I. Registration for DSHS LTC Tests
DSHS LTC tests are open to the following candidates:
(1) Candidates of Social Service Interpreter Tests
(2) Candidates of Document Translator Tests
If your are taking a test with DSHS LTC, please log in to your LTC Gateway profile to schedule your test. Once you are logged in, click the 
button to go to the on-line appointment system.
If you don't have the button on your Gateway profile, please make sure that your primary address in filled in the Addresses tab to enable the schedule test button.
Make sure to note your Appointment Plus GUID that is on the “Candidate Details” tab in your Gateway profile and have an accurate Primary Email on your Gateway profile before you register. If you schedule a test without a valid Appointment Plus GUID or without permission to test, your test will be canceled, and fee/s refunded.
(3) Candidates of Medical Interpreter Tests and medical interpreters with expired credentials will need to test with one of the third-party testing entities approved by DSHS LTC.
II. Registration for Third-Party Medical Interpreter Tests
Starting January 1, 2023, 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 approved by DSHS LTC.
For information on test registration or application with a third-party testing entity, please visit their respective website:
(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) If you wish to take ALTA tests for medical interpreters, please Email to DSHS LTC <DSHSCT@dshs.wa.gov> to apply for test registration. Be sure to include these information: Full Name, Email address, phone number, LTC Gateway Candidate ID No., the type of test and language name, along with a copy of official photo ID.
After LTC receives all required information, you will receive instructions from LTC and ALTA testing portal to schedule, pay, and complete 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.
Registration Policies:
* All candidates can take one oral and one written test per month per person.
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Registration is online only. No walk-in or telephone registration will be allowed.
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Payment is made at the time of online registration. (The system accepts Visa, Master Card, and Discover).
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It is your responsibility to enter accurate information when you schedule your test appointment online.
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Test appointment confirmation will be sent to you via email only. It is your responsibility to check your email and spam folder for your appointment confirmation and to contact dshsct@dshs.wa.gov right away if you do not receive your confirmation email.
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If there is an issue with your online registration involving over-payment, you must contact dshsct@dshs.wa.gov to request resolution within 60 days of the charge on your bank account.
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If you have a disability and need a reasonable accommodation, please email LTC at dshsct@dshs.wa.gov. Supporting documents such as a physician’s statement about the accommodation must be received by LTC before a test appointment can be confirmed.
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If you do not show to your scheduled test appointment, you will need to schedule and pay for another test online.
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If you arrive late for the written test but still decide to proceed, you will not be given any extra time and must complete your test in the remaining time allowed. Late arrival for the oral test may result in loss of the assigned time slot. No free rescheduling will be granted for late arrivals, whether candidates decide to take the test or not.
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If upon receiving your confirmation letter, you realize you will not be able to keep your appointment, please call or email our office immediately. If we do not hear from you within ten (10) calendar days from the date you scheduled your appointment you will not receive a refund or free rescheduling.
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Test fees are non-refundable if candidates fail to attend the confirmed test session. In the event of an emergency, the test session may be re-scheduled only once with supporting documentation such as police reports or physician statements about the emergency.
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There is no attempt limit in trying to pass any of the tests. However, if candidates fail to pass a test after three (3) attempts, the candidate will need to wait 6 months after the third attempt before rescheduling the same test. A new test appointment and payment are required for each and every test attempt.
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While a test is pending appeal, no reschedule application of the same test will be accepted.
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It is the candidates’ responsibility to have an accurate name, mailing address, telephone number, and e-mail address for their test registration and Gateway profile.
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Information about certified/authorized interpreters and translators are published on the LTC “Find an Interpreter or Translator” portal. Any interpreter/translator who does not want to have their name or certain information published can update the relevant information on their Gateway profile, by selecting or deselecting the “Publishable” box on the “Candidate Details” tab.