Language Testing and Certification Program

Latest News

IMPORTANT NOTICE: 

There are important changes to medical interpreter testing. To increase our certification capacity, DSHS LTC has expanded test options for medical interpreter candidates.  

Starting January 1, 2023, all medical interpreter candidates who wish to pursue a DSHS medical interpreter credential and medical interpreters with expired credentials need to test with one of the third-party testing entities. (Please visit the Test Information page for detailed information on third-party medical interpreter testing.)

There are no changes to the Social Service interpreter tests and Document Translator tests (open to all candidates).

 

OTHER NOTICES:  

All test candidates must create a profile in the LTC Gateway tracking system before they schedule a test with LTC or apply for a DSHS credential with a third-party test score: 

* * * 

1) Olympia testing location (OB-2) - Starting February 2023, the DSHS LTC Olympia testing site, OB-2, will only allow public visitors to have escorted access to the building. After you arrive at the entrance to the building, please call the number posted on the glass doors and our LTC staff will meet you and escort you into the building.

2) Starting 7/1/2022, Yakima testing has a new location. Please check the Test Locations page of this site for details.

 

* Social Service Interpreter tests and Document Translator tests are open to all candidates.

To register for a test, please click here to schedule your test on the LTC Test Registration portal, or copy the following URL to your web browser: https://booknow.appointment-plus.com/1kxdvhvq/

* All candidates can take one oral and one written test per month per person. 

 

* * * 

On WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8 at 11:00 am, LTC opened March 2023 test schedule (open only for Social Service Interpreter test and Document Translator test): 

  • ​Olympia (OB-2) - Written: 03/07 and 03/21; Oral: 03/07, 03/08, 03/21 and 03/22.
  • Sunnyside (Yakima County) - Written: 03/14;  Oral: 03/14, 03/15, 03/16 and 03/23.

 

On FRIDAY, MARCH 10 at 11:00 am, LTC opened April 2023 test schedule (open only for Social Service Interpreter test and Document Translator test): 

  • ​Olympia (OB-2) - Written: 04/11 and 04/18; Oral: 04/11, 04/12, 04/18, 04/19 and 04/20.
  • Sunnyside (Yakima County) - Written: 04/10;  Oral: 04/10, 04/11 and 04/12.

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All test candidates must create a profile in the LTC Gateway tracking system. 

Questions? Email dshsct@dshs.wa.gov.

What We Do

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:

  • Sets and maintains qualification standards for DSHS bilingual positions, and interpreters and translators serving DSHS clients.
  • Administers language proficiency testing to certify/authorize DSHS bilingual employees, applicants for bilingual positions, DSHS contracted interpreters, and DSHS contracted translators.
  • Manages the roster of interpreters and translators certified and authorized to work for DSHS.

DSHS employees please refer to the scheduling guidelines on the LTC SharePoint.  

 

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