Certifications

Holding an accredited credentialsin your field identify you as a professional in that field and an active member of that profession.  Certification is one of the highest credentials in the interpreting field and shows a clear commitment to the professional growth of the beholder.

If you are uncertain about what certification to pursue, below is the list of certifications available to interpreters and translators in the United States.

Medical Interpreter Certification
The National Board of Certified Medical Interpreters (NBCMI). Click here to access the certification candidate handbook.
Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters (CCHI). Click here to access the candidate’s examination book.

Court/Federal 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
The Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) offers certifications and certification maintenance programs for ASL interpreters. You can click here for a detailed description of the types of certifications and respective processes.

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

Translator Certification
The American Translators Association (ATA) offers translator certification for a variety of languages at testing locations across the U.S. and sometimes abroad. Click here to access the ATA certification information page.