Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to DSHS Facilities, Finance and Analytics Administration's Frequently Asked Questions! Below you may search by topics such as information for bidders and question about our Language Testing and Certification Program, and Background Checks.

What are the types of language certifications/authorizations (credentials) that DSHS issues?

The language certifications/authorizations issued based on DSHS Language Testing and Certification Program (LTC)-administered tests are:

1. Social Service Interpreter – Certified

2. Social Service Interpreter – Authorized

3. Document Translator – Certified

4. Medical Interpreter – Certified *

5. Medical Interpreter – Authorized *

* Renewals only. No new credentials will be issued because LTC no longer administers the medical interpreter tests.

6. Medical Interpreter – Recognized **

** Credential is issued based on test score reports of passed written and oral medical interpreter tests provided or accepted as evidence of proficiency in a language other than English (LOTE) by an approved third-party testing entity listed on the Language Testing and Certification Program | DSHS website.

Can I re-schedule my test if something unexpected comes up?

Since test dates and time slots are extremely limited, you would want to keep your test appointment if at all possible. To reschedule, you need to email (dshsct@dshs.wa.gov) or call (360-664-6111) our office within ten (10) calendar days from the date you created your test appointment. It is your responsibility to follow through with your request within the ten-day (10) time frame. Any oral or written request after the 10-day time frame will not be honored. If more than 10 days have passed since you created your test, then we will need documentation for the emergency situation that is preventing you from attending your test as scheduled. If more than 10 days have passed, and no documentation can be provided, then you will have to pay another test fee to reschedule your test.

How do I get certified as an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter?

Please contact the Office for the Deaf and Hard Hearing in the Department of Social and Health Services for information about becoming an ASL interpreter. Their contact information can also be found in the Government Pages in the phone book.

I am providing social services, so why am I not being paid?

If you are providing social services that will be paid through SSPS, those services must be based on an agreement with a social service staff person.  Until an SSPS authorization is written and submitted to the computer system by that staff person there is no mechanism by which to pay you.  Social service staff have a regular and supplemental deadline each month that they must meet in order for you to receive the invoice needed for payment validation.

What are the approved third-party testing entities for medical interpreter candidates?

Please visit the LTC website’s Test Information page for more details on medical interpreter test requirements.

  • Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters (CCHI)

LTC accepts written and oral tests that CCHI administers (for Spanish, Arabic, and Mandarin) or recognizes as evidence of proficiency in a language other than English (LOTE).

Please register for the test(s) directly with CCHI. For more information, please visit their website Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters (CCHI).

  • The National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters (NBCMI)

LTC accepts written and oral tests that NBCMI administers (for Cantonese, Korean, Mandarin, Russian, Spanish, and Vietnamese) or recognizes as evidence of proficiency in a language other than English (LOTE).

Please register for the test(s) directly with NBCMI. For more information, please visit their website The National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters (NBCMI).

  • ALTA Language Services (available in Screened Languages – please see list on the LTC Test Information page) 
    • Not available for Certified Languages: Chinese, Korean, Spanish, Russian, and Vietnamese

Candidates must pass all three ALTA Language Services tests below to apply for a DSHS Medical Interpreter-Recognized credential:

  1. English Reading Test (Passing score: ILR 3 / ALTA 9, or above)
  2. English Interpretation Code of Ethics-Medical Test (Passing score: Qualified)
  3. Consecutive Medical Interpreter Test with passing score of ALTA Level 10 – Advanced Plus, or above.

Please email LTC at dshsct@dshs.wa.gov for test registration and provide full name, Gateway Candidate ID Number, email address, phone number, language, and a copy of official photo ID.

How long does it take to confirm my appointment date and time?

When you schedule your own test online, confirmation is instantaneous. An appointment confirmation letter and appointment reminder letter will be sent to your email address. If you do not receive a confirmation letter within a few minutes of registering for a test, check your junk mail. If you cannot find the email there, please email our office.

How do I get certified as a court/legal interpreter?

Please contact the Office of the Administrator for the Courts for information about becoming a court certified interpreter. Their contact information can also be found in the Government Pages in the phone book.

What does a state holiday mean to SSPS input and processing?

State holidays are not considered "business days."  There is not daily processing, no payments created, and the SSPS headquarters office is closed.

What is the process of becoming an interpreter for DSHS?

The first step for new candidates is to create a profile in the LTC Gateway database system before they schedule a test with LTC or apply for a DSHS credential with a third-party test score.

To apply for a DSHS Social Service Interpreter and/or Document Translator credential(s), candidates must pass the required written and oral tests administered by LTC and complete the free orientation trainings in Gateway.

To apply for a DSHS Medical Interpreter-Recognized credential, new candidates and medical interpreters with an expired DSHS credential should test with one of the third-party testing entities listed on the LTC website’s Test Information page. Formal score reports of written and oral medical interpreter tests you have passed must be submitted to LTC at dshsct@dshs.wa.gov within two years of test date.

New candidates need to complete the free medical interpreter orientation trainings in Gateway before submitting a request for the credential.

Can I call your office to check on my test schedule status?

Please save or print the email confirmation letter for your reference. If you did not receive your confirmation email within a few minutes of registering for you test, check your junk mail. If you cannot find it there, please email our office.

How do I qualify for DSHS Interpreter & Translation services?

As a DSHS applicant or client, you qualify based simply on your need to communicate effectively regarding DSHS services.

Why are SSPS payments made after the service is completed?

According to the state constitution, payment cannot be made for services not yet completed.

Am I eligible to take the DSHS LTC-administered language certification tests?

You are eligible if you are a Washington state resident, 18 years of age or older with a high school diploma (or GED) or higher academic degree(s), or its equivalent from another country.

 

How long does it take to get my test scores?

Your written test score will be mailed to you in approximately four (4) weeks. Your oral test score and translator test score will be mailed to you in approximately six (6) weeks.

How long after I make my request can I get Interpreter or Translation services?

Usually, services will be provided to help you without any significant delay in service delivery. Please ask your local DSHS office or your medical provider for more information.

How often does SSPS invoice?

Invoicing occurs twice per month; one regularly scheduled invoice process and a second supplemental process to catch late authorizations from local offices.

How can I register and schedule for a DSHS Social Service Interpreter and/or Document Translator test(s) with LTC?

Please log in to your LTC Gateway profile to schedule a test. Once you are logged in, click the blue Button image button to go to the online appointment system.

If you don't have the Schedule Test button on your Gateway profile, that means there is missing candidate information. Please make sure that all required fields (*)in the Candidate Details tab, your primary address and email address are filled to enable the schedule test button.

schedule tab

Please refer to the LTC website’s Test Registration Information page for more details.

 

Can I call your office to find out about my test scores?

Test scores will not be released over the telephone to anyone, including the test candidate. A score report letter will be mailed to you once your scores are available. However, if you have not received your test score two (2) months after your test date, you should contact our office to check the status of your test score.

What if I have a complaint or problem with interpretation or translation provided by DSHS?

You may talk directly with the local office worker or supervisor. Alternately, you may submit your problem or complaint in writing to that office. Other options include contacting Interpreter Services and Customer Service at 1-800-562-3022. For issues regarding translated documents, contact the office/program/administration as indicated on the document.

When are invoices mailed?

Invoices enter the U.S. Postal Service two or three business days after the invoice deadline date.  Delivery times by the U.S. Postal Service vary, depending on the provider's geographical location and speed of mail delivery.