also provide a career path for those interested in becoming professional medical interpreters. It gives employers assurance that certified applicants are qualified to work as medical interpreters, which can open up more job opportunities for those interested in this field. Finally, certification may be required by certain organizations or employers in order for an individual interpreter to be considered for employment.

Pro Tip: Before enrolling in a medical interpreter certification program, make sure to research the course curriculum and ensure that it meets the standards of your local regulatory bodies. It is also important to verify that the program is accredited by a recognized industry organization. Additionally, look for programs that offer hands-on practice with experienced interpreters and access to resources such as language dictionaries and glossaries.

Related: What does a Medical Interpreter do?

Top 11 Medical Interpreter Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Medical Interpreters today.

1. National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters (NBCMI)

The National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters (NBCMI) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the skills and knowledge of medical interpreters. It is the only nationally recognized certification program for medical interpreters in the United States. The NBCMI was created to promote quality, safety, and standards of practice in the field of medical interpreting.

The certification process consists of two parts: an online exam and a performance-based assessment. The online exam tests knowledge of medical terminology, ethics, cultural competency, and other topics related to medical interpreting. The performance-based assessment requires interpreters to demonstrate their interpreting skills in real-world scenarios.

It typically takes about one year to complete the entire certification process from start to finish. To get certified, applicants must first register with the NBCMI and pay a registration fee. After registering, applicants can then take the online exam at any time within six months of registering. Once they pass the online exam, applicants can then schedule an appointment for their performance-based assessment.

The cost for getting certified through the NBCMI varies depending on whether or not you are a member of a professional organization that offers discounts on registration fees. Generally speaking, it costs around $400-$500 to get certified through the NBCMI without any discounts applied.

2. National Council on Interpreting in Health Care (NCIHC)

The National Council on Interpreting in Health Care (NCIHC) is a national, non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the profession of healthcare interpreting. It was founded in 2001 by a group of dedicated professionals who recognized the need for an organization to advocate for and support interpreters working in healthcare settings. The NCIHC works to promote quality standards, provide education and training opportunities, and facilitate communication among interpreters, healthcare providers, and administrators.

It takes about 1-2 weeks to get certified by the NCIHC. To become certified you must first complete an approved interpreter training program that meets the NCIHC’s standards. After completing the training program you will then need to submit an application along with documentation of your completed training program and pass an exam administered by the NCIHC.

The cost for certification varies depending on which type of certification you are seeking. There is a $100 fee for the initial application and then additional fees associated with taking the exam and maintaining your certification status over time.

3. American Translators Association (ATA)

The American Translators Association (ATA) is a professional association established in 1959 to advance the translation and interpreting professions and foster the professional development of individual translators and interpreters. It is the largest professional association of translators and interpreters in the United States with more than 10,000 members in over 100 countries.

It takes approximately 4-6 weeks to become an ATA member. To become an ATA member, you must first fill out an online application form, which includes providing information about your background, experience, qualifications, and language pairs. Once your application has been accepted, you will receive a confirmation email from ATA with instructions on how to pay the membership fee. The membership fee for the first year is $125 for professionals or $50 for students/retirees/unemployed individuals.

In addition to becoming an ATA member, you may also need to take additional steps depending on your language pair(s). For example, if you are translating from Spanish into English or vice versa, you may need to pass a certification exam administered by ATA. This exam covers topics such as grammar, punctuation, spelling, style conventions, and cultural knowledge related to each language pair. The cost of this exam is $150 per language pair plus a $20 administrative fee.

4. International Medical Interpreters Association (IMIA)

The International Medical Interpreters Association (IMIA) is a professional organization dedicated to promoting the highest standards of medical interpreting and advocating for the rights of medical interpreters. The IMIA is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1989 and has since grown to include over 6,000 members in more than 30 countries.

To become a member of the IMIA, you must meet certain requirements, including having at least two years of documented experience as a medical interpreter or translator. You must also have completed an approved training program or certification exam in medical interpreting. Once your application is approved, you will be given access to exclusive resources such as publications, webinars, job postings, and discounts on conferences and workshops.

It typically takes up to three weeks for membership applications to be processed by the IMIA. To apply for membership, you will need to fill out an online application form and submit it along with any required documents. The annual membership fee for the IMIA is $75 USD for individuals and $150 USD for organizations.

5. California Healthcare Interpreting Association (CHIA)

The California Healthcare Interpreting Association (CHIA) is a non-profit organization that was established in 2001 to promote and support the professional development of healthcare interpreters. CHIA works to ensure that all Californians have access to quality language services, regardless of their language or culture.

CHIA offers two certifications: Certified Medical Interpreter (CMI) and Certified Healthcare Interpreter (CHI). The CMI certification is for medical interpreters who work in clinical settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and doctor's offices. The CHI certification is for interpreters who work in community settings, such as schools, social service agencies, and legal settings.

To become certified by CHIA, applicants must pass an exam that tests their knowledge of medical terminology and code of ethics. Applicants must also demonstrate proficiency in both English and at least one other language.

The cost of taking the exams varies depending on the type of certification desired. For the CMI exam, the cost is $225 for members and $275 for non-members. For the CHI exam, the cost is $150 for members and $200 for non-members. In addition to these fees, there are also administrative fees associated with registering for the exams.

It typically takes about six weeks from when an applicant registers for an exam until they receive their results. Once an applicant passes the exam, they will receive their certification within four weeks from when their application was approved by CHIA.

6. National Language Service Corps (NLSC)

The National Language Service Corps (NLSC) is a volunteer organization that provides language services to government agencies and private organizations in the United States. The NLSC recruits, trains, and deploys volunteers who are native or near-native speakers of languages other than English to provide language assistance for official purposes. Volunteers serve as interpreters, translators, cultural mediators, and language tutors.

It typically takes 6-8 weeks to get certified through the NLSC. To become a member of the NLSC, you must complete an application form and submit it along with several documents such as proof of citizenship or permanent residency status, transcripts from any college courses taken in the target language, and two letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with your language skills. Once accepted into the program, you must attend a two-week training program held at one of the NLSC’s regional offices. During this training period you will learn about interpreting and translating techniques as well as cultural competency and professional ethics. After completing the training program you will be eligible to take an exam which will certify you as an official interpreter or translator for the NLSC.

There is no cost associated with joining the NLSC; however there may be some costs associated with attending trainings or taking certification exams if they are required by your employer or state government agency.

7. The Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc. (RID)

The Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc. (RID) is a professional certification organization that sets and enforces standards of practice in the field of interpreting for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. It was established in 1964 and is the only national organization dedicated to improving the quality of interpreting services provided to deaf and hard-of-hearing people.

To become certified by RID, interpreters must pass an assessment process which includes passing written tests, demonstrating their skills in a performance test, and providing documentation of their education and experience. The assessment process can take up to 18 months to complete.

Interpreters must also meet certain educational requirements before they can be considered for certification. These requirements vary depending on the type of certification being sought but typically include either completion of an accredited interpreter training program or a combination of coursework and experience.

The cost for RID certification varies depending on the type of certification being sought. Generally speaking, it costs between $500-$1,000 USD to become certified as an entry level interpreter or translator through RID. Additional fees may apply if you wish to pursue higher levels of certification such as Advanced or Master Level certifications.

8. American Sign Language Proficiency Interview (ASLPI)

American Sign Language Proficiency Interview (ASLPI) is an assessment tool used to measure a person's level of proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL). It is administered by the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) and was developed in collaboration with the Gallaudet University Research Institute. The ASLPI consists of five sections: receptive skills, expressive skills, fluency, comprehension, and overall language use. Each section is scored separately, and the total score is then used to determine the individual's level of proficiency.

The ASLPI takes approximately two hours to complete. To get it, you must contact a certified ASLPI examiner or a testing center that offers the assessment. The cost of the ASLPI varies depending on who administers it and where you take it; however, typically it costs around $200-$300.

9. Court Interpreter Certification Program of the Administrative Office of the U.S Courts

The Court Interpreter Certification Program of the Administrative Office of the U.S Courts is a program designed to ensure that all court interpreters are qualified and competent in their language skills. The program is administered by the Federal Court Interpreters Program, which is part of the Administrative Office of the U.S Courts.

To become certified, an interpreter must pass a written exam and an oral proficiency interview (OPI) conducted by a federally certified court interpreter. The written exam tests an interpreter’s knowledge of English grammar, legal terminology, and interpreting techniques. The OPI tests an interpreter’s ability to interpret accurately between English and their target language.

It typically takes about six months to complete the certification process from start to finish. To get started, applicants must submit an application packet that includes a completed application form, proof of identity, transcripts or other documentation showing completion of at least 40 hours of formal training in court interpreting or related fields, and payment for the $300 application fee. Once these materials have been received and reviewed, applicants will be notified if they have been accepted into the program.

Once accepted into the program, applicants will need to register for and take both parts of the certification exam: written and oral proficiency interviews (OPIs). Both parts must be passed within one year in order to maintain certification eligibility status. The cost for each part varies depending on where it is taken; however, most exams cost around $400 per part.

After passing both parts of the exam, applicants will receive their official certificate from the Federal Court Interpreters Program certifying them as a federally certified court interpreter. This certificate is valid for five years before needing to be renewed through additional testing or continuing education courses offered through approved providers.

10. National Alliance of Healthcare Interpreter Certification

The National Alliance of Healthcare Interpreter Certification (NAHIT) is a professional certification program designed to ensure that healthcare interpreters have the necessary skills, knowledge and abilities to provide quality interpreting services in a healthcare setting. The NAHIT certification is based on the national standards for healthcare interpreter practice developed by the National Council on Interpreting in Health Care (NCIHC).

To become certified, applicants must complete an online application and pass a written exam. The exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as medical terminology, cultural competence, ethics and legal issues, and interpreting techniques. Applicants must also submit proof of at least 40 hours of formal training in healthcare interpretation or a minimum of two years of experience working as a professional interpreter.

The cost for the NAHIT certification exam is $250 USD. It typically takes 4-6 weeks to receive results after taking the exam. Once certified, interpreters must renew their credential every three years by completing 20 hours of continuing education credits and paying an annual renewal fee.

11. The National Board of Certified Medical Interpreters

The National Board of Certified Medical Interpreters (NBCMI) is a professional organization that provides certification for medical interpreters. The NBCMI was founded in 2008 and is the only national certifying body for medical interpreters in the United States.

The certification process involves passing an exam that tests knowledge and proficiency in medical interpreting. The exam consists of two parts: written and oral. The written portion covers topics such as ethics, culture, terminology, and grammar; while the oral section focuses on interpreting skills. To be eligible to take the exam, applicants must have completed at least 40 hours of formal interpreter training or have at least two years of experience as a professional interpreter.

It typically takes around three months to receive results from the NBCMI after taking the exam. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive their official NBCMI certification card which is valid for five years from the date of issue.

The cost to take the NBCMI exam varies depending on whether you are a member or non-member of their organization. For members, it costs $250 to take the written portion and $450 for both parts; while non-members pay $350 for just the written part and $550 for both parts combined.

Do You Really Need a Medical Interpreter Certificate?

The short answer is yes, if you want to pursue a career as a medical interpreter. A medical interpreter certificate is an important part of the qualifications necessary in order to become a professional medical interpreter. It indicates that you have received specialized training and understand the nuances of providing interpreting services in a medical setting.

There are many reasons why having a medical interpreter certificate is important. First and foremost, it demonstrates your commitment to the profession. By taking courses and earning certification, you show potential employers that you take your job seriously and are dedicated to providing quality services. In addition, having a certificate may make you more competitive when applying for jobs in this field.

In addition to demonstrating your commitment to the field, having a certificate can also help expand your knowledge base and skillset as an interpreter. Many programs offer specialized training on various topics related to medical interpreting, such as cultural competency and ethical considerations. This kind of training can help ensure that you are prepared for any situation that may arise during an interpreting assignment. Furthermore, many programs provide hands-on practice opportunities so that you can hone your interpreting skills before entering into real-life situations.

In conclusion, having a medical interpreter certificate is essential for anyone wanting to pursue a career as an interpreter in the healthcare industry. Not only does it demonstrate your commitment to the profession, but it can also provide valuable information and experience which can help prepare you for real-world assignments as an interpreter in this field.

Related: Medical Interpreter Resume Examples

FAQs About Medical Interpreter Certifications

Q1: What is a medical interpreter certification?

A1: A medical interpreter certification is an official document that proves the holder has certain language skills and knowledge of medical terminology necessary to work as a medical interpreter. It also shows the person has been trained in ethical and professional standards for interpreters.

Q2: What types of certifications are available?

A2: There are several certifications available, including the National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters (NBCMI), the Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters (CCHI) and state-specific certifications such as California’s Certified Medical Interpreter (CMI).

Q3: How long does it take to get certified?

A3: The amount of time it takes to become certified will depend on the type of certification you are pursuing, but usually requires passing an exam and completing a certain number of hours of training.

Q4: Are there continuing education requirements for maintaining my certification?

A4: Yes, most certifications require continuing education credits to maintain your certification status. This could include attending workshops or conferences, taking online courses or even shadowing other interpreters.

Q5: How much does it cost to get certified?

A5: The cost of getting certified will vary depending on the type of certification you pursue, but typically ranges from $100-$500 USD.