Language Testing and Certification Program

PUBLIC TESTING SCHEDULE (available only for Social Service Interpreter test and Document Translator)

Due to the state budget issues, there will be limited testing slots as LTC will prioritize scheduling tests for DSHS employees.  Test schedule for May 2025 has been opened on Wednesday, April 30, at 10:00 am:

• Olympia (OB-2) - Written: 05/01; Oral: 05/22 
• Yakima – Oral: 05/21; no schedule for written testing  

There are a few written test slots for May 1 that opened due to cancellations. 

Test spots quickly fill up when schedules are open.  Please regularly visit this website for updates on test information and schedules.

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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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LANGUAGE ACCESS WORK GROUP 

Following a mandatory review of the draft report by the Washington State Office of Financial Management, DSHS submitted the final report to the Legislature on 1/19/2024. The report presents the valuable insights and feedback that each work group participant contributed during the time allotted by the bill.

Click the link to view the report: Final Report | DSHS (wa.gov)

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OTHER NOTICES:  

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

• Access LTC Gateway
  • LTC Gateway User Manual - Standard Version
  • LTC Gateway User Manual - Accessible Version (Users with screen readers)

• Prior to scheduling a test, please read the Test Information and Test Registration Information pages. 
• All DSHS credentials expire after 4 years unless the renewal requirements are met. If your credential has expired, you must re-test (WAC 388-03-160).
• RCW 74.04.025 limits testing of languages for which fill rates in the prior year are 90% or higher. There are no testing limitations due to fill rates at this time.
• DSHS Employees please contact LTC to schedule a test. 

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1) Olympia testing location (OB-2) - Public test candidates will be able to enter the DSHS LTC Olympia testing site, OB-2 building, via the 1st floor north and south glass doors during business hours. For LTC test candidates, please refer to notices posted on the entrance glass doors for more information.

2) Yakima testing location -  DSHS Yakima CSO

Please check the Test Locations page for details.

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

To register for a test, please use the Schedule a Test option in your Gateway account. 

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

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Questions? Email dshsct@dshs.wa.gov.