Home→Differences Between NBCMI and CCHI Certifications

Differences Between NBCMI and CCHI Certifications

National board of certification for medical interpreters [seal]
CCHI-Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters [seal / logo]
Prerequisites
  • Minimum age: 18 years old
  • Minimum education: High school or GED diploma
  • Successful completion of a medical interpreter educational program (only graduation from programs of a minimum 40 hours duration will be accepted.)
  • Oral proficiency in English and the target language
  • Minimum age: 18 years old
  • Minimum education: High school diploma (or GED) or equivalent from another country
  • 40 hours of healthcare interpreter training (academic or non-academic program)
  • Linguistic proficiency in English and the primary language for which you are seeking a credential
Written Exam
  • Medical Terminology in Working Languages (38%) – understanding of terminology in English
  • Medical Specialties in Working Languages (23%)
  • Medical Interpreter Ethics (15%)
  • Roles of the Medical Interpreter (8%)
  • Cultural Competence (3%)
  • Interpreter Standards of Practice (5%)
  • Legislation and Regulations (3%)
  • Manage an Interpreter Encounter 30-35%
  • Healthcare Terminology 22-25%
  • Interact with Other Healthcare Professionals 20-24%
  • Prepare for an Interpreting Encounter 16-20%
  • Demonstrate Cultural Responsiveness 3-6%
Oral Performance Exam
  • Mastery of Linguistic Knowledge of English
  • Mastery of Linguistic Knowledge of Working Language
  • Interpreting Knowledge and Skills
  • Cultural Competence
  • Medical Terminology in Working Languages
  • Medical Specialties in Working Languages
  • Interpret Consecutively 75-80%
  • Interpret Simultaneously 10-15%
  • Sigh Translate/Translate Healthcare Documents 10-15%
Cost
  • Registration fee: $35
  • Written examination fee: $175
  • Oral examination fee: $275
TOTAL: $485
*Additional costs for training may apply
  • Application fee: $35
  • CoreCHI (Written) examination fee: $175
  • CHI (Oral) examination: $275
TOTAL: $485
*Additional costs for training may apply
Recertification
  • Every 5 years
  • No retesting required
  • Complete 30 hours of continuing education
  • $300 recertification fee
  • Every 4 years
  • No retesting required
  • Complete 40 hours of healthcare interpreting (20 hours in years 1 & 2 and 20 hours in years 3 & 4) and complete 32 hours of continuing education
  • $300 recertification fee