Testing Information

Public Testing Schedule

(available only for Social Service Interpreter and Document Translator tests)

IMPORTANT REMINDER:

Fees for canceled test appointment(s) are non-refundable except as allowed per WAC 388-03-133. "If you fail to attend your confirmed test session(s) because of an emergency, your test session(s) may be rescheduled upon request but your test fee will not be refunded. Rescheduling due to an emergency will be done only once and only if the emergency is properly documented. Examples of proper documentation include an official police report or a signed physician statement."

Following are the test schedules for October - December 2026.  Test registration for November and December will open on September 28, 2026 at 4:00 pm.

Test Taking Tips

The following testing tips are only for DSHS LTC tests.

Oral Test

Sight Translation

1. Avoid word for word translation. Instead, organize best possible target language sentence that conveys the complete meaning of the original sentence;
2. Mind your enunciation;
3. Avoid adding extra or omitting words that can change the message of the passage;
4. Use clear speech, to avoid sounding mechanical so delivery would sound natural;
5. Avoid long pauses and going back too often;
6. When practicing, train your eyes to look slightly ahead. This will help anticipate sentence structure and avoid getting stuck.

Consecutive Interpretation

1. Listen carefully to the whole sentence;
2. You are allowed two repeats for long sentences;
3. Pay attention to key words and details (names, numbers, dates, etc.);
4. Mind your enunciation;
5. If taking notes, use short words and symbols, not full sentences. Notes should support your memory, not replace listening.

Simultaneous Interpretation

1. Look out for the points the speaker is trying to get across;
2. Pay attention to important details such as date, time, and numbers;
3. Keep a steady flow of words, and don't waste time searching for the exact target language equivalents;
4. Try to establish a delay between the speaker and you that is comfortable for you;
5. Keep pace with the speaker at the delay you established;
6. If you miss a word, remain calm and catch up with the speaker as quickly as you can.

Memory Retention Skills

1. Organize information by sections;
2. Listen with the intention of repeating the information (active listening);
3. Practice short-term memory exercises;
4. Creating mental images of what the speaker is saying helps memory.

Written Test

Test Access

• Because the test is taken from your LTC Gateway account, please ensure that you can log into your SAW account to access the LTC Gateway. If you have multiple SAW accounts, be sure you have the correct one that gives you access to Gateway;
• You must have your Secure Access Washington (SAW) login information for your test appointment. This includes your Username and Password.

Taking the Test

• Read all instructions carefully before testing and revisit instructions as needed for reminders (this is especially important for Bilingual Employee Cluster tests);
• Complete all questions;
• When more than one answer seems possible, select one that most directly and completely answers the question by selecting the best answer;
• Review your answers carefully before submitting your test.

Study Materials

The following pre-study materials are only for tests administered by LTC.

Social Service Interpreter Tests

Document Translator Tests (Certified Languages Only)

Notes:

(a) Certified Languages: Spanish, Cantonese Chinese, Mandarin Chinese, Korean, Russian and Vietnamese.

(b) Screened Languages: All languages and/or dialects other than the certified languages listed above. The study guides for these languages are language neutral, meaning they are in English only.

Third-Party Medical Interpreter Tests

For information on third-party medical interpreter tests, please visit the websites of the third-party testing entities:

(1) For the CoreCHI exam, please visit the website of Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters (CCHI).

(2) For the Hub-CMI exam, please visit the website of The National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters (NBCMI).

(3) For ALTA Language Services medical interpreter tests, please visit the ALTA Preparing For Your Test webpage, for information on test preparation and/or sample tests,.

Disclaimer: DSHS recognizes the tests provided by the above listed entities as alternative tests that meet the DSHS medical interpreter qualification standards. None of the listed entities is affiliated with DSHS, or vice versa. DSHS does not have any financial interest in any of the listed entities.