Language Testing and Certification Program

Latest News

PUBLIC TESTING SCHEDULE (available only for Social Service Interpreter test and Document Translator)

There will be limited testing slots as LTC will prioritize scheduling tests for DSHS employees.  Testing is paused for the month of June.  LTC plans to open test schedules for July 2025 on Friday, June 13, at 10:00 am.

Test Location:

Written test schedule:

Oral test schedule:

Olympia (OB-2)

July 8

July 8 and 10

Yakima CSO

no written testing

July 23

 

* * *​

CHANGES IN MEDICAL INTERPRETER TESTING: 

There are important changes to the expanded test options for medical interpreter candidates.  Effective February 1, 2025, the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) Language Testing and Certification Program will require all new Medical Interpreter-Recognized credential applicants to submit proof of their successful completion and passing of oral and written medical interpreter tests from one of the three approved third-party entities. (Please visit the Test Information page for more details.)

There are no changes to the requirements for Social Service interpreter tests and Document Translator tests (open to all candidates).

 

* * *

NEW COMPUTER-BASED INTERPRETER AND TRANSLATOR WRITTEN TESTS:

A new online platform was created in the existing LTC Gateway system to transition the DSHS language certification written tests to a computer-based method. This new method replaces the paper and pencil written tests.

LTC conducted the first pilot of the computer-based Social Service interpreter written test and Document Translator test on January 15, 2025 at the Olympia test location.  The pilot will run through June 2025.  Additional test dates will be released soon.  (Please visit the Test Information page for more details on the new process.)

 

* * *

CHANGES IN CREDENTIAL RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS

There are important changes in the Ethics credit completion requirement effective February 2024.  Please go to the Credential Renewal Requirements page of this website to review the changes.

 

* * *

What We Do

The Language Testing and Certification program (LTC) provides bilingual certification for DSHS employees and authorization and certification testing for persons interested in providing interpreter or translator services for DSHS clients with limited English proficiency.

The Language Testing and Certification program provides the following services:

  • Sets and maintains qualification standards for DSHS bilingual positions, and interpreters and translators serving DSHS clients.
  • Administers language proficiency testing to certify/authorize DSHS bilingual employees, applicants for bilingual positions, DSHS contracted interpreters, and DSHS contracted translators.
  • Manages the roster of interpreters and translators certified and authorized to work for DSHS.

DSHS employees please refer to the scheduling guidelines on the LTC SharePoint.  

 

Can We Help You?