I. DSHS LTC Tests (Social Service Interpreter, Document Translator, and Bilingual Employee Cluster)
DSHS LTC tests are currently administered in-person in the following locations:
OLYMPIA
Office Building 2 (OB-2) - Human Services Building (HSB)
1115 Washington St. SE, Olympia, WA 98504
Address and Directions PDF / Driving directions to OB-2 | DSHS
Year-round testing
YAKIMA
Yakima Community Services Office (CSO) (starting April 2025)
1002 N 16th Avenue,
Yakima, WA 98902
Address and directions PDF / Get directions
II. Third-Party Medical Interpreter Tests
All medical interpreter candidates who wish to pursue a DSHS medical interpreter credential, and medical interpreters with expired credentials will need to test with one of the third-party testing entities listed on the Test Information page.
The third-party medical interpreter tests that are recognized by LTC can be taken online or on computer in a testing center. For detailed information on testing procedures or test center locations, please visit the websites of the testing entities:
(1) Please visit the website of Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters (CCHI).
(2) Please visit the website of The National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters (NBCMI).
(3) For ALTA Language Services (ALTA) medical interpreter tests, please contact DSHS LTC <DSHSCT@dshs.wa.gov> to apply for test registration and general information such as scheduling and fees.
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.