PUBLIC TESTING SCHEDULE (available only for Social Service Interpreter test and Document Translator)
Due to the current state budget issues, there will be limited testing slots as LTC will prioritize scheduling tests for DSHS employees. We encourage candidates who are able to register for test(s) to keep their appointment(s) as it may be difficult to get another appointment due to limited test slots.
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." Please refer to the Test Registration Information page.
Test schedules for September 2025 opened on August 15 are already filled up. Please regularly check the online appointment system for available slots due to cancellation.
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Test Location: |
Written test schedule: |
Oral test schedule: |
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Olympia (OB-2) |
September 16 |
September 16 and 18 |
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Yakima CSO |
September 18 |
September 17 and 18 |
LTC plans to open test schedules for October on September 15, Monday, at 4:00 pm.
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Test Location: |
Written test schedule: |
Oral test schedule: |
|
Olympia (OB-2) |
October 14 |
October 14 and 16 |
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Yakima CSO |
October 16 |
October 15 and 16 |
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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).
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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.)
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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.
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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:
DSHS employees please refer to the scheduling guidelines on the LTC SharePoint (Language Testing & Certification - Home).
For all questions regarding testing, certification, continuing education, and general information, please email LTC at dshsct@dshs.wa.gov.
For complaints, please visit DSHS Advocacy and Community Relations; email: askdshs@dshs.wa.gov; or call: 360-902-7878 or toll free at 1-800-737-0617.
