Renewal FAQ

How do we accredit a training course with CEAP/CCHI?

CCHI administers the national Continuing Education Accreditation Program (CEAP) to allow training providers to accredit their continuing education programs (courses), as well as to accredit conferences and other events organized by interpreter and translator associations.

Please read the CEAP Manual and visit the CEAP website at www.ceapcchi.org for more information.

Renewal certificate: I renewed 2 months ago, and I did not receive my renewal certificate. Why?

Please check the end date of your active certification. Your certification Is valid for 4 years from the date of award (which is the date of passing your relevant exam). Your certification renewal certificate is emailed to you within 4-6 weeks of the end date of your active certification. So even if you renewed the certification ahead of time, the certificate will be emailed only after the current certification expires. If you need an official proof of maintaining your certification while you are waiting for the certificate, please download a pdf file from the online National Interpreter Registry. Search by your name, and in the results area, click on the down arrow  on the far right, to view and download the proof of your certification status.

Can I get an ID card with my photo, a photo ID badge?

Yes, you may purchase a CCHI photo ID badge verifying your certification. Click here for details.

How do I receive my certificate?

Your certificate is emailed to you within 2 weeks of receiving the official passing score. The certificate is a pdf attachment to an email that will come from our vendor BrightDoc (orders@brightdoc.com). If you do not receive the certificate within 2 weeks of your getting your official score, contact us at apply@CCHIcertification.org.

Your certification renewal certificate is emailed to you within 4-6 weeks of the end date of your active certification, as long as you received our confirmation that your renewal application has been approved.

I am a trainer, what do I need to provide CCHI?

Certificants who are trainers/instructors must provide the following types of documentation as proof of CE.

1. Proof of training delivery – any publicity material (flyer, ad, brochure, conference schedule, etc.) about their training which lists the following information:

• Credential holder’s name and designation as instructor/presenter/trainer.
• The title (topic) or name of the educational event.
• The name of the training entity (organization or individual) delivering the course,
• The date(s) of the event.
• The number of actual contact hours of the event.

2. Proof of training experience (e.g., Curriculum Vitae, personal or advisor’s attestation) specifying delivery of any combination of academic and non-academic (conferences, workshops, in-service).

• 40 hours of training interpreters (any setting, including basic/beginner level training).
• 40 hours of other training (e.g., language instructor at school or college, cultural competence trainer, instructor of nursing).

Which CE topics are accepted?

CCHI accepts CE topics that are beyond-beginner level of complexity AND address the essential body of knowledge that serves as the context for the healthcare interpreting profession and align with one or more of the knowledge, skills and abilities needed for competent performance of the job of the healthcare interpreter.

For the list of specific accepted categories and topics, go to our Renewal Process webpage and click at the corresponding bar.

What are non-instructional CE activities?

Non-instructional CE activities are defined as “activities that support the healthcare interpreting profession though volunteerism, leadership and research.”

CCHI certificants are allowed, as an option, to submit non-instructional CE equal to up to 4 hours (points) per each two-year cycle towards their certification renewal requirements.

• One (1) point in non-instructional CE activities equals 1 CE hour for certification renewal purposes.
• Points are earned for unique and mutually exclusive experiences and not for interrelated experiences (see examples below).
• Points do not reflect the actual hours of work.

For more details, go to our Renewal Process webpage and click at the corresponding bar.

What is performance based CE?

Performance based (PB) training is training aimed to improve the healthcare interpreter’s skills in the three interpreting modes – consecutive, simultaneous and sight translation. For more info, go to our Renewal Process webpage.

Where can I find CE (CEUs), continuing education?

• Accredited CE programs are listed in the National Registry of CEAP-Accredited Continuing Education Programs.
• Some accredited CE programs are available at CCHI Online Training Portal.
• CCHI guarantees acceptance of appropriately furnished proof of CE only for CEAP-accredited CE courses because such courses have undergone a thorough review process and meet CCHI’s renewal criteria. However, CCHI does not require that certificants complete only CEAP-accredited CE courses.

CCHI will accept all CE courses that meet CCHI’s requirements for continuing education as described at our Renewal Process webpage as long as sufficient information for the evaluation is provided by the certificant. It is the responsibility of the certificant to provide information about a CE course that is sufficient for CCHI to make an evaluation as to whether the course meets CCHI’s CE requirements. The information needed for the evaluation may include, but is not limited to, the course description, agenda, syllabus, student handouts, etc. This information may be required in addition to the document verifying the certificant’s completion of the course (i.e. certificate of attendance/completion, badge, etc.), especially if the title of the course does not indicate a specific subject matter or the level of complexity (i.e. continuing education vs. beginner-level/basic training).

How many CE hours (CEUs) should I have to recertify?

• 32 hours of CE addressing healthcare interpreter knowledge and skills are required every 4 years.
• These 32 CE hours are divided into 2 two-year cycles, so a certificant needs 16 CE hours in Years 1 & 2 after their certification award, and 16 CE hours in Years 3 & 4.
• A minimum of 2 CE hours every two-year cycle must be in performance-based topics. (These hours are required.)
• A maximum of 4 CE hours every two-year cycle may be earned as non-instructional CE activities. (These hours are optional, not required.)

More information is at the Renewal Process webpage.